A person's skin can be classified based on the color of non-sun exposed skin and how the skin responds to light exposure. The skin type has implications for the type of sunscreen required and for predicting hyperpigmentation following the use of cosmetic lasers.
|
Unexposed Skin Color |
Risk of Sunburning |
Response to Sun Exposure |
Type |
|
white |
always |
never tans |
I |
|
white |
usually |
tans less than average |
II |
|
white |
sometimes mild |
tans about average |
III |
|
white |
rarely |
tans more than average |
IV |
|
brown |
rarely |
tans profusely |
V |
|
black |
never |
deeply pigmented |
VI |
|
Type |
Sensitivity to UV Radiation |
Recommended Sunscreen SPF |
|
I |
very sensitive |
>= 15 |
|
II |
very sensitive |
>= 15 |
|
III |
sensitive |
10 -15 |
|
IV |
moderately sensitive |
6 - 10 |
|
V |
minimally sensitive |
4 - 6 |
|
VI |
insensitive |
none indicated |
(Tables 1, page 741, Pathak 1987)
Significance for cosmetic laser surgery:
(1) Types I, II and III are low risk patients for developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following laser resurfacing procedures.
(2) Types IV, V and VI are at high risk for developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following laser resurfacing procedures.
Specialty: Dermatology
ICD-10: ,
