Dermis:

The thick dermal layer lies beneath the epidermis. The dermis is composed of nerves, fats, blood vessels, elastin and collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes up the primary component of the body’s connective tissue, accounting for around 80% of the dermis. Collagen provides the skin with strength, whereas elastin gives you skin elasticity enabling it to stretch back and forth.

Subcutaneous Tissue:

The subcutaneous is the deepest layer of your skin. It is mostly comprised of fat. This layer acts as protection from internal organs and muscles. It also helps to keep us warm. Moreover, it provides your body with an energy reserve.

The structural changes that take place within these three layers of skin are responsible for producing the visible signs of aging. There are two different processes that induce such changes and lead to wrinkles. These are intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging.

Intrinsic Aging

Intrinsic aging, also known as chronological aging, occurs over the span of your life regardless of external factors. Intrinsic aging is a natural process, and although most bodies Intrinsic aging, also known as chronological aging, occurs throughout your life regardless of external factors. Intrinsic aging is a natural process, and although most bodies mature along a similar timeline, it varies from person to person based on heredity:

After age 20, our bodies produce 1% less collagen each year. The skin becomes inelastic and brittle as collagen and elastin fibres thicken and loosen; this is the skin’s attempt to stretch back and forth manifests as visible wrinkles. Exfoliation slows down in our 20s, causing dead skin cells to accumulate and stick together for longer periods of time.

In our 30s, the transfer of moisture between the dermis and epidermis slows and fat cells start to shrink, making the skin appear dull. As the body ages, the skin produces less In our 30s, the transfer of moisture between the dermis and epidermis slows and fat cells start to shrink, making the skin appear dull. As the body ages, the skin produces less sebum (oil). This causes the texture of the skin to become dry and for wrinkles to become more visible – which is why you might notice those Crow’s Feet around your eyes since this area has very few sebaceous glands.

Collagen production stops at age 40, and wrinkles form as the fibres begin to break and stiffen. Skin cell turnover slows, and it becomes more difficult for the cells to regenerate themselves.

By age 50, we start losing the fat stored in the subcutaneous tissue, making the skin thinner. In females, the loss of estrogen following menopause also contributes to thinness and results in the skin becoming more easily damaged. A decline in blood vessels and a decrease in circulation also works against our complexion.

All of these intrinsic factors contribute to wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation issues. This aging process is very slow and only contributes to a small percentage of wrinkles. Most wrinkling is due to the effects of extrinsic aging.

Repeated facial expressions and sleeping positions:

When you smile, creases form at the corners of your mouth as your lips pull up into your cheeks. Such repeated facial expressions can eventually form wrinkles known as expression lines. While everyone should be proud of their signs of smiling, other expression lines are not so welcome. Be sure to be careful every time you rub those sleepy eyes in the morning, and try to switch up which side of your face you sleep on to reduce the risk of deepened creases along the side of your nose.

Smoking:

Stop smoking! It’s bad for your health and it’s what causes wrinkles on your face. Each time you take a drag from a cigarette, you’re pulling on what’s called your Purse String muscles. This repeated motion has the same effect as expression lines: premature wrinkles which betray your age. Furthermore, the nicotine found in cigarettes causes a narrowing of the blood cells within the outermost layer of the epidermis. If blood flow decreases, the skin becomes deprived of oxygen and vital nutrients, such as vitamin A. As a result, the skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

Pollution:

Free radicals (or harmful, electron-hungry molecules) cause damage when they pull electrons from other molecules in our bodies. This action alters chemical structures and biological functioning, thereby accelerating the aging process, as seen on our skin in the form of wrinkles. Pollution in the environment is a major source of free radical exposure, and although antioxidant enzymes can help protect against free radicals, their damage will occur regardless.

Exposure to the sun:

Photoaging, or changes that occur due to the sun, is by far the biggest culprit in the causation of wrinkles. The National Center for Biotechnology Information asserts that photoaging is responsible for 80 percent of wrinkles. When UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin’s dermal layer, it causes the breakdowns of our much-needed collagen and elastin. As these essential proteins break down, the skin begins to sag and wrinkle. Wrinkles are just one effect stemming from sun damage; photoaging also causes sun spots, rough texture, pigmentation problems, and can even lead to the development of deadly skin cancer.

Skin Aging Overview

The first wrinkles tend to appear on a person’s face in areas where the skin naturally folds during facial expressions. They develop due to the skin becoming thinner and less elastic over time.

Wrinkles also tend to appear on parts of the body that receive most sun exposure, such as the face and neck, back of the hands, and arms.

