Is my skin shade ivory or porcelain?! If you’ve ever attempted to find the perfect foundation for your skin tone, you will understand just how hard skin typing can be. But it doesn’t need to be!

What is the Fitzpatrick Skin Scale?

The Fitzpatrick Scale was developed in 1975 and helps to provide a scientific classification of your skin type. 

While sadly, this scale won’t exactly help you find your perfect foundation shade, it can tell you how your skin reacts to the sun. The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale classifies your skin type based on the amount of pigment your skin has as well as your skin’s reaction to UV light. As such, this information can help to predict your potential of developing skin cancer or sun damage. 

Once you understand your risk level you can equip yourself with strategies to protect your skin. 

Read on to not only discover your skin type but also uncover your celebrity skin twin!

TYPE I 

  • You have the type of skin that always burns but never tans.
  • Your skin is very pale and your skin shade is typically ivory or porcelain. 
  • You always burn in the sun and your skin may have a naturally reddish undertone. 
  • If you have this skin type your eyes are mostly likely blue, grey or green and your hair is probably blonde or red. 
  • It is recommended that you wear a minimum SPF50+ every day.

Your Celebrity Skin Twins: If this is you, then you’re in good company. Actresses such as Emma Stone and Cate Blanchette are skin twins. (Image source: variety.com)

TYPE II 

  • You have a fair or cream-toned complexion with subtle beige undertones.
  • Your eye and hair colour may fall anywhere between light and dark. 
  • You may also have freckles
  • While you may burn in the sun, you may tan on occasion.
  • It is recommended that you wear a minimum SPF50+ every day.

Your Celebrity Skin Twins: If this is your skin type then you’re in luck! You share this skin type with celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston and Zac Efron.  (Image source: NBC News)

TYPE III

  • You have a skin tone that is often described as golden or honey-hued. 
  • People with olive colouring can also fit this skin type.
  • You tend to tan easily but can burn with excessive sun exposure.
  • It is recommended that you wear a minimum SPF50+ every day.

Your Celebrity Skin Twins: You share this skin type with a number of influential celebrities. This list includes Demi Moore, John Stamos and Matthew McConaughey. (Image source: variety.com)

TYPE IV

  • Your skin is a lovely caramel tone. 
  • You naturally tan but rarely burn. 
  • You are most likely have dark hair and eyes that fall anywhere between hazel to ebony.
  • It is recommended that you wear a minimum SPF30+ every day.

Your Celebrity Skin Twins: Lucky for you, you share this beautiful skin type with a number of notable celebrities such as Freida Pinto, Jessica Alba and Eva Mendez. (Image source: Yahoo! Movies UK)

TYPE V

  • Your skin tone will range from a radiant bronze to rich brown.
  • Both your eyes and hair are naturally dark.
  • You very rarely burn in the sun.
  • It is recommended that you wear a minimum SPF30+ when outside.

Your Celebrity Skin Twins: If you have this skin type you are in excellent company. Your celebrity skin twins are none other than ‘Queen B’ Beyonce, Barack Obama, and Mindy Kalling. (Image source: StyleCaster)

TYPE VI

  • Your skin tone falls in the range of deep mahogany to espresso. 
  • You almost never burn.
  • You have both dark hair and eyes. 
  • It is recommended that you wear a minimum SPF 15+ when outside.

Your Celebrity Skin Twins: You share this skin tone with a whole host of notable celebrities. Some of these celebs include Naomi Campbell, Michelle Obama and Kanye West. (Image source: history.com)

Important to note! Even if your skin is Type 4-6 (and you rarely burn), your skin is still susceptible to the damaging effects of UV radiation. That’s why sunscreen is still extremely important! 

While finding your celebrity ‘skin twin’ is a bit of fun, and it’s good to know your skin type, it’s important to understand your individual risk factors when it comes to skin cancer. During a skin check, our skin cancer specialist doctors will assess your skin and discuss your previous skin cancer history, as well as any family history. Call us on 4779 0099 or click here to book your skin check.