Your skin type is one of the main factors in your risk for skin cancer. People with higher risk should take extra precautions when they are out in the sun.
Skin is classified according to two factors: the amount of melanin, and the reaction to ultraviolet light exposure.
There are six skin phototypes, going from light to dark. Individuals with skin types I and II face the highest risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers, while types V and VI are at the lowest risk. That is because those with more pigmentation have more natural protection from the sun. However, people with darker skin are nonetheless affected by skin cancer and should be cautious of the sun as well as having regular examinations by their doctor.
To get an idea of your degree of risk, rate yourself according to the following classification.
Type I: Is very fair, burns easily and severely and does not tan. Eyes are blue or green and hair is blond or red.
Type II: Is also fair and burns easily, but does get a minimal tan. Eyes are blue, hazel or brown, and hair is blond, red or brown.
Type III: Is somewhat darker and sometimes burns then tans.
Type IV: Is darker still, never burns, and always tans rapidly.
Types V: Is brown.
Type VI: Is black.
When determining your skin types, give careful thought to your medical history of tanning and burning. Sometimes, a person may look like a skin type III, but has a history of frequent burning that will place him or her a type II. If you are not sure, put yourself in a higher risk category rather than a lower one.
Skin is classified according to two factors: the amount of melanin, and the reaction to ultraviolet light exposure.
There are six skin phototypes, going from light to dark. Individuals with skin types I and II face the highest risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers, while types V and VI are at the lowest risk. That is because those with more pigmentation have more natural protection from the sun. However, people with darker skin are nonetheless affected by skin cancer and should be cautious of the sun as well as having regular examinations by their doctor.
To get an idea of your degree of risk, rate yourself according to the following classification.
Type I: Is very fair, burns easily and severely and does not tan. Eyes are blue or green and hair is blond or red.
Type II: Is also fair and burns easily, but does get a minimal tan. Eyes are blue, hazel or brown, and hair is blond, red or brown.
Type III: Is somewhat darker and sometimes burns then tans.
Type IV: Is darker still, never burns, and always tans rapidly.
Types V: Is brown.
Type VI: Is black.
When determining your skin types, give careful thought to your medical history of tanning and burning. Sometimes, a person may look like a skin type III, but has a history of frequent burning that will place him or her a type II. If you are not sure, put yourself in a higher risk category rather than a lower one.
-The Skin Cancer Foundation
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