Wrinkles are a natural part of growing older, and they affect everyone. However, many people dislike the appearance of wrinkles, and, as a result, the anti-aging market in the United States is worth over 50 billion dollars per year.

How your skin ages will depend on a variety of factors: your lifestyle, diet, heredity, and other personal habits. For instance, are you a smoker or did you ever smoke? Smoking can produce free radicals, once-healthy oxygen molecules that are now overactive and unstable.

There are other reasons, too. Primary factors contributing to wrinkled, spotted skin include normal aging, exposure to the sun (photoaging), and loss of subcutaneous support (fatty tissue between your skin and muscle). Other factors that contribute to the aging of the skin include stress, gravity, daily facial movement, obesity, and even sleep position

Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. As people get older, their skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, which means it is less able to protect itself from damage. This leads to wrinkles, creases, and lines on the skin.

Facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, or squinting, lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles at a young age. These lines deepen as the person gets older.

When a person is young, their skin springs back. As they get older, the skin loses its flexibility, and it becomes more difficult for the skin to spring back, resulting in permanent grooves.

Wrinkles affect people of different skin tones differently due to structural and functional differences in the skin.

Many factors affect the development of wrinkles, including:

• sun exposure
• smoking
• dehydration
• some medications
• environmental and genetic factors

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from sunbathing, tanning booths, and outdoor sports increase the development of wrinkles.

UV light breaks down the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. These fibres form the connective tissue that supports the skin. As this layer breaks down, the skin becomes weaker and less flexible. The skin starts to droop, and wrinkles appear.

Darker skin contains more melanin and protects from many harmful effects of UV radiation.

People who work in sunlight have a higher chance of early wrinkles. Wearing clothes that cover the skin, such as hats or long sleeves, may delay the development of wrinkles.

Regular smoking accelerates the aging process of the skin because it reduces the blood supply to the skin. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, and dry skin is more likely to develop wrinkles.

Skin Changes That Come With Age:

• Skin becomes rougher.
• Skin develops lesions such as benign tumors.
• Skin becomes slack. The loss of the elastic tissue (elastin and collagen) in the skin with age causes the skin to hang loosely.
• Skin becomes more transparent as we age. This is caused by thinning of the epidermis (surface layer of the skin).
• Skin becomes more fragile as we age. This is caused by a flattening of the area where the epidermis and dermis (layer of skin under the epidermis) come together.
• Skin becomes more easily bruised. This is due to thinner blood vessel walls as we age.

Facial Muscles & Ageing

The first wrinkles tend to appear on a person’s face in areas where the skin naturally folds during facial expressions. They develop due to the skin becoming thinner and less elastic over time. Wrinkles also tend to appear on parts of the body that receive most sun exposure, such as the face and neck, back of the hands, and arms. Wrinkles are a natural part of growing older, and they affect everyone.

How your skin ages will depend on a variety of factors: your lifestyle, diet, heredity, and other personal habits. For instance, are you a smoker or did you ever smoke? Smoking can produce free radicals, once-healthy oxygen molecules that are now overactive and unstable.

There are other reasons, too. Primary factors contributing to wrinkled, spotted skin include normal aging, exposure to the sun (photoaging), and loss of subcutaneous support (fatty tissue between your skin and muscle). Other factors that contribute to the aging of the skin include stress, gravity, daily facial movement, obesity, and even sleep position. Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. As people get older, their skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, which means it is less able to protect itself from damage. This leads to wrinkles, creases, and lines on the skin.

There are several main facial muscles, each responsible for a different facial expression. Here are some of the key facial muscles and what they do:

Frontalis: This muscle is located at the forehead and is responsible for raising the eyebrows and creating forehead wrinkles.

Orbicularis Oculi: This muscle surrounds the eye and is responsible for closing the eyelids, as well as creating wrinkles around the eyes when we smile or squint.

Zygomaticus Major and Minor: These muscles are located at the cheekbone and are responsible for raising the corners of the mouth when we smile.

Buccinator: This muscle is located at the cheek and is responsible for compressing the cheek and lips, allowing us to whistle or blow air.

Orbicularis Oris: This muscle surrounds the lips and is responsible for puckering the lips, as well as allowing us to close our mouths and make various facial expressions.

Platysma: This muscle is located at the neck and is responsible for pulling the corners of the mouth and the skin of the neck downward, creating a grimace or a look of tension.

Masseter: This muscle is located at the jaw and is responsible for chewing and clenching the teeth.

These muscles work together to create a wide range of facial expressions, from smiles and frowns to surprise and anger. By contracting and relaxing, they allow us to communicate our emotions and feelings to others.

