This classification is semi-subjective, as it was developed by interviewing people about their past sun reactions. After picking out distinct trends, the creator identified six groups.

It’s possible that you won’t meet all of the characteristics of any one type, so you should go with the one that best describes you.

Fitzpatrick skin type 1

skin color (before sun exposure): ivory eye color: light blue, light gray, or light green natural hair color: red or light blonde sun reaction: skin always freckles, always burns and peels, and never tans.

Fitzpatrick skin type 2

skin color (before sun exposure): fair or pale eye color: blue, gray, or green natural hair color: blonde sun reaction: skin usually freckles, burns and peels often, and rarely tans

Fitzpatrick skin type 3

skin color (before sun exposure): fair to beige, with golden undertones eye color: hazel or light brown natural hair color: dark blonde or light brown sun reaction: skin might freckle, burns on occasion, and sometimes tans

Fitzpatrick skin type 4

skin color (before sun exposure): olive or light brown eye color: dark brown natural hair color: dark brown sun reaction: doesn’t really freckle, burns rarely, and tans often 

Fitzpatrick skin type 5

skin color (before sun exposure): dark brown eye color: dark brown to black natural hair color: dark brown to black sun reaction: rarely freckles, almost never burns, and always tans

Fitzpatrick skin type 6

skin color (before sun exposure): deeply pigmented dark brown to darkest brown eye color: brownish black natural hair color: black sun reaction: never freckles, never burns, and always tans darkly