What's Your Skin Type?
Getting a great tan requires some preparation. You have to know which skin type you are, from which you can decide what tanning bed and what amount of time is ideal for you.
Below you can find out what makes each skin type different, including some recommendations for the perfect tan.
- Skin Type I - Very Sensitive to Sunlight
- Skin Type II - Slightly Sensitive to Sunlight
- Skin Type III - Normal Sensitivity to Sunlight
- Skin Type IV - Above Average Tolerance to Sunlight
- Skin Type V - Darker Skin - Very Tolerant to Sunlight
- Skin Type VI - Very Dark Skin - Extremely Tolerant to Sunlight
Very Sensitive to Sunlight - Always burns and never tans
If you're a Skin Type I, then you are very likely only burn or freckle. Trying to tan as a Skin Type I will typically lead to a red skin color rather than a darker fleshtone.
Recommendations: Try using sunless tanners on a light to medium setting. If you still burn, try conditioning your skin with half sunless tanner and half skin lotion to achieve a delicate effect. Suncreen products of SPF 20 to 30 are recommended for this skin type.
Sensitive to Sunlight - Burns easily but can achieve minimal tan
A Skin Type II can achieve a tan, but can also burn very easliy.
Recommendations:Be careful when tanning by starting light and working your way up to drarker settings until you are comfortable. Sunless tanners are your best bet when compared to the sun. Sunscreen products of SPF 12 to 20 are recommended.
Normal Sensititivy to Sunlight - Can burn but will also gradually tan to light brown
A Skin Type III can tan to a light brown shade through gradual tanning, whether you use the sun or tanning beds. Unless you jump right into tanning without protection, chances of burning are minimal.
Recommendations: You will not be able to acheive a darker color with sunless tanners, so use a tanning bed or the sun to get good, natural results. Sunscreen products of SPF 8 to 12 are recommended.
Skin Tolerant to Sunlight - Miminal burning and will tan to a moderate brown
If you're a Skin Type IV then you will tan most of the time with little burning. This Skin Type will yield a moderate brown shade after gradual tanning.
Recommendations:Although burning is minial, sunscreen products of SPF 4 to 8 are recommended.
Skin Very Tolerant to Sunlight - Burning rare and gradually tan to dark brown
A Skin Type V will have brown skin with a high tolerance for sunlight. You will tan to a dark brown over time with almost no risk to burning.
Recommendations: Sunscreen products of SPF 2 to 4 are recommended.
Extremely Tolerant to Sunlight - Black skin. No burning.
All Skin Type VI are resistant to burning, but long exposure can cause peeling and taut skin.
Recommendations: To prevent aging and discoloration, sunscreen products of SPF 2 to 4 are recommended.
Want to take the Skin Type Analysis Test? Click Here