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First of all, what exactly is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale?

According to the Wikipedia definition: The Fitzpatrick Scale (aka Fitzpatrick skin typing test or Fitzpatrick phototyping scale) is a numerical classification schema for the color of skin. It was developed by T.B FItzpatrick, a Harvard dermatologist, as a way to classify the response of different types of skin to UV light. It remains a recognized tool for dermatologic research into the color of skin.

The FItzpatrick Scale divides your skin into 6 numbered categories from Type I to Type VI , with Type I being the lightest possible skin colour, and Type VI being the darkest. Asians normally would fall between Type III to Type V.

Click Here If You’d Like To Take The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Quiz

So how is this relevant to you?

Knowing where you are on the scale would help you determine what cosmetic  products and procedures are most suitable for your skin type. The Fitzpatrick scale is also used by your dermatologist or skincare expert to dertemine which cosmetic procedures or treatments would be most appropriate for you.

For example, those with with FItzpatrick Skin Type I to II would need to be careful when undergoing IPL hair-removal procedure because the IPL lightbeam might not remove hair effectively enough for these skin types. This is because IPL gets rid of hair by emitting energy which is absorbed by the hair shaft’s melanin cells. Once the hair shaft absorbs this energy it is rapidly destroyed. If your hair shaft does not have enough melanin, it might not be destroyed.

When considering cosmetic procedures like laser resurfacing and chemical peels, your FItzpatrick Skin Type comes into play again. The types of lasers and peels used on darker skin tones (FItzpatrick Skin Type III-VI) are very different from the types used on lighter skin. Why? Because darker skin types have a very high chance of developing hyperpigmentation from these procedures.

This is why a lot of dermatologists prefer to use nonablative lasers when dealing with Asian skin, as the laser rejuvenates your skin on the deeper level, bypassing your epidermis (the top layer of skin where melanin is formed) so there is a smaller chance of hyperpigmentation.

So the next time you are considering a chemical peel or laser procedure, enquire if the procedure is suitable for your skin type. If your doctor has no significant number of successful case studies that is similar to your skin type, look for other alternatives. LIkewise, if embarking on an at-home skincare regimen, check whether the products have been used effectively by others similar to you.