Your skin phototype (I to VI) is the key to knowing how your skin behaves in the sun. It tells you if you burn easily, if you tan or if you need SPF 50. Knowing it means taking care of your health from the ground up.
What is a skin phototype?
A skin phototype is a dermatological classification that indicates how your skin reacts to solar radiation. It goes from the type I to VIand depends mainly on your amount of melaninThe natural pigment that protects you from the sun.
The lower your phototype, the more sensitive you are to the sun (and the easier it is to get sunburnt). The higher your phototype, the more natural protection you have... but this does not mean you are safe of sun damage.
The most commonly used scale for assessing phototypes is the Fitzpatrick Scaledeveloped in 1975 by the Dr. Thomas FitzpatrickHarvard dermatologistand remains the standard medical reference for assessing the risk of burns and planning dermatological treatments such as lasers or peels.
What is the use of knowing your phototype?
- Choosing the right sunscreen (SPF 30 is not equally effective for all).
- Avoid sunburn and minimise the risk of skin cancer.
- Personalise aesthetic or dermatological treatments.
- Understand why you burn in 20 minutes and your friend looks like a bronzed goddess without breaking a sweat.
Classification of skin phototypes (I to VI)
| Phototype | Skin characteristics | Reaction to the sun | Tanning | SPF recommendation |
| I | Very fair, light-coloured eyes, often freckles | Always burns, never tans | Null | SPF 50+ all year round |
| II | fair, blonde or red hair, light eyes | Burns easily | Light and slow | SPF 50 daily |
| III | Intermediate (beige or light brown) | Sometimes it burns, it tans progressively. | Medium tan | SPF 30-50 depending on exposure |
| IV | Brown or Mediterranean | Rarely burns, tans easily | Intense tanning | SPF 30 minimum |
| V | Dark skin | Very rarely burns | Very easy | SPF 20-30, key moisturiser |
| VI | Very dark skin (Afro-descendant) | Never burns | High natural pigmentation | SPF 20, prevention and spots |
How do you know your skin phototype?
Although this should ideally be determined by a dermatologist, you can get a pretty good idea by observing how your skin reacts to the sun and your genetic characteristics. Here are some quick tips to help you get your bearings:
Simple test to identify your phototype:
- How is your skin without tanning?
- Very white or milky → Phototype I
- White but not as sensitive → II
- Beige or light brown → III-IV
- Dark or very dark → V-VI
- Very white or milky → Phototype I
- What colour are your natural eyes and hair?
- Light eyes + blond or red hair → I-II
- Brown/green eyes + brown hair → III
- Dark eyes + dark hair → IV-V
- All very dark → V-VI
- Light eyes + blond or red hair → I-II
- Do you get sunburnt when you are out in the sun without protection?
- Always, even in 10 min → I
- Sometimes, but then I tan → II-III
- Hardly ever → IV-V
- Never → VI
- Always, even in 10 min → I
- Do you tan or just turn red?
- Never → I
- Little and with effort → II
- Good → III-IV
- Fast and deep → V-VI
- Never → I
If you identify with most of the answers in the same column, there's your phototype! This system is not perfect, but it serves as a starting point to adjust your sun protection, avoid sunburn and understand your skin.
Knowing your skin phototype is much more than a dermatological label: it is the key to protecting yourself effectively from the sun, preventing long-term damage and choosing the products your skin really needs.
Each skin type has a different sensitivity to the sun, so not all sunscreens are suitable for all skin types. Your skin is not a fashion: it is health, it is prevention, it is intelligent self-care.
Do you already know your phototype? Then you are ready to take the next step: choose the sunscreen that best suits your skin at Sam Parfums.
In our online perfumery and cosmetics shop you will find a dermatologically recommended selection of sunscreens, creams and sun care products for all phototypeswith expert brands such as Avène, Isdin, La Roche-Posay and more.
Take care of your skin with Sam Parfums!