Are you closer to Clooney, Bullock or Blanchett?
The Fitzpatrick scale is a skin classification system. Developed in the 1970s by Harvard Medical School dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick, it’s shorthand for the shade of your complexion and how it’s likely to react to the sun and cosmetic treatments.
When it comes to skin health and beauty, it is vital to know your Fitzpatrick scale number.
The Fitzpatrick scale runs from type 1, or I in Roman numerals (as it’s commonly quantified) to type 6, or VI.
Type 1 is the fairest complexion, while type 6 is the darkest. The lower your Fitzpatrick scale number, the more likely you are to burn in the sun. The higher your Fitzpatrick scale number, the more likely you are to have side effects from laser treatments and chemical peels.
Your Skin Type and Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Skin typing using the Fitzpatrick Scale is an essential step in determining effective and safe laser settings for Laser Hair Removal. Your skin type is determined mostly by your heritage, and it can vary from person to person.
Skin color is determined by the amount of melanin present, and some people have more melanin than others.
When considering laser hair removal treatments, it is very important to determine the Fitzpatrick skin type to avoid complication such as scarring, blistering, burning and pigmentation changes in the skin. Pigmentation changes could occur because the laser attacks the melanin in darker colored hair, it can affect darker colored skin as well. Lasers have different settings for darker skin types, so it is very important to properly determine the Fitzpatrick skin type before treatment in order to apply the right setting to avoid these complications.
Performing test spots (small areas of skin on which the laser is tested) to determine how your skin will react to the laser is another way to ensure safety with your Laser Hair Reduction treatment. At Rejuvent we always take this very important step to ensure the best and safest treatment possible.
Hereditary Factors Might Contribute
Dr. Bouzoukis looks like he is Type II but in reality he is Type III!
His skin is very light because he always protects himself from the sun and everyday applies broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30, but because of his Greek heritage, his skin tans very easily!
If you have any questions about what Fitzpatrick type your skin is, at your next appointment let us know and we will help you figure it out!
Photo credits: Cate Blanchett by Eva Rinaldi [CC-BY-SA-2.0], Prince Harry by Billpolo [CC-BY-SA-3.0], Blake Lively by David Shankbone [CC BY 3.0], Owen Wilson [Public domain], Sandra Bullock by Angela George [CC-BY-SA-3.0], George Clooney by Trelawney3 [Public domain], Eva Mendes by Nicolas Genin [CC-BY-SA-2.0], Derek Jeter by Rubenstein [CC-BY-2.0], Tyra Banks by Toglenn [CC-BY-SA-3.0], Tiger Woods by Keith Allison [CC-BY-SA-3.0], Jennifer Hudson by David Torcivia [CC-BY-SA-3.0], 50 Cent by Mrjoshuawells [Public domain]. All rights reserved by their owners. Images are only used as skin type examples and do not imply endorsement.