Non-Surgical Anti-Aging Options

There are several non-surgical anti-aging options that can help improve the appearance of the skin and reduce the signs of aging. Here are a few examples:

Topical creams and serums: These products contain ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid that can help stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a solution to remove the outer layer of the skin, revealing a smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking complexion. They can help improve skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin pigmentation.

Laser and light therapies: Laser and light therapies use focused light energy to target specific areas of the skin, stimulating collagen production, improving skin texture and tone, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Examples of these treatments include IPL (intense pulsed light), fractional laser resurfacing, and photofacials.

Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that can help restore volume to the face, plumping up areas that have lost volume due to aging. They can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and restore a more youthful-looking contour to the face.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that uses a handheld device to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, revealing a smoother and more youthful-looking complexion. It can help improve skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin pigmentation.

Topical Creams

Topical creams and serums work to prevent aging by delivering active ingredients to the skin, where they can help stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinoids, for example, are a type of vitamin A that can help increase collagen production and improve skin texture and tone. They work by promoting cell turnover, which helps to reveal fresher, younger-looking skin. Retinoids can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve skin pigmentation.

Vitamin C is another popular anti-aging ingredient found in many topical creams and serums. It’s a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from environmental damage, such as UV radiation, pollution, and free radicals. Vitamin C can also help stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and brighten the complexion.

Hyaluronic acid is another common ingredient found in anti-aging creams and serums. It’s a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps to hydrate and plump the skin. Topical application of hyaluronic acid can help improve skin hydration, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and restore a more youthful-looking complexion.

Other active ingredients found in anti-aging creams and serums may include peptides, growth factors, and antioxidants, all of which can help to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and protect the skin from damage.

Topical creams and serums work to prevent aging by delivering active ingredients to the skin, where they can help improve skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and restore a more youthful-looking complexion.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels work to prevent aging by removing the outer layer of the skin, revealing a smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking complexion. The process involves applying a solution containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), or other active ingredients to the skin, which causes the outer layer to peel away.

This exfoliation process helps to stimulate collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. By promoting collagen production, chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve skin texture and tone.

Chemical peels can also help to even out skin pigmentation, reduce the appearance of acne scars and age spots, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. Additionally, by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, chemical peels can help to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts.

The depth of the peel will depend on the concentration of the solution and the amount of time it is left on the skin. Superficial peels, which use mild solutions and only penetrate the outer layer of the skin, are often used for minor skin imperfections and require little to no downtime. Medium and deep peels, which use stronger solutions and penetrate deeper into the skin, may require several days of downtime and may be more effective at treating moderate to severe signs of aging.

Chemical peels work to prevent aging by stimulating collagen production, improving skin texture and tone, and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate type of chemical peel for your individual needs and concerns.

Laser & Light Therapies

Laser and light therapies work to prevent aging by using focused light energy to target specific areas of the skin, stimulating collagen production, improving skin texture and tone, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy, for example, uses pulses of light to penetrate the skin, targeting areas of hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries, and other skin imperfections. The light energy is absorbed by the melanin and hemoglobin in the skin, which causes the targeted cells to break down and be absorbed by the body. IPL therapy can help improve skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin pigmentation.

Fractional laser resurfacing is another type of laser therapy that works by creating microscopic injuries in the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process and promotes collagen production. The laser energy is delivered in a pattern of small, closely spaced dots, which creates tiny wounds in the skin. As the skin heals, new collagen is produced, which helps to improve skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Photofacials, also known as IPL photorejuvenation, use intense pulsed light to penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen production. The light energy heats the deep layers of the skin, causing the collagen fibers to contract and tighten. Over time, new collagen is produced, which helps to improve skin elasticity and firmness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Laser and light therapies work to prevent aging by stimulating collagen production, improving skin texture and tone, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate type of laser or light therapy for your individual needs and concerns.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers work to prevent aging by restoring volume to areas of the face that have lost elasticity and fullness due to the natural aging process. As we age, the collagen and fat in our skin breaks down, causing areas of the face to appear hollow or sunken.

Dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally found in the body and helps to keep the skin plump and hydrated. When injected into areas of the face that have lost volume, dermal fillers can help to restore a more youthful-looking appearance by filling in wrinkles, fine lines, and hollow areas.

The process of injecting dermal fillers is minimally invasive and can be performed in a healthcare professional’s office. The healthcare professional will first assess the areas of the face that need to be treated and determine the appropriate type and amount of filler to use. The filler is then injected into the skin using a very fine needle, with the healthcare professional carefully sculpting the filler to create a natural-looking result.

