Skin color is determined by the amount of the brown pigment, melanin, in our skin. Fitzpatrick classified skin color into six types. These gradations rate the amount of melanin pigment in a person's skin, i.e. the higher the skin type, the more melanin that is present. Higher skin types are found in equatorial regions, whereas lower skin types are found at higher latitudes. This is believed to be an adaptation that allows maximal ultraviolet energy protection where the sun's rays are the strongest, since melanin pigment absorbs ultraviolet energy and renders it harmless. Otherwise, inhabitants of equatorial regions would be prone to skin cancer. At higher latitudes, where ultraviolet light is less intense, evolutionary decreases in melanin pigment have occurred to allow for vitamin D conversion by the limited ultraviolet exposure.
Type I is very fair, usually of Scandinavian descent, with reddish or blonde hair color, green or blue eye color, and many times such a person is freckled. This type has very little melanin pigment in their skin, and is most susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.
Type II is of northern European descent, fair with blonde or brown hair, blue or brown eye color. These individuals usually initially sunburn but may develop a tan with frequent short exposures. They are also very susceptible to the development of skin cancer.
Type III skin is found in people of southern European, Mediterranean, or Native American ancestry. Their skin is uniformly tan without freckling and they have dark hair and eye color. Persons with Type III may rarely sunburn and they can develop skin cancers.
Type IV individuals are from Asian ancestry and have a uniform tan skin color with dark hair and eye color. Sunburns and skin cancers can occur with this skin type also.
Type V skin is seen in light skinned Africans with dark hair and eye color. Sunburn may occur with intense sun exposure. Skin cancers are rare in this type.
Type VI individuals of African descent have very black skin and dark hair and eye color. Sunburns do not occur in this skin type and skin cancers are extremely rare.
