Sandhya V Koppula MD: Cornell Dermatology Clinic
Why Should I Know My Skin Type?
Your skin type, rated from roman numeral I to VI, is the key to how much your skin can tolerate the sun. This major factor also influences what kind of skin care or aesthetic regimens are most effective. Use the table and quiz below to get an idea of where you are on the spectrum of skin.
Credit: "Fitzpatrick Test." Photograph. Lazadarm, 2023. Accessed 02/16/2023.
Do you have a darker skin tone? (Type IV+)
Sometimes patients with darker skin worry about whether certain treatments may or may not be effective. Fear not! Dr. Koppula has been treating patients of all skin tones from various climates in her 36+ years of practicing dermatology. Darker skin treatment requires adjusted techniques and medical advice to ensure successful outcomes. Do request a visit to inquire about how we can help your skin heal well.
Want to test for your skin type? Choose the numbers below that best describes you and tally your score at the end.
What color are your eyes?
0 – Light blue, gray or green
1 – Blue, gray, or green
2 – Blue
3 – Dark Brown
4 – Brownish Black
What is the natural color of your hair?
0 – Sandy red
1 – Blonde
2 – Chestnut/ Dark Blonde
3 – Dark brown
4 – Black
What color is your skin in places where it is not exposed to the sun?
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?
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, or the area to be treated, to the sun?
1 – Never
2 – Hardly ever
3 – Sometimes
4 – Often
5 – Always
Quiz Score For Fitzpatrick Scale
0-7 = Type I
8-16 + Type II
17-25 = Type III
25-30 = Type IV
Over 30 = Type V-VI