The effects of dermal fillers typically last between six months to a year, depending on the type of filler used and the individual’s metabolism. The filler is eventually absorbed by the body and will need to be re-injected to maintain the desired results.

Dermal fillers work to prevent aging by restoring volume to areas of the face that have lost fullness and elasticity due to the natural aging process. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate type and amount of filler for your individual needs and concerns.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that works to prevent aging by exfoliating the outermost layer of dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking complexion.

During the procedure, a healthcare professional will use a device that uses fine crystals or diamond-tipped wand to gently remove the outer layer of dead skin cells. The device will also vacuum away the dead skin cells and other impurities, leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed.

The process of microdermabrasion helps to stimulate collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. By promoting collagen production, microdermabrasion can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve skin texture and tone.

Microdermabrasion can also help to even out skin pigmentation, reduce the appearance of acne scars and age spots, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. Additionally, by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, microdermabrasion can help to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts.

Microdermabrasion works to prevent aging by stimulating collagen production, improving skin texture and tone, and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate type and frequency of microdermabrasion treatments for your individual needs and concerns.

Botox & Anti-Aging

Botox (short for Botulinum Toxin) is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. When injected into the facial muscles, it works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that cause those muscles to contract, which in turn can smooth out wrinkles and lines on the face.

Botox prevents aging by targeting the muscles responsible for creating wrinkles and lines on the face, such as the forehead and around the eyes. By temporarily relaxing these muscles, Botox can prevent the repetitive facial movements that can lead to the formation of permanent wrinkles over time.

When injected correctly by a qualified healthcare professional, Botox can provide a subtle and natural-looking result. The effects of Botox typically last for several months, after which the muscle activity gradually returns to normal and the wrinkles may reappear.

It’s important to note that Botox is a temporary solution and does not address the underlying causes of aging, such as loss of collagen and elastin in the skin. Additionally, overuse of Botox can lead to a frozen or unnatural appearance, so it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any cosmetic treatment.

Microcurrent

Microcurrent is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that works to prevent aging by using low-level electrical currents to stimulate the facial muscles and promote collagen production in the skin.

During the treatment, a healthcare professional will apply a conductive gel to the skin and then use a device that emits gentle electrical currents to stimulate the facial muscles. The currents are so low that they are typically not felt by the patient, but are strong enough to stimulate the muscles and improve their tone.

As the facial muscles are stimulated, they contract and relax, which helps to improve their strength and tone. This can lead to a more lifted and toned appearance in the face and neck, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In addition to stimulating the facial muscles, microcurrent also works to promote collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein that is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. By promoting collagen production, microcurrent can help to improve skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Microcurrent works to prevent aging by stimulating the facial muscles and promoting collagen production in the skin. It’s important to note that microcurrent is a cosmetic treatment and its effects are temporary. To maintain the desired results, regular treatments are typically recommended. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate type and frequency of microcurrent treatments for your individual needs and concerns.

Oxygen Facial

An oxygen facial is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that works to prevent aging by delivering a blast of oxygen to the skin, along with other beneficial ingredients.

During an oxygen facial, a healthcare professional will first cleanse and exfoliate the skin. Then, a device is used to spray a high-pressure stream of oxygen onto the skin, along with a serum that contains beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and antioxidants. The oxygen helps to deliver the serum deeper into the skin, where it can be more effective.

The oxygen facial works to prevent aging by providing the skin with an infusion of oxygen and other beneficial ingredients. Oxygen is essential for maintaining the health of the skin, and a lack of oxygen can lead to dullness, dryness, and premature aging.

The serum used in the oxygen facial typically contains ingredients that are known to be beneficial for the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate the skin, vitamins, which help to improve skin texture and tone, and antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

An oxygen facial works to prevent aging by delivering a blast of oxygen and other beneficial ingredients to the skin, which can help to improve skin texture, tone, and hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if an oxygen facial is appropriate for your individual needs and concerns.

Radiofrequency (RF)

Radiofrequency (RF) is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that works to prevent aging by using high-frequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, which can stimulate collagen production and improve skin firmness and elasticity.

During an RF treatment, a healthcare professional will use a device that emits high-frequency energy waves to heat the skin. The energy penetrates the deeper layers of the skin without damaging the surface layer, which can stimulate collagen production and promote skin tightening.

As collagen production increases, the skin becomes firmer and more elastic, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the heating effect of the RF treatment can help to improve blood flow and stimulate the production of new skin cells, which can improve skin texture and tone.

RF treatments can be used on various areas of the body, including the face, neck, arms, and abdomen, to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles.

