Identify and protect your skin type

Everyone's skin is different and reacts differently to the sun. By knowing how sensitive you are to burning and invisible skin damage from UV radiation, you will be able to take better precautions to protect your skin. The skin types below are based on the Fitzpatrick scale.¹

What’s my skin type?

Match your skin to the colour that best resembles your own. Use an area of skin that has been less exposed to the sun.

Type 1: Always burns easily, extremely sun sensitive

Type 2: Always burns easily, very sun sensitive

People with skin types 1 and 2 are at high risk of skin cancer so make sure to be vigilant about protecting your skin. For these skin types, sun protection is needed routinely. If this applies to you, ensure you are protecting your skin when the UV index is 3 or above by protecting your skin in the five ways. Know your skin and check your skin regularly.

Seek advice from your GP on Vitamin D needs. Recent evidence about the risks and benefits of sun exposure advises that people with skin type 1 or 2 not to expose their skin to the sun for the purpose of maintaining Vitamin D levels.

Type 3: Sometimes burns, minimally sun sensitive

Type 4: Burns minimally,  minimally sun sensitive

Skin types 3 and 4 can become darker with sun exposure. This is your skin’s way of signalling UV damage which can lead to skin cancer. Protect your skin routinely in five ways when the UV index is 3 and above. Know your skin and examine your skin regularly for changes of concern and report to your GP.

Type 5: Rarely burns, skin not sensitive to sun

Type 6: Never burns, deeply pigmented, skin not sensitive to sun

Skin types 5 and 6 are more deeply pigmented so provide more protection against UV radiation from the sun than other skin types, but skin cancers can still occur in people with very dark skin. Skin protection may be advised when outside for extended periods (2 hours or more) when the UV index is above 3. Your eyes are vulnerable to damage from UV radiation, so wear a hat and sunglasses and avoid excessive exposure.

Check with your doctor to ensure you have sufficient Vitamin D levels. Know your skin and check your own skin regularly.

More resources on how to identify and protect your skin type

How to protect your skin in 5 ways

Know the 5 simple ways to protect your skin from UV radiation from the sun

How to check your skin

It is important that you know your skin and notice changes. Skin cancers are not normally painful so it is important that you recognise changes. Look for changes to freckles and moles and any new spots that may be concerning.

For more details on how to check your skin and recognise concerns please see: Check for signs of skin cancer | Cancer Council

Know the UV Index

Get in the habit of checking the UV index every day. You can receive personalised daily UV alerts on your phone by downloading Cancer Council’s free SunSmart app.