Fitzpatrick Scale
What do we mean by 'Fitzpatrick'?
You may have noticed we mention ‘Fitzpatrick’ a lot – but what actually is it?! Developed in 1975 by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, a Harvard dermatologist, as a way to classify the typical response of different types of skin to ultraviolet light, the Fitzpatrick scale remains a recognized tool for dermatological research into human skin pigmentation.
How your Fitzpatrick scale effects your treatment
The Fitzpatrick scale classifies exactly how much pigment our skin has, and therefore how much sun exposure we can handle without our skin reacting – thus, its ability to handle light and sun, without burning, hyper, or hypopigmentation. This is hugely important as both Laser, and IPL, are a controlled source of light which penetrates your skin and focuses on different aspects and colours within your skin (hair follicle, pigmentation, vessels etc). Knowing your Fitzpatrick helps us not only determine which procedures are suitable for you, but also which machine will give you the safest and most effective results.
As with all aspects of our work, our number one aim is to keep your skin healthy! If you aren’t sure of your Fitzpatrick number or suitability for any of our treatments, please get in touch!
Fitzpatrick Scale
Find your skin group
If you still need help finding your Fitzpatrick skin group. Here’s a handy and informative tool designed to help you identify your skin type based on the Fitzpatrick scale, which classifies skin by its reaction to sun exposure. The quiz guides you through a series of questions about your skin’s natural colour, response to sunburn, and tanning ability.
More about the Skin Groups
Fitz One
Very pale skin with blonde or red hair. Prone to freckles. Always burns and almost never tans.
Fitz Two
Pale to fair skin, usually blonde or light brown hair (sometimes dark). Blue or brown eyes. Often burns but can tan.
Fitz Three
Light olive skin with dark hair and brown or green eyes. Can burn but generally tans quite easily.
Fitz Four
Brown eyes and dark hair. Burns with very lengthy exposures but always tans easily.
Fitz Five
Naturally brown skin, brown eyes, and dark hair. Burns only with excessive sun exposure. Skin easily darkens further.
Fitz Six
Black skin with dark brown eyes and black hair. Almost never burns. Skin very easily darkens further.
Book a Consultation
Book your free consultation and patch test today. Our friendly, qualified team will talk you through the process, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan tailored just for you.
(No pressure, no obligation—just honest advice and expert care.)