Skin types

Skin types for facial treatments

Determining skin type is fundamental to effective skin care and protecting skin health. Skin types are usually divided into five main categories:

1. Normal skin

Features : Even texture, no or few imperfections, no sensitive areas and a healthy matte finish.
Care : Requires balanced care to maintain condition. Light moisturizers and gentle cleansers are usually sufficient.

2. Dry skin

Characteristics : Rough, flaky or flaky, often with a feeling of tightness, especially after cleaning. Tends to redness and itching.
Care : It is important to use products that provide intensive moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Rich moisturizers and gentle, hydrating cleansers are recommended. Avoiding hot water and frequent washing.

3. Oily skin

Features : Shiny appearance, large pores, prone to acne and blackheads due to excessive sebum production.
Care : Cleansing with products specifically designed for oily skin can help remove excess sebum. Light, oil-free moisturizers and occasional use of toners or sheets to remove excess oil are beneficial.

4. Combination skin

Characteristics : A combination of oily and dry areas on the skin, with the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) typically being oily and the cheeks being dry.
Care : Combination skin often requires a customized care routine that combines products for dry skin and oily skin. The aim is to maintain the balance of the skin by treating the respective areas accordingly.

5. Sensitive skin

Characteristics : Reacts easily to certain substances or environmental factors with redness, itching, burning or rash.
Care : Using products that are free of potentially irritating ingredients such as fragrances, alcohol and parabens. Gentle cleansing and moisturizing are important to protect the skin barrier and minimize irritation.

Important to note

Skin can change over time and with age, and external factors such as climate, season and lifestyle can affect skin condition. Regularly assessing skin condition can help adjust your skin care routine accordingly. It is also advisable to consult a dermatologist for specific treatment and recommendations if you have persistent skin problems.

Skin types for laser treatments

The Fitzpatrick skin type scheme is a scientifically accepted system for classifying different skin types based on their response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and their ability to tan. Developed in the 1970s by Thomas Fitzpatrick, a dermatologist at Harvard Medical School, this scheme is widely used in dermatology to assess risks for sunburn, skin cancer, and to choose appropriate sun protection measures. It also helps in selecting parameters for cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments.

The Fitzpatrick skin type scheme divides skin into six types:

Type I

Skin color : Very light or ivory
Reaction to sun : Always burns, never tans
Characteristics : Often light eyes, red or blonde hair, freckles
Risk : Highest risk of sunburn and skin cancer

Type II

Skin color : Light
Reaction to sun : Burns easily, tans minimally
Characteristics : Often light eyes, light hair
Risk : High risk of sunburn and skin cancer

Type III

Skin color : Light to medium
Reaction to Sun : Burns moderately, tans gradually to a light tan
Features : Wider range of eye and hair colors
Risk : Moderate risk of sunburn, increased risk of skin cancer

Type IV

Skin color : Olive or medium
Reaction to sun : Rarely burns, tans easily
Characteristics : Dark eyes and hair
Risk : Lower risk of sunburn, some risk of skin cancer

Type V

Skin color : Dark brown
Reaction to sun : Burns very rarely, tans easily
Features : Dark brown eyes and hair
Risk : Low risk of sunburn, but still a risk of skin cancer, especially for certain types such as acrolentiginous melanoma

Type VI

Skin color : Very dark brown to black
Reaction to sun : Never burns, turns deep brown
Characteristics : Very dark eyes and hair
Risk : Minimal risk of sunburn, but certain skin cancers may be harder to detect, delaying diagnosis

The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Chart is a useful tool for providing personalized sun protection and skin care recommendations and assessing the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. It highlights the importance of sun protection for all skin types, although the risk of sunburn and skin cancer varies depending on skin type.