Phototypes of human skin

It is known that some people sunbathe in the suninstantly, while others spend on the beach all day, but can not boast of a beautiful tan.

The whole thing is in the skin phototype, which is predetermined genetically and does not change even under the influence of the strongest factors.

What is a skin phototype, or photosensitivity ^

A skin photo is a measure of the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation. It depends on the amount of pigment produced in the lower layers of the epidermis - melanin.

Melanin is responsible for sunburn, the presence of moles or freckles on the skin. Skin and sunburn are closely related to each other. To better understand this relationship, it is necessary to understand how the tan is formed.

On the surface of the skin are melanocytes - the cells that fill the pigment melanin, making the shade of the skin darker. With information on photosensitivity of the skin, people can:

• protect themselves while in the sun, making contact with ultraviolet rays safe and pleasant;
• choose suitable sunscreen products;
• get a beautiful tan without burns and pigmented spots;
• determine the time of safe exposure to the sun.

Fitzpatrick skin phototypes: a table how to determine your phototype ^

To date, there are many conditional classifications that describe the characteristic signs of a certain skin type. The most convenient is the table of phototypes, developed by the American professor Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1975.

According to his theory, there are six types of photosensitivity, four of which are most often found among Europeans. Determine the type of photosensitivity of your skin can be guided by external signs.

However, if there is any doubt, you can contact a dermatologist who will perform the diagnosis, determine the skin passport, set the optimal time in direct sunlight and select the appropriate means for a safe tan.

First phototype, or Celtic

Representatives of the Celtic type have blue or light green eyes, they are usually blond or red. Their skin has a milky, sometimes porcelain color and is covered with a lot of freckles. As a result of adverse effects, as well as nervous overexertion, the skin reddens. In Scotland or Ireland, most often there are representatives of this phototype.

The most striking examples of famous people with the Celtic skin type are: Scarlet Johansson, Renee Zellweger, Nicole Kidman, Claudia Slate.

The second phototype, or light European( Nordic, Aryan, Scandinavian)

The characteristic features of the Scandinavian type of photosensitivity are gray, green or blue eyes, chestnut hair. The skin of the owners of the second phototype has a light tint, sometimes it has freckles. People with this type of skin can be found in Europe and Scandinavia.

The brightest known representatives of the Nordic phototype are Cameron Diaz, Merlin Monroe, Charlize Theron.

The third phototype, or the dark European

Representatives of this type of sensitivity to the sun always have dark skin, dark blond or light chestnut hair, their eyes are brown or gray. Bright examples of celebrities with a dark European phototype are: Natalie Portman, Angelina Jolie, Audrey Hepburn.

The fourth phototype, or the Mediterranean( southern European)

Representatives of this skin type live mainly in Latin America and Spain. For this type of photosensitivity is characterized by a dark skin with a complete lack of freckles, brown eyes and dark, almost black hair. Celebrities: Salma Hayek, Eva Longoria, Penelope Cruz, Monica Bellucci.

The fifth phototype, or Indonesian( Middle Eastern)

People with the fifth type of photosensitivity live, mainly in the countries of the East. In the sun they never burn out, because their skin is already so dusky. Virtually all people with the fifth phototype have black hair and brown eyes. Famous representatives of the middle-eastern phototype: Nicole Scasinger, Ron Caden, Lucy Lew.

Sixth phototype, or African-American

Skin with this type of photosensitivity to the sun has Africans and African Americans. Representatives of this phototype are very dark in skin tone, their hair is always black, and their eyes are dark brown.

Bright and famous owners of African-American skin type are: Naomi Cambell, Beyonce, Halle Berry.

Tanning rules for skin phototype: expert advice ^

• In representatives of the Celtic type, the skin practically does not produce melanin. For this reason, for prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays or cosmetic procedures, the skin reacts with burns, irritations, burning, redness and the appearance of blisters. Optimal residence time in direct sunlight - 5-10 minutes using sunscreen with SPF 40-60 for the face and 20-40 for the body.

• People with Nordic phototype sometimes sunbathe, but often burn. The fact is that on their sun-sensitive skin tan falls badly and slowly. With proper care and selection of funds for sunburn can achieve a bronze shade of skin. The maximum time in the sun is 10-20 minutes. It is recommended to use sunscreen with a level of protection for the face - 20-40, for the body - 10-20.

• Holders of the third type of photosensitivity should not worry about burns, since their skin is well tolerated by exposure to ultraviolet rays. They can be up to 30 minutes in the open sun, using cream with SPF for the face - 10-20, for the body - 10-15.

• To acquire a beautiful and even tan, representatives of the Mediterranean skin type can easily, since their skin tans instantly and remains swarthy for a long time. The recommended time of exposure to ultraviolet rays is 30-40 minutes. It is desirable to use sunscreen with SPF 10-20.

• Representatives of the fifth and sixth type of skin can stay in the sun for a long time and not be afraid of burns. There is no need to use sunscreen.

To keep the skin young and attractive after sunburn, experts recommend adhering to simple rules:

• does not sunbathe from 11.00 to 16.00;
• always use sunscreen;
• use a sufficient amount of water;
• to cover birthmarks from direct sunlight;
• wear hat and sunglasses.