INTRODUCTION
By examining the fitzpatrick scale and determining your skin tone, You're able to figure out how much you can tan before getting a sunburn.
BTW. If you see people tanning after a quick session at the beach, That's called Immediate Pigment Darkening. It's caused by oxidation by the old melanin in your skin. It's not new melanin being made + it's temporary.
There's eumelanin, pheomelanin, neuromelanin. The main types of melanin is eumelanin & pheomelanin. Neuromelanin is commonly found in the brain (such as the substantia nigra) and not on the skin. Eumelanin colours are brown & black meanwhile pheomelanin is yellow & red
Melanocytes are the cells found on your skin that produced melanin, ultimately making your skin darker. If a something inhibits (restrains) the melanocytes you'll be whiter. The stuff that can inhibit/supress the melanocytes are: Glutathione, Corticosteroids, T-cells, Keratinocytes (via TGF-β, TNF-α), Vitamin C, Vitamin B3 (Niacinimide).
The Fitzpatrick Scale = a 6-type classification based on melanin and sun response. Type I burns easily and doesn’t tan; Type VI never burns and is deeply pigmented.
By examining the fitzpatrick scale and determining your skin tone, You're able to figure out how much you can tan before getting a sunburn.
BTW. If you see people tanning after a quick session at the beach, That's called Immediate Pigment Darkening. It's caused by oxidation by the old melanin in your skin. It's not new melanin being made + it's temporary.
Self-tanning lotions or mousses, Spray tan, Tanning drops/serums, Bronzing powder/body makeup.
| Fitzpatrick Type | Approx. Time to Burn (without protection) | Approx. Time to Tan | Recommended SPF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | 5–10 minutes | Does not tan | SPF 50+ (very high protection) |
| Type II | 10–20 minutes | 1–2 weeks (light tan) | SPF 30–50 |
| Type III | 20–30 minutes | 3–5 days | SPF 30 |
| Type IV | 30–40 minutes | 2–4 days | SPF 20–30 |
| Type V | 45–60 minutes | 1–3 days | SPF 15–20 |
| Type VI | Rarely burns | Already deeply pigmented | SPF 15 (for UV protection and even tone) |
