Today, everyone’s skin has taken on an appeal like never before. And why not? If we know that the skin is our best attribute, and if it is healthy, we are also healthy.
But what are skin phototypes? Knowing this can help prevent different skin conditions caused by the sun and various factors. Stay with us and learn about it!
What is skin phototypes and what are they?
Mainly, we should know that the phototype is the ability of each skin to adapt to the sun. This determines, for example, how quickly one person tans and another doesn’t, to what degree the sun affects the skin, the appearance of spots due to extreme sun exposure, among other factors.
Therefore, the higher the skin’s ability to adapt to the sun, the lower the risks of suffering from any pathology. Knowing our skin phototype will help us know how to protect and care for it against solar radiation.
- Skin Phototype 1
This group encompasses lighter skin. Especially those who have moles or freckles on various parts of the body. The shade is almost always similar to albino, so they are very light-skinned people. They are almost always red-haired, or blue-eyed.
This type of skin is usually affected very easily, as there is no good pigmentation in the skin making it impossible to tan. In these cases, the application of a sunscreen with protection 50 is recommended.
- Skin Phototype 2
Skins that are very easy to burn, and are essentially fair-skinned. Too much sun exposure can cause different skin colors to appear. In these cases, you can tan slightly, however you should have a sun protection factor of 50.
- Skin Phototype 3
It is one of the most common skins phototypes, especially among Caucasians. They are characterized by being people of medium complexion, brown or brown hair. In these cases, they may have certain freckles on different parts of the body. At first, the skin reddens a little and then a light tan appears.
- Phototype 4
It is characterized by much darker skin. They tend to be much more tolerant of sun exposure and when they tan it is usually much more pronounced and intense. This type of skin does not have freckles.
- Phototype 5
The tan is very intense and they do not have freckles. The skin tones are much darker than the previous ones and are more resistant to the sun.
- Phototype 6
Of the darker skins, they don’t burn no matter how long the sun exposure is. And they don’t have any freckles on their bodies.
How do I know what my skin phototype is and how to take care of it?
Knowing the difference between skin phototypes is important to know how to properly care for it. Especially so that they can apply a suitable sunscreen.
Especially phototypes 1 to 3, it is important that you use a sunscreen with the highest number. This type of skin is usually extremely sensitive to prolonged sun exposure. Therefore, it can result in serious damage to health.
Different needs depending on the skin or skin phototype
To find out about skin phototypes according to fitzpatrick, you can read through the specific characteristics of each category or take a skin phototype test online. This way you can know the best way to take care of your skin. For example:
Skin phototypes between 1 and 3
Skins within these groups need specific care against the sun. It will almost always be recommended to apply sunscreen and be covered most of the time. Otherwise, they will be harmed.
Skin phototype between 4 and 6
In these cases, care should not be too exaggerated. But sunscreen is not ruled out when going to places where we will be exposed to the sun for a long time. On the beach or in the countryside for example, as it can dry out or stain your skin.
