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Home > Health Library > Sunburn: Skin Types
Your skin type affects how easily you sunburn. But sun protection measures should be used for babies, small children, and older adults no matter what their skin type. Their skin is very sensitive to sunburn.
Type I
Red hair, freckles (extremely sensitive)
You sunburn easily and are not likely to tan.
Type II
Fair skin, blue eyes (very sensitive)
You usually sunburn easily and tan a little.
Type III
Most whites (sensitive)
You sunburn sometimes and tan slowly.
Type IV
Mediterranean, Hispanic, Asian (moderately sensitive)
You sunburn a little and usually tan well.
Type V
Middle Eastern, Latino, Indian, light-skinned blacks (minimally sensitive)
You rarely sunburn, and you tan deeply.
Type VI
Dark-skinned blacks (not sensitive)
You almost never sunburn.
Current as of: June 26, 2019
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency MedicineAdam Husney, MD - Family MedicineKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
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Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
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