Skin phototypes - a guide for tanning salon workers
Whether the skin is naturally light or dark is determined by the amount of the natural pigment, melanin. If there is more melanin, the skin is dark; if there is less, it is light. On this basis, six basic skin phototypes have been classified. It is essential for tanning salon staff to know these, so that we can provide our customers with a customised and safe tan. At the end of the article, we have included supporting material for you.
You will find out
- how skin phototypes are classified
- how to adjust the length of your tanning session to suit your skin phototype
- how to match lotions to your skin phototype
Skin phototype is nothing more than a numerical classification scheme for the colour of human skin. According to the classification proposed by the American dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, six skin types can be distinguished, depending on the skin's reaction to UV radiation.
Below is the most common classification of skin phototypes.
6 standard skin phototypes
Phototype I
Diagnosis:
- complexion: white / ivory
- hair: red / very light blonde
- eyes: light blue / green / light gray
- freckles: a lot
Sunbathing: No skin pigmentation. Even a short exposure to the sun causes burns and irritation.
Recommendations: Avoid contact with the sun and sunbathing in a salon.
Cosmetics: Long-term and regular use of cosmetics containing ingredients that stimulate the natural process of melanogenesis may slightly darken the skin without the need for exposure to UV radiation. Specialist lotions can be purchased from reputable tanning salons.
Phototype II
Diagnosis:
- complexion: fair
- hair: light blonde / dark blonde
- eyes: blue / gray / green
- freckles: possible occurrence
Sunbathing: Possible, but with caution. Too long of a session can cause redness and burns. A tan takes a long time to appear.
Recommendations: Frequent but short tanning sessions. In the salon it is worth asking about a device equipped with less powerful lamps.
Cosmetics:People with this phototype are recommended to use more bronzers of light or plain mass colour. Gradual colour building allows you to fully control the shade of your tan.
Phototype III
Diagnosis:
- skin: olive
- hair: dark blonde / brown
- eyes: hazel / gray / blue
- freckles: rare
Sunbathing:The skin reacts well to small doses of UV radiation - they cause pigmentation and browning of the skin.
Recommendations: Tanning possible without any major restrictions. Beware of longer sessions in devices equipped with high-power lamps.
Cosmetics: All 7suns sun care products. For those who want to exceed their natural tanning limit, we recommend tingles that deepen browning. They stimulate microcirculation, making tanning more effective.
Phototype IV
Diagnosis:
- skin: light brown
- hair: brown / dark
- eyes: hazel
Sunbathing: A short exposure to UV rays causes pigmentation and severe browning of the skin. High resistance to sunburn.
Recommendations: A short exposure to UV rays causes pigmentation and severe browning of the skin. High resistance to sunburn.
Cosmetics: Regardless of the length of tanning, we recommend using specialised lotions containing caring ingredients, preferably with dark masses.
Phototype V
Diagnosis:
- complexion: brown
- hair: black
- eyes: hazel
Sunbathing: The skin has a low probability of burning. It tans very quickly and easily.
Phototype VI
Diagnosis:
- complexion: dark brown / black
- hair: black
- eyes: hazel
Sunbathing: The skin of this phototype is least likely to burn.
How do I adjust the length of the session according to my skin phototype?
The length of your tanning session should be adjusted according to your skin phototype. People with lighter skin should choose devices equipped with lower power lamps. It's also important to remember that the first session should be shorter, and that the interval between tanning sessions should be at least 48 hours (the lighter the skin, the longer the interval), But no one should be tanning within 24 hours of their previous session.
How do I choose a lotion according to my skin phototype?
Without a doubt, anyone who is exposed to UV radiation should use tanning cosmetics according to their skin phototype.
Accelerators work perfectly for people with lighter complexions i.e. phototype I and II, phototype II is also recommended the use of gentle bronzers.
Suggestion:
- Aloha - bronzer 100x
- Supreme - dark bronzer 100x
- 97organic Bronzer - immediate bronzer 200x
- Tan Idol - advanced bronzer 200x
- Tan&Glory - advanced bronzer 200x
- Stardust - instant glowing bronzer 350x
People with darker skin (phototype III) - For this group who are susceptible to radiation.
Suggestion:
- Supreme - dark bronzer 100x
- Jet Black - dark bronzer 120x
- so... HOT! - bronzer with tingle effect 200x
- Tan Delight - tanning accelerator 100x
- Prom Queen - ultra dark bronzer 200x
- Stardust - instant glowing bronzer 350x
- Ruby Red - tanning accelerator with tingle effect 300x
People with dark skin (phototype) - for this group who are susceptible to radiation and tan very quickly.
Suggestion:
- Paradiso - white bronzer 300x
- American Glamour - advanced bronzer 300x
- Gold&Glow - dry tanning oil fintensifier 300x
This article was created in cooperation with 7suns Cosmetics.