Glossary
What is fitzpatrick skin type?
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Fitzpatrick skin type is a classification system developed by Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1975 that grades skin on a 1 to 6 scale based on response to ultraviolet light exposure. Type I (always burns, never tans) ranges to Type VI (deeply pigmented, never burns). The classification informs dermatology treatment decisions including laser settings, retinoid tolerance, and pigmentation risk.
How fitzpatrick skin type is measured
Self-reported via a standardized questionnaire (skin color at rest, freckling, hair color, eye color, and burn/tan response to first 30 to 60 minutes of unprotected sun). The questionnaire produces a 1 to 6 score with discrete type assignment.
Why fitzpatrick skin type matters
Fitzpatrick type drives the safety and efficacy of many aesthetic procedures. Laser hair removal, IPL treatments, chemical peels, and certain medications carry different risk profiles by Fitzpatrick type. Higher types (IV to VI) face higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from many procedures.
Normal range
All six types are 'normal.' Distribution skews by ethnicity: Type I to II is more common in Northern European descent; Type V to VI is more common in African and South Asian descent. Mixed-heritage individuals often fall in middle types.
Source: Fitzpatrick 1975 (Archives of Dermatology)
How Facet uses fitzpatrick skin type
Facet does not currently score Fitzpatrick type as a separate parameter. Ethnicity selection at scan time informs the melanin baseline used in skin homogeneity scoring. Future versions may add explicit Fitzpatrick scoring.
Frequently asked
How do I know my Fitzpatrick type?+
A short questionnaire administered by your dermatologist or via online Fitzpatrick type calculators determines your type. The questions cover natural skin tone, freckling, hair and eye color, and your burn/tan response to first unprotected sun exposure.
Does Fitzpatrick type change with age?+
Fitzpatrick type is largely genetic and does not change. Tanning and UV exposure can temporarily darken skin within a type, but the underlying type classification stays the same.
Why does Fitzpatrick type matter for aesthetic procedures?+
Higher Fitzpatrick types (IV to VI) carry higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from procedures that disrupt the skin barrier (laser, chemical peels, microneedling). Skilled practitioners adjust device settings and protocols based on Fitzpatrick type to manage this risk.