The Importance of Fitzpatrick Classification and Melanin Measurement

A scientific overview for aesthetic professionals

Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification

The Fitzpatrick system predicts skin response to UV exposure and helps determine safe treatment parameters for facials, peels, lasers, and energy-based devices.

Type	Skin Tone	Response to Sun
I	Very fair	Always burns, never tans
II	Fair	Usually burns, tans minimally
III	Medium	Sometimes burns, tans gradually
IV	Olive or light brown	Rarely burns, tans easily
V	Brown	Almost never burns, tans darkly
VI	Deeply pigmented	Never burns, deeply pigmented

Epidermal Barrier and Melanin Concentration

The epidermis acts as the body’s primary protective layer and contains melanin, the pigment that determines skin color. Higher Fitzpatrick types have greater melanin concentration, which provides natural photoprotection but also increases the risk of pigmentary changes if excessive light or heat energy is applied.

Why Objective Melanin Measurement Matters

Visual assessment alone can be subjective. A melanin index provides quantitative data for accurate skin-type classification, safer parameter selection, and more consistent results.