Knowing your skin type is very important when it comes to going out in the sun or using a tanning bed.

The sensitivity of your skin is genetically determined and has a lot to do with the manner in which your skin will tan or burn.

Below are the six classifications:

Skin Type I:

Usually bright white or pale skin, blue or green eyes, red hair and many freckles. This skin type always burns outdoors, never tans.  NOTE: A person who is a true Skin Type I should avoid tanning indoors and outdoors.

Skin Type II:

Beige skin, blue or grey eyes; blonde or light brown hair and some freckles. This skin type has a strong tendency to sunburn outdoors, but sometimes tans.

Skin Type III:

Light brown skin, brown eyes and hair. This skin type sometimes burns outdoors but always tans.

Skin Type IV:

Light brown or olive skin, dark brown eyes and hair. This skin type sometimes burns outdoors and tans readily.

Skin Type V:

Brown skin, dark brown hair and eyes. This skin type rarely burns outdoors and tans easily.

Skin Type VI:

Black skin, black-brown eyes and hair. This skin type rarely sunburns outdoors.

Please Note: Although the list above discribes a person’s “sun burning” potential, you should always tan in moderation and avoid sun burning indoors and out!