1. Health

Skin Phototypes (SPT)

From , former About.com Guide

Updated March 24, 2008

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Definition:

Skin phototype (SPT) is a classification system based on a person's sensitivity to sunlight. People with skin types I and II are at the highest risk for photoaging effects including wrinkles and skin cancer. However, sun effects including wrinkles and skin cancer can occur in any skin type.

  • SPT I - Always burns, never tans
  • SPT II - Burns easily, tans minimally
  • SPT III - Burns moderately, tans gradually to light brown
  • SPT IV - Burns minimally, always tans well to moderately brown
  • SPT V - Rarely burns, tans profusely to dark
  • SPT VI - Never burns, deeply pigmented

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