Know your skin phototype and choose the best sun protection for you
Have you ever wondered why some people tan easily while others burn after just a few minutes in the sun? The answer lies in your skin phototype , a key factor in understanding how your skin reacts to sun exposure and what type of sun protection you need.
What is skin phototype?
Skin phototype classifies skin based on its natural melanin content and how it responds to the sun. The dermatological scale includes six phototypes, from I (very fair) to VI (very pigmented). Knowing your phototype allows you to prevent sunburn , premature aging , and UV damage .
Phototype classification: which one is yours?
- Phototype I : Very fair skin, red or blond hair, blue or green eyes. Always burns, never tans.
- Phototype II : Fair skin, blond hair, light eyes. Burns easily, tans very little.
- Phototype III : Fair to medium skin, light brown hair, hazel or brown eyes. Sometimes burns, tans gradually.
- Phototype IV : Olive skin, brown eyes, dark hair. Burns minimally and tans easily.
- Phototype V : Dark brown skin, dark eyes and hair. Rarely burns, tans quickly.
- Phototype VI : Highly pigmented skin, very dark eyes and hair. Almost never burns, tans intensely.
Why is it important to know your phototype?
Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen, but it's not enough on its own. Lighter skin tones have less melanin and are more prone to sunburn. However, all skin types can suffer sun damage , even if they don't burn easily. That's why sun protection is essential for everyone .
How easily do you burn, depending on your skin type?
- Phototypes I and II : burn with minimal sun exposure.
- Phototypes III and IV : have greater tolerance, but should be protected especially during peak hours.
- Phototypes V and VI : they burn less, but can also suffer cumulative damage and photoaging .
Sun protection recommendations according to your phototype
- Skin types I and II : Use SPF 50+ sunscreen every day. Complement with UPF 50+ sun protection clothing , wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Phototypes III and IV : Apply SPF 30–50 sunscreen. Reapply every 2 hours and wear UV-protective clothing during outdoor activities.
- Phototypes V and VI : Use SPF 30 minimum sunscreen and protect your skin with sun-protective clothing to prevent long-term damage.
Protect your skin with Badawii
At Badawii Beachwear, we design swimwear with UPF50+ sun protection that blocks up to 98% of UV rays. Our collection includes sun-protective T-shirts and swimsuits for babies, children, and adults, as well as beach accessories for the whole family.
Know your skin, for your health
Your phototype is a useful guide to understanding how your skin reacts to the sun, but sun protection should be part of your daily routine, regardless of your skin tone. Taking care of yourself today is investing in your well-being tomorrow.
A practical, effective and convenient way to do this is by using clothing with sun protection.
At Badawii we design swimsuits with UPF50+ certification that block more than 98% of UVA and UVB rays, without the need to apply cream to the covered areas.
Protect your skin (and your family's) from the first minute under the sun.
