Skin type based on pigmentation

There are two common methods for defining an individual’s skin type. Medical practitioners evaluate the distribution of pigmentation, and subsequent susceptibility to sun damage caused by ultra violet radiation. While all skin types will eventually be damaged by extended sun exposure, some individuals have more protection on account of their genetic makeup. Let’s take a look at the five skin types referred to by medical practitioners.

Type 1 skin affords the least protection against the sun’s harmful ultra violet rays. Commonly, individuals with pale skin, freckled complexions, light coloured hair and eyes exhibit this skin type. These characteristics are generally found among individuals of Northern European and Celtic origin. This pattern determines a skin that burns easily without tanning.

Type 2 mostly contains individuals with amber skin, sandy to brown hair and blue or green eyes. This skin type burns easily but is generally able to maintain a light tan that offers some minimal protection against ultra violet radiation. These characteristics are common among individuals of Nordic descent.

Type 3 includes individuals with light olive skin, brown or dark hair, and brown eyes. This skin type burns moderately but tans sufficiently to provide some protection against ultra violet radiation. These characteristics are common among individuals of Mediterranean and Central European descent.

Type 4 includes individuals with olive to brown skin, dark hair, and brown eyes. This skin type is slow to burn and has a natural hue that is reasonably protective against exposures to ultra violet radiation. These characteristics are common among individuals of Polynesian, South American, and Oriental descent.

Type 5 includes individuals with dark brown skin, dark hair and eyes. This skin is also slow to burn and darkly tanned to provide considerable protection against ultra violet radiation. These characteristics are common among individuals of North African and Middle Eastern descent. Type 5 includes individuals with dark brown to ebony skin, dark hair, and eyes. This dark skin is extremely slow to burn and offers the best natural protection against damage caused by ultra violet radiation. These characteristics are common among individuals of African, Indian, and Australian Aboriginal descent.