The Fitzpatrick Classification Scale was developed in 1975 by Harvard Medical School dermatologist, Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD. This scale classifies a person's complexion and their tolerance of sunlight. It is used by many practitioners to determine how someone will respond or react to facial treatments, and how likely they are to get
skin cancer.
Fitzpatrick Classification Scale
| Skin Type | Skin Color | Characteristics |
| I | White; very fair; red or blond hair; blue eyes; freckles | Always burns, never tans |
| II | White; fair; red or blond hair; blue, hazel, or green eyes | Usually burns, tans with difficulty |
| III | Cream white; fair with any eye or hair color; very common | Sometimes mild burn, gradually tans |
| IV | Brown; typical Mediterranean caucasian skin | Rarely burns, tans with ease |
| V | Dark Brown; mid-eastern skin types | very rarely burns, tans very easily |
| VI | Black | Never burns, tans very easily |
