Sun sensitivity by skin type (phototype)

Not all skin types are created equal, especially when sun sensitivity and sun damage susceptibility are concerned. Make sure you know your skin type in regard to UV sensitivity (a.k.a skin phototype) and plan your sun protection accordingly. Skin is classified by sensitivity to UV radiation as follows:

• Phototype 1: Very fair skin. Little or no freckles. Burns and peels severely. Does not tan. People with Phototype 1 skin are at the greatest risk of developing skin cancer and suffering premature aging. They require maximum sun protection, including avoiding sun exposure, wearing wide hats and protective clothing, reducing indoor UVA exposure, diligently using broad UVB+UVA sunscreens (SPF 30+ and 95% or greater UVA protection), etc.
• Phototype 2: Fair skin, blue eyes, blond or brown hair. Burns severely and easily peels, tans minimally. Same protective measures as for Phototype 1.
• Phototype 3: Fair skin, brown hair, brown eyes. Burns moderately, tans somewhat. Same protective measures as for Phototype1 in the summer and/or at low lattitudes, except perhaps somewhat less aggressive about indoor protection. Also, it may suffice to use UVA+UVB sunscreens with SPF 15+ and 90% or greater UVA protection.
• Phototype 4: Light brown/olive skin, dark brown hair, dark eyes. Burns minimally, tans easily. Same protective measures as for Phototype 3.
• Phototype 5: Moderately brown skin, dark brown hair, dark eyes. Rarely burns, tans easily and deeply. Due too high natural level of melanin, requires less protection than lighter types. However, even dark skinned people suffer some UV damage and also can develop skin cancer.
• Phototype 6: Dark brown skin, dark brown hair, dark eyes. Burns only from severe sun exposure. Due too high natural level of melanin, requires less protection than lighter types. However, even dark skinned people suffer some UV damage and also can develop skin cancer.