Skin types

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 19.02.2021

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Synonym(s)

Light skin type; Pigment types; Skin type

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

According to the different reaction of the skin to UV light, depending on the natural degree of pigmentation or the ability to pigment, 6 skin types are distinguished, For the European population only the pigment types I-IV play a role. Pigment type V refers to dark-skinned ethnic groups such as Indians, pigment type VI to black skin colors.

  • Pigment type I ("Celtic type"): The skin is particularly sensitive, very fair, prone to freckles and sunburn, hardly tans. Hair colour: reddish, eye colour: green or blue, self-protection time: 5-10 minutes.
  • Pigment type II ( Northern European type ): The skin is fair and sensitive, sunburn frequent, weak tan. Hair colour: Blond to brown, eye colour: Blue, green or grey. Self-protection time: 10-20 minutes.
  • Pigment type III ( dark-skinned European type ): The skin is not very sensitive, always appears lightly tanned, at most weak sunburn. Hair colour: Brown, eye colour: Grey to brown. Self-protection time: Approx. 30 minutes.
  • Pigment type IV ("Mediterranean type"): The skin is olive tinted, insensitive, tans quickly and deeply. Hair colour: Dark brown or black, eye colour: Very dark brown. Self-protection time: Approx. 40 minutes.

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Last updated on: 19.02.2021