One should have sufficient knowledge about skin type to take the right decision about proper skin treatment that suits one’s particular needs. The initial skin type is determined genetically. Skin types are classified based on the reaction of UV radiations on the skin. Different people are differently susceptible to sun induced skin damage. There are mainly six skin types.

Type I: This type of skin always burns and never tans. This skin type is highly susceptible to skin cancer. People with pale, fair or freckled skin have this skin type.

Type II: This type of skin usually burns and sometimes tans. People with fair skin have this type of skin.

Type III: This type of skin may burn and usually tan. People with light brown skin have this type of skin.

Type IV: This type of skin rarely burns and always tans. People with olive brown skin have this type of skin.

Type V: This type of skin has moderate constitutional pigmentation. People with brown skin have this type of skin.

Type VI: This type of skin has marked constitutional pigmentation. People with black skin have this type of skin.

The effect of UV radiations on human skin decreases with increase in skin color tone. People with fair complexion are more sensitive to UV radiations than people with darker complexion. Many people think that vitiligo is a cancer but that’s not true. Vitiligo cancer does not exist and vitiligo is not a precancerous condition. People who have vitiligo should try to take precautions before going under sun due to lack of pigmentation.