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While it's important for everyone to protect themselves when they head outdoors, some people are naturally more vulnerable. You can tell how sensitive your skin is to UV rays by knowing your skin type. The chart below will you help you figure out yours.
| |
characteristics |
sunburn? |
tan? |
 |
pale white skinlight eyesblonde or red hair |
always |
never |
 |
fair skinlight eyesblonde or light brown hair |
usually |
sometimes |
 |
olive or dark white skinmedium or dark eyesdark hair |
seldom |
usually |
 |
light brown skindark eyesdark hair |
minimally |
easily |
 |
brown skindark eyesdark or black hair |
rarely |
easily and darkly |
 |
dark brown skindark eyesblack hair |
never |
always and darkly |
What This Means
The higher your skin type number is, the less susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer you are. This is because darker skin contains more melanin, which provides protection from the sun.
People with skin types I and II need to be especially careful about limiting sun exposure and using sunblock with a higher SPF. However, even people with skin types IV, V, or VI still need to wear sunblock, because no one is 100% immune from sunburn or skin cancer.