Radiofrequency works to prevent aging by stimulating collagen production and improving skin firmness and elasticity. It’s important to note that RF treatments typically require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, and it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if RF is appropriate for your individual needs and concerns.

Fitzpatrick Scale

Fitzpatrick Test: Identifying your skin type

If you have ever tried to find the perfect foundation, you might have heard of the Fitzpatrick test.

The Fitzpatrick Scale is the most widely-used method for determining skin types, which is helpful in determining appropriate aesthetic treatments and skin care for each individual. This rating system measures the amount of pigment in the skin and tolerance one’s skin has to the sun.

Benefits of knowing your Fitzpatrick

The Fitzpatrick test allows one to understand which treatments will work best and which treatments could cause unwanted side effects. By assessing the rating, one can determine what kind of results can be expected from an aesthetic treatment. Skin types IV-VI run a higher chance of pigmentation with treatments such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, or laser treatment.

Knowing your Fitzpatrick is also important to evaluate your risk for skin cancer. Melanin in the skin absorbs and scatters energy from UV light to protect skin cells from sun damage. Skin types with less pigmentation have less melanin and are more susceptible to harmful sun rays.

Take the Fitzpatrick’s test used by Dermatologists below to find out what your Fitzpatrick Skin Type is.

The Fitzpatrick Scale is a numerical classification system that is used to determine the skin type and level of sun sensitivity of an individual. It was developed in 1975 by a Harvard dermatologist named Thomas Fitzpatrick and is still widely used in the skincare industry today.

The Fitzpatrick Scale is based on the amount of melanin in the skin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color. It takes into account factors such as skin tone, eye color, and hair color to classify individuals into one of six categories, numbered I through VI:

• Type I: Very fair skin, always burns, never tans. Skin is very sensitive to the sun.
• Type II: Fair skin, usually burns, rarely tans. Skin is moderately sensitive to the sun.
• Type III: Medium skin, sometimes burns, sometimes tans. The skin has moderate sensitivity to the sun.
• Type IV: Olive skin, rarely burns, often tans. The skin has low to moderate sensitivity to the sun.
• Type V: Brown skin, rarely burns, tans easily. The skin has low sensitivity to the sun.
• Type VI: Dark brown or black skin, never burns, tans easily. The skin has a very low sensitivity to the sun.

The Fitzpatrick Scale is used to determine the appropriate treatments and products for an individual’s skin type, as well as the risk of sun damage and skin cancer. It is important to note that the Fitzpatrick Scale is not an exact science and that many factors can affect an individual’s skin type and sensitivity to the sun, including genetics, age, and lifestyle.

Fitzpatrick Scale Quiz

Instructions: Each answer has a numerical value next to it. Choose one answer to each question and add up the numbers associated with your responses. Scoring is available at the end of the quiz. 

What color are your eyes?

0 – Light blue, gray, green

1- Blue, gray, or green

2 – Blue

3 – Dark Brown

4 – Brownish Black

What is your natural hair color?

0 – Sandy red

1 – Blonde

2 – Chestnut/ Dark Blonde

3 – Dark brown

4 – Black

What is your skin color (unexposed areas)?

0 – Reddish

1 – Very Pale

2 – Pale with a beige tint

3 – Light brown

4 – Dark brown

Do you have freckles on unexposed areas?

0 – Many

1 – Several

2 – Few

3 – Incidental

4 – None

What happens when you stay too long in the sun?

0 – Painful redness, blistering, peeling

1 – Blistering followed by peeling

2 – Burns sometimes followed by peeling

3 – Rare burns

4 – Never had burns

To what degree do you turn brown?

0 – Hardly or not at all

1 – Light color tan

2 – Reasonable tan

3 – Tan very easily

4 – Turn dark brown quickly

Do you turn brown after several hours of sun exposure?

0 – Never

1 – Seldom

2 – Sometimes

3 – Often

4 – Always

How does your face react to the sun?

0 – Very sensitive

1 – Sensitive

2 – Normal

3 – Very resistant

4 – Never had a problem

When did you last expose your body to the sun (or artificial sunlamp/tanning cream)?

1 – More than 3 months ago

2 – 2-3 months ago

3 – 12 months ago

4 – Less than a month ago

5 – Less than 2 weeks ago

Do you expose your face to the sun? (for the purpose of this quiz we have changed this question from the original: Did you expose the area to be treated to the sun?)

1 – Never

2 – Hardly ever

3 – Sometimes

4 – Often

5 – Always

Total up your points and match your score below to find your skin type. 

FITZPATRICK SCALE QUIZ SCORE

0-7 = Type I

8-16 = Type II

17-25 = Type III

25-30 = Type IV

Over 30 = Type V-VI