Eclipse Rx® uses the Fitzpatrick phototyping scale to estimate the response of different types of skin to ultraviolet (UV) light. Developed in 1975, the system classifies skin type according to the amount of pigment your skin has and your skin’s reaction to sun exposure. This information can help predict your overall risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Use the guide below to determine your particular skin type.
People of all skin types should use an SPF of at least 30 (higher if light complexion) because of the way the SPF numbers are formulated. Sunscreen products differ in their sun protection factors, so it is important to educate yourself as to which brands will provide you the best protection based on your skin type.
SKIN TYPE 1
You might be a Skin Type 1 if you…
• Have pale white skin
• Have red or blond hair
• Have blue eyes
• Have freckles
• Burn very easily and never tan
You always burn and never tan in the sun. You are extremely susceptible to skin damages as well as skin cancers like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. You are also at very high risk for malignant melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and protective clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher. Seek shade between 10am and 5pm. Please check your skin each month with a head-to-toe skin exam paying attention to any suspicious growth or any new or changing moles. Visit a dermatology office for evaluation of a new/changing mole and have a professional skin exam every 6-12 months.
SKIN TYPE 2
You might be a Skin Type 2 if you…
• Have white or fair skin
• Have red or blond hair
• Have blue, hazel, or green eyes
• Have freckles
• Always burn, never tan
You always burn and never tan in the sun. You are extremely susceptible to skin damages as well as skin cancers like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. You are also at very high risk for malignant melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and protective clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher. Seek shade between 10am and 5pm. Please check your skin each month with a head-to-toe skin exam paying attention to any suspicious growth or any new or changing moles. Visit a dermatology office for evaluation of a new/changing mole and have a professional skin exam every 6-12 months.
SKIN TYPE 3
You might be a Skin Type 3 if you…
• Have cream or fair skin
• Have blue or brown eyes
• Have dark blond to brown hair
• Gradually tan, sometimes have a mild burn
You sometimes burn in the sun and sometimes tan in the sun. You are susceptible to skin damages as well as skin cancers like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. You are also at risk for malignant melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and protective clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher. Seek shade between 10am and 5pm. Please check your skin each month with a head-to-toe skin exam paying attention to any suspicious growth or any new or changing moles. Visit a dermatology office for evaluation of a new/changing mole and have a professional skin exam every 6-12 months.
SKIN TYPE 4
You might be a Skin Type 4 if you…
• Have medium skin tone
• Have brown eyes
• Have dark blond to brown hair
• Tend to tan easliy, less likely to burn
You tend to tan easily and are less likely to burn in the sun. Even though you are tan, you are still at risk for like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma., plus malignant melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and protective clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher. Seek shade between 10am and 4pm. Please check your skin each month with a head-to-toe skin exam paying attention to any suspicious growth or any new or changing moles. Visit a dermatology office for evaluation of a new/changing mole and have a professional skin exam every 6-12 months.
SKIN TYPE 5
You might be a Skin Type 5 if you…
• Have dark brown skin
• Tan very easily
• Very rarely burn
You tan easily, and you rarely burn in the sun. Even though you tan easily, you are still at risk for like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma., plus malignant melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. In people with darker sin, hidden melanoma (melanoma on the palms, soles or under nails) is more common.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and protective clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher. Seek shade between 10am and 4pm. Please check your skin each month with a head-to-toe skin exam paying attention to any suspicious growth or any new or changing moles. Visit a dermatology office for evaluation of a new/changing mole and have a professional skin exam every 6-12 months.
SKIN TYPE 6
You might be a Skin Type 6 if you…
• Have deeply pigmented dark brown skin
• Have dark brown eyes
• Tan very easily
• Never burn
You tan very easily, and do not burn in the sun. Even though you do not burn, you are still at risk for like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma., plus malignant melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. In people with darker sin, hidden melanoma (melanoma on the palms, soles or under nails) is more common.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and protective clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher. Seek shade between 10am and 4pm. Please check your skin each month with a head-to-toe skin exam paying attention to any suspicious growth or any new or changing moles. Visit a dermatology office for evaluation of a new/changing mole and have a professional skin exam every 6-12 months.