6 Complexion Types and How to Keep Them Glowing
Published July 3, 2023
Everyone’s complexion is different depending on their skin type and tone. Though society views beauty as having fair complexions, every type of complexion is normal and beautiful. Every person’s complexion varies on their genes and the melanin produced by their body.
Melanin is a skin pigment that protects our skin from possible damage. The more melatonin a person has, the darker the person’s hair, eyes, and skin are. This article will be beneficial for people who are still confused with what complexion type they have and how they should take care of it.
The Fitzpatrick Scale
The Fitzpatrick Scale classifies a variety of human skin complexions. It was developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick in 1975 but is still widely used up until now. This scale differentiates complexion types based on the amount of pigment and how sensitive skin reacts to sun exposure. These are the classifications of different types of complexions based on the Fitzpatrick Scale:
- Type 1 – Very Fair
- Type 2 – Fair
- Type 3 – Medium
- Type 4 – Olive
- Type 5 – Brown
- Type 6 – Black
The 6 Complexion Types
We can easily determine your complexion type with your skin color and its reaction to sun exposure. Our parent’s genes are one of the most prominent things that can affect skin tones. These are the 6 different complexion types according to the Fitzpatrick Scale:
Type 1 – Very Fair/Ivory
Type 1 is a light skin type that is also known as ivory. This type of skin is highly sensitive to sun exposure. People with ivory skin tend to be more prone to sunburns. Additionally, their skin usually gets red every time they are exposed to sunlight. People with Type 1 skin type have very fair skin that doesn’t tan because they have less melanin. The melanin pigment of people with this skin type causes them to have pale white skin, blue or green eyes, and blond or red hair.
Type 2 – Fair
Type 2 skin type is a fair skin type that is a little darker than ivory skin. People with this type of skin tans rarely due to the amount of melanin they have. Also, they experience burns and peels often when exposed to the sun but not as much as Type 1 skin type. Lastly, this skin type is usually seen in people with pale skin, freckles, blue/gray/green eyes, or blond hair.
Type 3 – Medium
Type 3 is a medium skin type. It is not too light but not too dark as well. Their skin color is usually fair to beige but with golden undertones. People with this skin type occasionally get sunburnt after sun exposure. The melanin in their body causes Type 3 people to have hazel or light brown eyes and light brown or dark blond hair color. They sometimes have freckles and can tan mildly.
Type 4 – Olive
Type 4 is a complexion type that features people with olive or light brown skin color. This complexion type can tan easily but rarely get burn damage with sun exposure. People with olive skins usually have dark brown eyes and hair but rarely have freckles.
Type 5 – Brown
Type 5 is considered a brown or dark brown skin type. This skin type always tans with sun exposure but rarely gets sunburns. This is because the melanin amount that their melanocytes produce helps them with sun damage. Moreover, people with this type of complexion rarely have freckles but usually have dark eyes and hair.
Type 6 – Black
Type 6 is the complexion type that has a black skin color. This is because the amount of melanin in their body protects their skin, causing them to get sunburnt or have freckles hardly. However, they also tan immediately with sun exposure because of their melatonin levels. People with type 6 skin type have dark skin, eyes, and hair.
Tips for Protecting Skin Complexion Types
To keep your skin glowing, you must protect them accordingly. Here’s how you can protect your skin depending on your complexion type:
Types 1-2 (Very fair and fair complexion)
Type 1-2 complexions are the most prone to sun damage, leading to melanoma or any skin-related diseases. You can reduce the risk of sun damage with the following tips below:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher even at home.
- Use UV protection sunglasses.
- Wear clothes with sun protection with at least UPF 30 or higher. Hats can also help protect your face from sun exposure.
- Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible, and always seek shade when you are outside.
- Check your skin for any discolorations or patches monthly.
- Have skin check-ups with your doctor every year.
- Explore sunless tanning options like lotions or sprays.
- Be gentle with exfoliation. Use mild chemical exfoliant or soft physical exfoliator.
- Opt for a gentle cleanser.
- Combat redness with products that have calming ingredients.
