Skin Types

Knowing your skin type is very important when it comes to exposing yourself in a sunbed or in the sunshine. The nature of your skin type is genetically determined, and has a lot to do with the manner in which you skin will tan, and the protection it will afford against getting burned. Lotions, cremes or frequency of exposure will not affect the ability of some skin types, namely Types I & II, to produce a tan, or to get darker than they naturally will get. People with Type I skin should avoid exposure inside or out, because their skin cannot produce the protection necessary and will only wind up becoming damaged.

Skin Type I - This skin type will never tan, and always burns. Skin is unable to produce significant quantities of melanin to protect from overexposure, therefore this type should not tan inside--or out. Physical characteristics of this skin type are: very fair almost white skin, blue/green eye color, light colored hair, freckles. Usually of Scottish, English or Irish heritage.

Skin Type II - Has to ability to tan, but can burn very easily. Similar fair skin to Type I, but will slightly darken with controlled exposure. Physical characteristics of this skin type are: fair skinned with freckles, brown/blue eye color, red/blond hair. Usually of Scottish, English, or Scandinavian heritage.

Skin Type III - Tans easily, but still can burn. This is the most prevalent skin type in the United States. Physical characteristics of this skin type are: brown eyes, dark hair. Usually of central European heritage.

Skin Type IV - Tans easily and seldom burns. This skin type can get a dark tan very quickly. Physical characteristics of this skin type are: dark eyes, dark hair. Usually of Mediterranean, Oriental, or Hispanic heritage.

Skin Type V - Tans easily and rarely burns. Physical characteristics of this skin type are: dark eyes, dark hair. Usually of Asian Indian, American Indian, Hispanic, African, or African-American heritage.

Skin Type VI - Tans easily and never burns. Physical characteristics of this skin type are: dark eyes, dark hair, and very dark skin. Usually of African, or African-American heritage.