Tanning works differently for different skin types. These differences
can be considerable, are hereditary and cannot be changed by outside
influences. People with a very sensitive skin will burn easily
and will tan only with difficulty while the more dark skinned
individuals (skin type III & IV) will have few problems with
sunburn and will tan easily. The individual's natural ability
to produce melanin (pigmentation) determines their skin type.
Skin type is classified into the following skin groups:
TYPE I: always burns easily and severely, then
peels - never tans, very fair skin, red or blond hair & freckles
(unexposed skin is white)
TYPE II: burns easily, tans minimally or lightly
and peels, usually fair skinned (unexposed skin is white)
TYPE III: burns moderately, tans eventually
(unexposed skin is white)
TYPE IV: burns minimally, always tans well (unexposed
skin is white)
TYPE V: rarely burns, always tans readily (unexposed
skin is brown)
TYPE VI: never burns, tans profusely (unexposed
skin is black)
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