Pigmentation & Fitzpatrick Scale

Eumelanin

Brown/black pigment providing UV protection

Pheomelanin

Red/yellow pigment contributing to hair and skin color

Hyperpigmentation

Excess melanin causing dark spots

Hypopigmentation

Lack of melanin causing light patches

Freckles

Small concentrated areas of hyperpigmentation due to sun exposure

Sunspots

Darkened patches caused by UV exposure over time

Melasma

Patchy brown discoloration often from hormones or sun

Fitzpatrick type I

Very fair skin, always burns, never tans

Fitzpatrick type II

Fair skin, burns easily, tans minimally

Fitzpatrick type III

Medium skin, sometimes burns, gradually tans

Fitzpatrick type IV

Olive skin, rarely burns, tans well

Fitzpatrick type V

Brown skin, very rarely burns, tans easily

Fitzpatrick type VI

Dark brown or black skin, never burns, tans easily

Skin analysis for pigmentation

Observing color, tone, and sun damage

Treatment considerations

Use appropriate products and SPF based on skin type