skin typing questionnaire

[njchica]

http://www.naatso.org/frameset_survey.htm

you can use this questionnaire to determine what skin type you are. Skin types are used to figure out the proper exposure schedule when trying to develop a base tan... they also can be helpful in determining what your "tanning potential" is.

The best place to be skin typed is at your salon but we realize that there are many salons that don't do this for you.... so it's best to take matters into your own hands.

[njchica]

CHARACTERISTICS and RECOMMENDED FREQUENCY OF TANNING

Type #1 Bright white skin that burns easily and rarely tans. Red hair with blue or green eyes and freckles.

This skin type should avoid sun exposure both indoors or out. This skin type is unable to produce enough melanin to protect them from sunburns that can lead to skin damage.

Type#2 Light colored skin which burns easily. Can tan but still susceptible to sunburn. Blonde or red hair, brown or blue eyes and freckles.

This skin type can be exposed to indoor tanning rays in moderation and in very short periods of exposure. Extreme caution should be taken to avoid sunburn.

Type #3 Tans easily, but still susceptible to moderate sunburn. This is the most common skin type in North America. Brown eyes and darker hair.

This skin type can expect a rich, golden tan, indoors or outdoors, when exposed 10 to 15 minutes 2 - 3 times per week (indoors).

Type #4 Tans easily and almost never burns. Dark eyes, dark hair and Mediterranean, Oriental or Hispanic heritage.

This skin type can be exposed to tanning rays for longer periods of time (indoors and outdoors).

Type #5 Rarely burns and tans easily and cumulatively. Dark hair and eyes and are of Indian, Hispanic or African descent.

This skin type can be exposed to tanning rays for longer periods of time (indoors and outdoors).

Type #6 Can tan despite their black skin. Never sunburn and have dark hair and usually are of African, or Aboriginal descent.

This skin type usually tans indoors for the health benefits of moderate exposure to sunlight and/or medical reasons.

source: http://www.fabutan.com/html/your_skin_type.htm

[njchica]

Getting the Most Out of Your Tanning Session
Establishing An Optimal Tanning Schedule
by Rick Mattoon

One of the most important responsibilities a tanning salon owner or operator has is determining a proper tanning schedule for you, the tanning client. The indoor tanning salon offers the most controlled environment for tanning found anywhere. It is this optimal tanning schedule that will ensure your tanning visit offers maximum results with moderate exposure.

Skin Typing Is Key

The most important factor involved in calculating your "optimal" tanning time is skin typing. Professional indoor tanning staffs routinely have a system in place to accurately and consistently identify various skin types categorized by their ultraviolet sensitivity. These categories run from a Skin Type 1 (not able to acquire a tan, burns profusely), up to a Skin Type 6 (tans abundantly, has naturally black or dark brown skin).

Until recently, one of the most commonly used skin typing systems for indoor tanners was the Fitzpatrick System. An off-shoot of an earlier system, the Fitzpatrick system was first developed in 1987 for the sole purpose of determining the optimal UVR exposure for the treatment of psoriasis with psoralen plus ultraviolet therapy.

In 1996, Patricia E. Reykdal and Donald L. Smith introduced a new Skin Type/Subtype system (see page 32) that was developed specifically for the indoor tanner. This proposed system was designed to enhance the existing Fitzpatrick System of 1 through 6 by using three subtypes of 2 (2A, 2B and 2C) and two subtypes of 3 (3A and 3B). The Reykdal-Smith System was suggested to specifically address the unique challenges of tanning extremely sensitive clients in indoor tanning salons.

In some states, as part of an "initial visit statement," salon operators use a state-approved skin typing form to determine a person's "skin sensitivity" when calculating a session time for a client. For instance, in Louisiana, a state-generated form using a point system is divided into three categories--hereditary disposition, sunbathing experiences and tanning habits. The client answers 10 questions and the results are tallied to determine their skin sensitivity. A person using this program is assigned a "skin behavior" estimate of Very Sensitive (I), Sensitive (II), Normal (III) or Very Resistant (IV).

