The Most Commonly Used Skin Classifications

In order to understand the importance of lycopene's role in protecting the skin it is important for the public and especially skincare professionals to have a working understanding of the most commonly used skin classifications. Basically, there are two main classifications, the Fitzpatrick Classification defines VI skin types according to their reaction to the sun and the Glogaus Classification that breaks skin types into IV Photoaging Groups. Fitzpatrick Skin Type I is skin that is very white or freckled and burns very easily, Type II is white that burns frequently, Type III is white to olive that sometimes burns, Type IV is brown and rarely burns, Type V is dark brown and very rarely burns, Type VI is black and never burns.

The Glogaus Photaging Groups divides skin types into: Mild (ages 25-35) with little wrinkling or scarring, no keratoses and has skin that requires little or no make-up, Moderate (ages 35-50) with early wrinkling or mild scarring, sallow color, actinic keratoses and skin that requires little make-up, Advanced (ages 50-65) with persistent wrinkling or moderate acne scarring, discolored skin exhibiting teleangectasis and actinic keratoses and skin that always wears make-up and lastly Severe (ages 60-70) that shows wrinkling, photoaging, gravitational and dynamic actinic keratoses with or without skin cancer or severe acne scarring and wears make-up with poor coverage.

I will attempt in future articles to help the reader understand in greater detail the various topics related to skin health and try to separate fact from fiction in this regard. I look forward to answering any questions that you, the reader, may have.