The Hair Loss Encyclopedia
system categorizes skin by its reaction to UV light
The Fitzpatrick Skin Types, also known as the Fitzpatrick Scale or Fitzpatrick Classification, is a system used to categorize human skin based on its response to ultraviolet (UV) light. Developed by Dr. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick in 1975, it classifies skin into six types, ranging from Type I (very fair skin that always burns and never tans) to Type VI (very dark skin that never burns and tans very easily). This classification helps dermatologists assess skin cancer risk, plan treatments, and predict how skin will react to various procedures.