What is your skin phototype?

If you've ever wondered why some people can't seem to part with a UV filter all year round and still get sunburned while sunbathing, while others don't need such protection at all, and their skin tans with the first rays of the spring sun, and in the summer they enjoy a beautiful, dark complexion - the individual skin phototype, i.e. the innate amount of melanin, is responsible for this.

Skin phototype is probably still a somewhat mysterious and unfamiliar term for many of you. However, it's worth familiarizing yourself with this concept, as it can help us determine our skin's ability to tan and its potential reaction to ultraviolet rays. A given phototype is determined by the amount of melanin present in the skin, the pigment responsible for tanning. Melanin is also present in the hair and irises of the eyes, so your skin type itself can indicate your skin phototype. Knowledge of skin phototypes is useful, for example, in determining the length and frequency of tanning sessions in a tanning bed. To correctly determine your phototype, you must consider your hair and eye color, and above all, your skin type, its tendency to burn, and its natural protection from radiation.

So what skin phototypes can we distinguish? And what exactly does each entail?

What is skin phototype?

A skin phototype is a numerical classification scheme for human skin color. According to the classification proposed in 1975 by American dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, humans can be divided into six skin types (so-called phototypes), depending on their skin's response to ultraviolet radiation.

Skin phototype, i.e. complexion types!

As we've written before, some of us need to constantly use sunscreen, while others don't need such protection at all and don't have to worry about sunburn, instead enjoying a beautiful, golden tan. This is thanks to the melanin in our bodies.

Melanin , a skin pigment also found in the choroid of the eye and in hair, is responsible for skin color changes when exposed to sunlight. Although we may not fully realize it, a tan on our skin serves primarily a defensive function and is an individual response to the possibility of deep sunburn. The amount of melanin in the skin therefore determines our ability to tan and our risk of sunburn.

Types of skin phototypes

Phototype I (Celtic):

• complexion – very fair, milky white, often covered with freckles;
• hair – very light or light blond, red;
• eyes – light blue, light grey, light green;
• tanned skin color – no tan;
• natural skin protection against UV rays – very low;
• tendency to burns – very high;
• reaction to sunlight – people with this phototype are prone to sunburn and should not stay in strongly sunny places for too long or use solariums.

Phototype II (Northern European):

• complexion – fair, may have freckles;
• hair – light to dark blond;
• eyes – blue, grey, green;
• tanned skin color – slight browning of the skin;
• natural skin protection against UV rays: low;
• tendency to burn: high;
• reaction to sunlight – it takes longer to get a tan; too frequent or long exposure of the skin to radiation may cause burns.

Phototype III (Central European):

• complexion – fair complexion (or slightly dark), possible redness/pinkness;
• hair – dark blonde, light brown;
• eyes – green, brown, grey, dark blue;
• tanned skin color: light brown;
• natural skin protection against UV rays: moderate;
• tendency to burn: medium;
• reaction to sunlight – the skin tans relatively easily.

Phototype IV (Southern European):

• complexion – lightly or heavily dark;
• hair – brown or dark brown;
• eyes – dark green, hazel, brown;
• tanned skin color: brown;
• natural skin protection against UV rays: moderate;
• tendency to burn: medium;
• reaction to sunlight – the skin tans easily and quickly; the tan lasts for a long time.

Phototype V (characteristic of the yellow race):

• complexion – dark, light brown
• hair – dark brown, black;
• eyes – hazel, black;
• tanned skin color: brown
• natural skin protection against UV rays: high;
• tendency to burn: low;
• reaction to sunlight – the skin tans very easily, almost never burns; it is permanently tinted a darker shade.

Phototype VI (characteristic of the black race):

• complexion – dark brown, black;
• hair – dark brown, black;
• eyes – hazel, black;
• tanned skin color: very dark tan;
• natural skin protection against UV rays: high;
• tendency to burn: low;
• reaction to sunlight – the skin is naturally dark in color, tans very strongly, but does not burn.

