What skin type do I have based on UV sensitivity?

How your skin reacts to the sun depends on your skin type. There are six different types in total. Each skin type has its own characteristics and ways to best protect it. How do you protect yourself from this wonderful source of heat, skin color, and damage to the body?

Have you ever considered your skin type based on UV sensitivity? If you're frequently exposed to the sun, it's important to know how sensitive your skin is. This also means knowing what SPF (sun protection) you need.

In general, people with fair skin and freckles burn faster than those with darker skin. They also develop a deeper tan more quickly.

How your skin reacts to the sun depends on your skin type. There are six different types in total. Each skin type has its own characteristics and ways to best protect it.

Curious about your skin type based on UV/sun sensitivity? Read on!

If you want to know what skin type you have, consider the following:

→ Does my skin ever feel sunburned, sensitive, irritated and/or itchy 24 hours after being in the sun?

→ How tanned is my skin after 7 days of sun?

Skin type classification is based on the Fitzpatrick Scale. The Fitzpatrick Scale is a classification system that categorizes skin types 1 through 6 based on skin color and reaction to sunlight (burning and tanning). Melanin (natural pigment) and the risk of skin cancer are also taken into account. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick (1919–2003) was a dermatologist and is sometimes called the "father of dermatology." See the handy infographic below for further explanation.

1. Always burns, never tans

2. Burns easily; light tanning

3. Rarely burns; tans well

4. Almost never burns; tans well

5. Almost never burns; gets a deep tan

6. Never burns and is very dark brown or black

Read the characteristics per skin type below.

These are people with red, reddish, or blond hair, fair skin, and often freckles. It's recommended to limit their exposure to sunlight as much as possible. People with skin type 1 burn very easily and should therefore be extra vigilant about sunburn, applying a high SPF (sunscreen factor 50) .

People with blond hair, fair skin, and blue, green, or gray eyes. Their skin is pale, burns easily, and tans slowly. A high sun protection factor (SPF 50) is also important for this skin type.

People with dark blond to brown hair and dark eyes. They sometimes burn and can tan quite a bit. Remember that even if you tan easily, UVA rays are just as damaging and can cause skin cancer . In other words, you still need to protect yourself from the sun. Use at least an SPF of 30.

These are people with dark hair and dark eyes. Most people around the Mediterranean region have skin type 4, also known as Mediterranean skin type. These people already have a tan, but as mentioned above, sun protection isn't just about preventing sunburn.

The classification of people with dark/yellow skin, black hair, and dark eyes. This is also called the Asian skin type.

People of African descent have this skin type: dark skin with black hair and dark eyes. They have a natural protective layer against the sun.

At Olivida , we recommend using at least SPF 30 when sunbathing, regardless of your skin type. If you burn easily, reapply after an hour. If you burn less easily, reapplying after 2-3 hours is sufficient. A high SPF is always better, so if you have skin types 1-3, always use SPF 50. The difference is simply how often you need to reapply. In other words, you'll save money too!

SPF 15 can be used in the winter months when you spend less time outside.

Harmful UV rays are also present on rainy and cloudy days. Do you use skincare products with ingredients that make your skin sensitive to UV rays, such as retinol , glycolic acid , or salicylic acid , or do you spend a lot of time outdoors ? In that case, always use SPF 30! Even in the winter months.

Want to know more about sun protection and SPF? Read the blog: All about SPF, when to use sunscreen

Convenient! A day cream with SPF sun protection. We only sell professional salon brands like Image Skincare, ALPHA-H, Mesoestetic, DermaQuest, ZUIVER, CosRX, and Medik8. Easily filter by your skin type. Have questions or need personalized advice? Open the chat, our skin specialist Lisa is happy to help. You can also take our SkinQuiz ! You'll receive free product recommendations based on your lifestyle, skin type, and needs. Results in minutes!