Fitzpatrick Skin Type Calculator

Skin type assessment is a systematic evaluation of how your skin behaves — particularly how oily or dry it becomes throughout the day, how it reacts to products, and its sensitivity level. The Fitzpatrick Scale and the Baumann Skin Type System are the two main clinical frameworks.

Fitzpatrick Scale (sun reactivity): The Fitzpatrick Scale classifies skin into 6 phototypes based on response to UV exposure:

• Type I: Always burns, never tans (very fair, freckles, red/blonde hair)
• Type II: Usually burns, rarely tans (fair, blue/green eyes)
• Type III: Sometimes burns, gradually tans (medium, any eye color)
• Type IV: Rarely burns, always tans (olive/medium brown)
• Type V: Very rarely burns, tans darkly (brown)
• Type VI: Never burns, deeply pigmented (dark brown/black)

Fitzpatrick score formula: Score = Genetic Disposition Score + Reaction to Sun Score Each component uses a 5-question survey with 0–4 point answers; total score maps to phototype.

Baumann Skin Types (16 types based on 4 parameters):

1. O/D: Oily vs. Dry
2. S/R: Sensitive vs. Resistant
3. P/N: Pigmented vs. Non-pigmented
4. W/T: Wrinkle-prone vs. Tight (aging tendency)

Sebum production estimate: Skin is typed by T-zone oil production measured with sebumeter:

• Dry: < 100 μg/cm²
• Normal: 100–200 μg/cm²
• Oily: > 200 μg/cm² (some define > 300 as very oily)

What each variable means:

• T-zone: forehead, nose, chin; most sebaceous glands are here; skin type here may differ from cheeks
• Sensitivity: measured by skin reactivity to known irritants; a sensitive skin type reacts to most skincare ingredients including fragrance, alcohol, retinoids, AHAs
• TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss): the rate water evaporates through skin; high TEWL = compromised barrier; lower with moisturizers and ceramides
• Fitzpatrick type and SPF: Type I needs SPF 50+; Type V–VI need SPF 30+ minimum (melanin provides some natural protection but not enough against UV damage and cancer risk)

Reference: recommended skincare by type:

• Oily skin: Gel cleansers, salicylic acid (BHA), niacinamide, oil-free moisturizer
• Dry skin: Cream cleansers, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, occlusives (shea butter, petrolatum)
• Combination: Zone-specific treatment; lightweight gel on T-zone, cream on cheeks
• Sensitive: Fragrance-free, minimal ingredients, patch test always; look for centella asiatica, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin

Worked example: Assessment: T-zone is shiny by midday, cheeks feel normal-to-dry. Redness after most serums. Some dark spots from past breakouts. Age 32 — early fine lines beginning.

• Baumann Type: OSPW: Oily, Sensitive, Pigmented, Wrinkle-prone
• Recommended routine: Gentle cleanser, niacinamide serum (reduces oil + fades pigmentation), SPF 50+ daily (prevents further pigmentation), low-strength retinol at night (starts anti-aging while manageable for sensitive skin), fragrance-free moisturizer