Length of sessions depending on skin phototype

If you belong to the first phototype, we recommend choosing a device with lamps with a 0.3 standard. Other lamps, such as bronzing lamps, are suitable only for more advanced users. The 0.3 standard can convince even those who were concerned about the potential negative effects of tanning to try a tanning bed. However, remember that the firsttanning session in a tanning bed (read what you should know about your first visit HERE ) should not exceed 5 to 8 minutes. During your next visit, you can decide to extend the tanning time. Remember, however, that tanning time should not exceed 15 minutes, and the breaks between tanning sessions should be at least 48 hours. The lighter your complexion, the longer the intervals should be.

 

These tips will definitely make it easier to determine your skin phototype. Check your complexion, hair color, eye color, skin tone after sunbathing, and your tendency to burn. Determining your skin phototype is very helpful in determining how long you should spend tanning to achieve results you're satisfied with, but most importantly, it will help protect you from sunburn. However, regardless of your skin type, don't forget to protect yourself while tanning. Remember that exposing your skin to sunlight, for example, from tanning lamps, and not using appropriate cosmetics, can seriously damage your skin. You can over-dry it, causing premature aging. Always use a professional tanning product before tanning in a tanning bed to prevent damage. ONYX cosmetics will help you achieve this. They will deepen your tan, provide your skin with delightful nourishment and protection from harmful factors, while certain ingredients soothe, moisturize, and ensure faster regeneration. The scents of our products alone will captivate your senses and leave you wanting even more! We offer a wide selection of special tanning cosmetics, from white bronzers to black bronzers, accelerators, bronzing accelerators, and even tingle-effect balms.

Which cosmetics are suitable for which skin phototype?

For people with lighter skin, white bronzers or accelerators will work well:

1. Mega Bronzer is a bronzer with double the tan-enhancing power for a spectacular effect. A combination of shea butter, sweet almond oil, and green tea leaf extract helps keep skin soft and nourished, while caffeine improves microcirculation, helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Copper and aloe extract soothe irritation, ensuring a youthful and healthy-looking complexion.
2. No. 5 Black , enriched with the TRUbronze™ complex and monk pepper, supports the process of achieving a beautiful, deep, dark tan. Hemp oil, aloe vera, and soybean oil restore proper moisture levels and maintain wonderfully soft skin, while a vitamin boost (vitamins A, E, C, and B3) provides the skin with delightful nourishment and protection from harmful factors. Panthenol also soothes the skin and promotes its faster regeneration.

For those who have a fairly dark tan and want to enhance it without using tingle effect cosmetics:

1. TATTOO is a revolutionarytanning product for those who desire a dark tan while protecting their tattoos. Thanks to a combination of bronzers and accelerators, the resulting color is deep, and the tan is visible in a short time. Furthermore, the innovative Ink Care formula, combining valuable oils and fruit extracts, naturally protects tattoos from fading. For optimal hydration and smoothness, TATTOO is enriched with extracts from five fruits: peach, melon, pomegranate, grape, and avocado. Additionally, aloe vera and jasmine extract support skin nourishment, while algae improve elasticity and smoothness.
2. No. 5 Dark Night is an intensive bronzing accelerator enriched with the Dark'n'Night complex, allowing you to easily achieve a dark tan. Evening primrose oil and hyaluronic acid maintain optimal hydration, while a combination of green tea extract and caffeine helps combat cellulite. A blend of evening primrose, raspberry seed, and cranberry seed oils leaves skin soft and smooth, while vitamin A protects against signs of aging.

For people with a dark skin phototype, cosmetics with a tingle effect will definitely work:

1. Very Sexy Legs is a powerful bronzer with a stimulating, warming tingle effect that enhances tanning, even on difficult-to-tan areas. The soothing properties of shea butter and panthenol help reduce irritation, while green tea extract helps combat cellulite. Mango extract, rich in vitamins, soothes the skin, leaving it soft and silky smooth.
2. V8 is an intense bronzer that, thanks to its tingle effect, helps achieve a dark, deep tan in a short time. The combination of aloe extract, shea butter, and jojoba oil, thanks to its high content of skin-conditioning ingredients, promotes vitality and a youthful appearance. Additionally, mango extract helps maintain proper skin hydration, while green tea extract firms the skin.

Be sure to let us know your skin phototype in the comments!