Find your phototype

Different people are at different risk for sun damage. The term "sun capital" refers to all of the skin's natural defenses against sun damage, which are predetermined in childhood. Sun capital is non-renewable quality and unique to each individual.

The skin's natural defenses are determined by personal characteristics such as skin tone, eye colour and hair colour. In general, people with fair skin, eyes and hair are more likely to react to the effects of the sun. Experts developed the Fitzpatrick Scale, which classifies human skin colour into 6 major phototypes based on how each type responds to the sun:

  • Phototype 1 people are usually pale or fair-skinned. They may have red hair, freckles all over their body, and blue/green eyes. Phototype 1 people always get sunburns very easily, but do not tan.
  • Phototype 2 people may have white skin and blue eyes. Phototype 2 people get sunburns easily, but less frequently than those with Phototype 1.
  • Phototype 3 people can have darker white skin with brown hair and brown eyes. They tan after an initial burn.
  • Phototype 4 people may have light brown skin, dark hair, and dark eyes. They may burn a little, but tan easily.
  • Phototype 5 people can have moderately brown skin with dark eyes and dark hair. They rarely burn and easily tan to a darker colour.  
  • Phototype 6 people may have dark brown or black skin with dark eyes and dark hair. They never burn, and always tan to a darker colour.

While you can't change your phototype, you can take steps to help minimize sun damage. There is enough ultraviolet radiation in sunlight to damage your skin and eyes, even when the ozone layer is normal. With the gradual thinning of the ozone layer caused by industrial substances such as chlorofluorocarbons, people are now at greater risk for sun damage. Even more worrisome is that most people are not taking the proper precautions. One survey showed that while most Canadians know when and how they should protect themselves from the sun, only about half of them actually do so.

Certain medications can make people more sensitive to the sun. For example, thiazide water pills, tetracycline antibiotics, birth control pills and some acne medications can cause photosensitivity reactions. Ask your pharmacist or doctor whether you are taking any medications that are making you sun-sensitive.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Sun-Safe-Skin