The classification of skin type known as the Fitzpatrick skin type (or phototype) depends on the
amount of melanin pigment in the skin. This is determined by constitutional colour (white, brown or
black skin) and the result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (tanning). Pale or white skin burns easily
and tans slowly and poorly: it needs more protection against sun exposure. Darker skin burns less and
tans more easily. It is also more prone to develop postinflammatory pigmentation after injury (brown
marks).
| skin type | typical features | tanning ability |
| I | Pale white skin, blue/hazel eyes, blond/red hair | Always burns, does not tan |
| II | Fair skin, blue eyes | Burns easily, tans poorly |
| II | Darker white skin | Tans after initial burn |
| IV | Light brown skin | Burns minimally, tans easily |
| V | Brown skin | Rarely burns, tans darkly easily |
| VI | Dark brown or black skin | Never burns, always tans darkly |
| Type 1 | type 2/3 | type 4 | type 5/6 |
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