The six Fitzpatrick types
Type I: very fair, always burns, never tans. Type II: fair, burns easily, tans minimally. Type III: medium, sometimes burns, tans gradually. Type IV: olive, rarely burns, tans easily. Type V: brown, very rarely burns, tans deeply. Type VI: deeply pigmented, almost never burns.
It's a UV-response scale — not a measure of race or ethnicity — and it's what dermatologists use to gauge sun sensitivity.
Why your type drives everything
Your type sets how much UV you can take, how long your sessions should be, and how much SPF you need. The same afternoon that gives a Type IV a perfect tan can give a Type II a painful burn.
Knowing your type turns "how long should I stay out?" into a real answer.
Find yours in Sunkind
Sunkind estimates your Fitzpatrick type two ways: a quick quiz about how your skin reacts to the sun, or an optional AI skin scan. Either way, it's an estimate for personalization — not a medical diagnosis.
From there, every tan window, session length, and reminder is tuned to your skin.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Fitzpatrick skin type?
It's a 6-point scale (I–VI) describing how your skin responds to the sun — from always burns/never tans (I) to deeply pigmented/almost never burns (VI). It's used to gauge sun sensitivity.
How do I find my Fitzpatrick skin type?
Answer a few questions about how your skin reacts to sun, or use Sunkind's optional AI skin scan. Sunkind estimates your type and personalizes your tan plan around it.
Is the Fitzpatrick scale about race?
No. It classifies how skin responds to UV (burning and tanning), not race or ethnicity.