Types 3-6 (Medium, olive, brown, black complexion)
People with Types 3-6 have a much lower chance of having skin diseases than Types 1-2. However, everyone must be mindful of taking care of their skin even if their melanin levels are high. Here are some tips you can follow to take care of your skin:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher even at home.
- Avoid direct sun exposure after 10 AM.
- Check your skin for any discolorations or patches monthly. The sign of melanoma for dark skin usually appears in areas that don’t get exposed to the sun.
- Have skin check-ups annually to make sure you don’t have any skin diseases.
- Optional: You can wear clothes or accessories with UV protection if you don’t want any sun exposure.
- Stay hydrated inside and out. Drink water and use a hydrating moisturizer for your skin,
- Introduce Vitamin C serum into your routine.
- Shield your skin against pollutants by using antioxidants like green tea, vitamin E, or resveratrol.
- Address hyperpigmentation with kojic acid, azelaic acid, or licorice extract.
- Moisturize with oils like argan o jojoba.
- Address uneven skin tone with Vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinol.
- Consider natural home remedies oi you have a type 6 skin complexion.
Top Products for Glowing Skin
1. Cleansers & Exfoliators
Cleanser is used to remove dirt, oil, and make up from your skin. Cleaning your face regularly prevents skin acne. Additionally, exfoliating your skin removes dead skin cells from your face leaving it soft and glowing.
2. Skin Vitamins
Vitamin C is also necessary for healthy skin. It is suitable for all skin types and helps to balance out uneven skin tones. Vitamin C serums are known to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentations, blemishes, and dark spots. This skin vitamin also offers antioxidant and collagen-boosting properties that make the skin glowing, brighter, and younger-looking.
3. Moisturizers
Moisturizers keep the skin hydrated and prevents it from being dry. This skincare helps your skin maintain the balance of dryness and oiliness.
4. Sunscreen
As stated above, sunscreens are essential to every skin type to prevent sun damage. They are also helpful in preventing premature aging that causes wrinkles to the face. You may think you don’t need to wear sunscreens, but you’ll surely wish you used sunscreens when you’re old and wrinkly. Using sunscreens daily can ensure that your skin will still be glowing even at an old age.
How to Detect Diseases Through The Skin
Some signs of spots on your skin may indicate an ongoing disease in your body. Here are some to take note of:
- We know that melanin makes your skin darker, but if it’s only your neck and armpit with excessive tan around it, that may be a warning sign of diabetes.
- Dark circles around the eyes may be a sign of hemoglobin deficiency.
- Dry and brittle hair may also be a sign of vitamin deficiency.
- Hormonal imbalance can also cause pimples, acne breakouts, and unnecessary hair growth.
- Dry skin could also be a sign of hypothyroid, while profuse sweating could signify hyperthyroid.
These are just one of the many skin care tips for different complexions that you should know and try. But always remember that you are beautiful no matter your skin type. Besides, healthy skin is what matters at the end of the day.
Four Seasons Laser Center offers various skin care treatments for different skin types and conditions. This includes wrinkle reduction, acne treatments, microdermabrasion, and skin rejuvenation through laser resurfacing.
Our laser hair removal system and PDO Threads Facelift are also guaranteed to give you flawlessly smooth skin without the pain! Contact us now for a free consultation.
Overall
Having either very fair or black skin and any complexion type mentioned above is not ugly and doesn’t make a person less beautiful. These things are usually said by judgemental people and view the person with just what they see outside. The right skincare products can help you boost your glow up on the outside. However, what makes a person’s complexion glow is their personality and minds.
We Are A Medical Beauty Spa In Boca Raton Florida
Four Seasons Laser Center is a highly renowned med spa in Boca Raton Florida. Our state of the art equipment is run by highly trained and experienced staff so you can rest assured that you are in good hands. We offer laser hair removal services for your whole body, PDO Threads facelift, safe and effective Plasma Fibroblast skin tightening, and other advanced medical beauty services to help you look your best. Contact us now to book a free consultation.
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About The Author
Meet Rei Bayucca, your go-to writer for thought-provoking and captivating articles. With a wealth of experience across various industries, she is passionate about educating and inspiring her readers through her well-crafted content. Get ready for a refreshing take on the topics you care about.
