The Science of Skin Tones

At Skin Laundry we are a medical company and we know that skin tone goes beyond words like fair, light, medium, and deep. We use the Fitzpatrick Scale, a classification system based on the amount of melanin present in the skin that is used by dermatologists and skincare experts to identify skin tone and craft signature protocols for each client. Here, we break down this intricate system and explain which skin tones are more susceptible to specific conditions and why.

Read on for our Skin Laundry guide to skin tone and how to care for your complexion. 

What is skin tone?  

The term skin tone is used to describe the color of the surface of your skin. Common words used to describe skin tone in the beauty world are fair, light, medium, or dark. The tone of your skin is the result of melanin, a biological pigment that is responsible for hair and eye color and skin tone. The more melanin you produce, the darker your eyes, hair, and skin will be. 

Learn more about melanin here.

What is the Fitzpatrick Scale?  

The Fitzpatrick Scale is a classification system created by Dr. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick based on the amount of melanin present in the skin, how the skin reacts to sun exposure, and the skin’s tendency to burn or tan. Through this classification, the Fitzpatrick Scale also indicates risk related to other skin health concerns. For example, those with paler skin may be at higher risk for skin cancers, while those with darker skin may be more likely to develop post-inflammatory pigmentation after injuries.   

The Fitzpatrick Scale  

Type I: White, pale, freckled. Always burns, never tans.  

Type II: Light, fair. Usually burns, tans minimally.  

Type III: Medium to light olive. Sometimes burns, tans uniformly.   

Type IV: Olive to light brown. Burns minimally, always tans well.   

Type V: Brown to dark brown. Very rarely burns, tans very easily.   

Type VI: Very dark brown to black. Never burns.  

Do different skin tones need different types of skincare?  

The main purpose of the Fitzpatrick Scale is to help dermatologists to develop skincare protocols. When it comes to creating a skincare routine, for the most part, the essential foundations are universal. Everyone, no matter what skin tone, should cleanse, moisturize, and apply SPF daily; however, fairer skin tones are more susceptible to rosacea, wrinkles and fine lines, while darker skin tones are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation, melasma and dry skin.  

Read more about the best skincare routines for every skin type here.