Medical skin type consultation or sunlight consultation refers to a diagnostic procedure in the field of dermatology (skin medicine) and is used to assess the patient’s individual skin sensitivity to sunlight. The skin type (skin phototype) thus has a direct influence on the assessment of possible damage caused by exposure to sunlight, such as the development of skin cancer or the length of time spent in the sun before a burn occurs. Furthermore, the skin type is characterized by sebum production and skin moisture, so that valuable statements regarding correct skin care can be made as part of the skin type consultation.
Indication (area of application)
- Skin protection (reduction of skin aging and skin tumor risk).
Before the examination
No skin care products or makeup should be applied before the examination to avoid distorting the results.
Procedure
Skin type is measured using an optical method and is based on the detection of light reflection and absorption. In terms of sun sensitivity, the skin pigment melanin plays a crucial role. Melanin protects the skin from damage by UVB radiation. The amount of melanin determines the skin type; it is produced by melanocytes (pigment cells). Not only the amount of these cells plays a role, but also the amount of melanin produced by them. There are 6 skin types, which are classified according to Fitzpatrick on the basis of their UV sensitivity:
| Skin type (skin phototype)according to Fitzpatrick | UV sensitivity | Sunburn* | Erythema | Browning* | Recommended sun protection factor (SPF) | |
| I | Celtic type: very fair skin, reddish blond hair, freckles. | very strong | always | 10 min. | never | 10-30 |
| II | Germanic type: fair skin, blond hair | very strong | always | 10-20 min. | occasional | 10-30(initial sun protection factor min. 20) |
| III | Mixed type: moderately fair skin, dark blond/dark hair | strong | occasional | 20-30 min. | always | 8-15(initial SPF 15) |
| IV | Mediterranean type: southern with dark skin, dark hair. | Moderate | almost never* * | > 40 min. | always | 8 |
| V | Dark-skinned races: Indian, Arab | Low | never* * | – | – | – |
| VI | African: black skin | very low | – | – | – | – |
* After 30 minutes of sun exposure in summer* * After extreme sun exposure, sunburn is also possible with these skin types!
Based on the skin type determination, among other things, the sun protection factor suitable for you will be determined and you will receive information on individual sun protection.
Furthermore, we support you in the selection of suitable skin care products. The individual sebum production has a decisive influence on the selection of these products. A strong sebum production (seborrhea) is characteristic for the oily skin type, a low sebum production (sebostasis) on the other hand causes the dry skin type. If the sebum production is balanced, it is a mixed skin type. For example, oily skin care products such as water-in-oil emulsions, creams, soft pastes and oily ointments are suitable for the dry skin type. Care for the oily skin type usually consists of oil-in-water emulsions, alcoholic solutions, shake mixtures and powders.