Before tanning (indoors or outdoors), it is important to understand your skin type to minimize the likelihood of sunburn. The questions below act as a tool in estimating how long you should tan, though ultimately education and experience are the best guides. There are six different classifications used by dermatologists ranging from Skin Type 1 (almost never tan) to Skin Type 6 (naturally dark skin that seems to tan endlessly). When you come into tan, ask any of our staff for more information.
Score of 0-3
Skin Type 1 — Unable to tan. Your skin type suggests you tan little or not at all; always burn easily and severely then peel. Generally, your skin type is unable to tan. If you are in this group, it is suggested you do NOT tan since you may get little or no benefit and are in the highest risk category for prolonged skin damage, including skin cancer. For this skin type, sunscreen should always be used when exposed to the sun (or UVR). Visit us today for a complete line of SPF’s or for further suggestions.
Score of 4-7
Skin Type 2A — Extremely low tolerance to the sun. Usually burns easily and severely (painful burn) after less than 20 minutes in the mid-day summer sun; tans minimally and lightly; also peels. If you are in this group, you may find it very difficult to tan requiring 4 or more visits before noticing a change, and should do so only with extreme caution if at all since you are in a high-risk category for prolonged skin damage, including skin cancer. Sunscreen should always be used when in an uncontrolled environment, such as outdoors. Visit us today for a complete line of SPF’s or for further suggestions.
Score of 8-14
Skin Type 2B — Very low tolerance to UVR. You often burn easily and severely (painful burn) after less than 30 minutes in mid-day summer sun or only tan minimally and lightly followed by frequent peeling. If you are in this group, you might find you tan lightly, but may also find it difficult to achieve even average results. Extra caution is suggested and you should not expect any visible color change for at least 3 or more visits.
Score of 15-21
Skin Type 2C — Low tolerance to UVR. You burn easily and severely after less than 30 minutes in mid-day summer sun or only tan minimally and lightly followed by frequent peeling. If you are in this group, you may find tanning takes extra effort and caution and your results may be below average. You should not expect any visible results until your third or fourth session.
Score of 22-31
Skin Type 3A — Low to Normal tolerance to UVR. You likely burn only moderately and occasionally after 30 minutes in mid-day summer sun (on each side of your body–without rolling over) and are capable of achieving an average tan.
Score of 32-41
Skin Type 3B — Normal tolerance to UVR. You likely do not burn very often and can likely tolerate 30 to 40 minutes of mid-day summer sun without sunburn (on each side of your body). You likely burn only semi-moderately. You are capable of achieving an average to dark tan.
Score of 42-64
Skin Type 4 — Normal to High tolerance to UVR. You burn minimally and tan easily with above-average tanning with each exposure and can tolerate 40 or more minutes of mid-day summer sun without getting a sunburn (on each side of your body). Your unexposed skin is usually naturally beige or light brown. You may exhibit IPD (Immediate Pigment Darkening) reaction and are usually capable of achieving a dark, rich tan.
Score of 65-84
Skin Type 5– Very High tolerance to UVR with unexposed skin likely being brown. You rarely burn and tan easily and substantially. You always exhibit IPD (Immediate Pigment Darkening) reaction and normally tan very dark very quickly.
Score of 85+
Skin Type 6– Extremely tolerance to UVR with unexposed skin likely being naturally dark brown to black. You tan profusely and rarely burn.