Plugging In The Numbers

No matter what skin typing system your tanning salon uses, matching your skin type to the manufacturer's listed tanning schedule is a crucial element in establishing an effective tanning program.

Since 1986, manufacturers have been required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to post a recommended exposure schedule--including duration and spacing of sequential exposures and maximum exposure times in minutes-on tanning units.

The manufacturer's recommended schedule is designed to allow you to gradually build up a tan and maintain it while reducing the risk of acute injury or delayed adverse effects. Because the UV dose necessary for developing a tan is not the same for everyone, the manufacturer's exposure schedule for the client depends on the skin type of the individual, as well as how many prior tanning sessions the person has had.

In addition to standardized skin typing procedures and use of a manufacturer's recommended schedule as a guide, additional measures are taken by indoor tanning professionals for maximizing your tanning session. Pre-established written standards for things like parental consent for minors, photosensitive drug checklists and a salon eyewear policy help ensure your tanning visits are as productive as possible.

Also, salons rely on tanning equipment manufacturers, distributors, industry associations and even insurance agents to help develop written standards for proper salon operations. Many times these groups offer written material available for the professional and controlled operation of tanning equipment located within your neighborhood tanning salon.

While written local and federal tanning codes are reliable resources used for establishing salon standards, they also help your tanning professional develop procedures that are consistent with important standards that help enhance your tanning session. For more information about how you can optimize your tanning potential, please talk to your indoor tanning professional.

http://www.sunwellnessmag.com/articles/1a1program.html

[njchica]

What are the different skin types?

Classifying The Skin
There are several basic questions that should be asked every time a new customer begins a tanning program. The details revealed by the brief interview combined with the exposure schedule on the equipment and the condition of the lamps and acrylic in the device all help determine the length of time a customer should be permitted to tan. There are equally important factors to consider about why people should not tan.

Skin typing will help tanners know how many sessions it will take to establish a base tan and how long they can be in the tanning unit without experiencing an uncomfortable and unnecessary sunburn. Remember, skin type determines the amount of natural protection a person has against ultraviolet light.

Because of the variety of people with different genetic backgrounds, dermatologists categorize humans into six different skin types, starting from lightest and working up to darkest. Fair skin burns easily and produces little tan because it has little natural protection. Dark skin tans more easily and burns less because it has more natural protection. Therefore, lighter shades should tan for relatively short time periods, while darker shades may tan for more extended periods of time. However, for liability reasons no one should be allowed to exceed the maximum exposure time posted on the unit, no matter how dark his or her skin tone. The following are the six classes of skin types:

Skin-Typing Chart
TYPE
SKIN REACTION EXAMPLES

1.
Tans little or not at all; always burns easily and severely; then peels.
People most often with fair skin, blue eyes, freckles, white unexposed skin.

2.
Usually burns easily and severely (painful burn); tans minimally and lightly; also peels.
People with fair skin, blue or hazel eyes, blonde or red hair, white unexposed skin.

3.
Burns moderately; gains average tan.
Average Caucasian, white unexposed skin.

4.
Burns minimally; tans easily and above average with each exposure; exhibits IPD (Immediate Pigment Darkening) reaction.
People with light or brown skin, dark brown hair, dark eyes, unexposed skin is white or light brown (Asians, Hispanics and Mediterraneans).

5.
Rarely burns; tans easily and substantially; always exhibits IPD reaction.
Brown-skinned persons, unexposed skin is brown (East Indians, Hispanics, etc.).

6.
Tans profusely and never burns; exhibits IPD reaction.
Persons with black skin (Africans and African Americans, Australian and South Indian Aborigines).




The skin typing formula is only one variable in the entire tanning equation. It is a common misconception that because indoor tanning equipment is designed to produce a fast tan without burning, tanning for a longer period of time will generate a faster tan. The reality is that the best tanning performance will be achieved by adhering to the maximum recommended exposure time of the individual tanning unit.

Food and Drug Administration standards require equipment manufacturers to provide an exposure schedule with the product warning label. The exposure schedule allows a user to gradually build a tan and maintain it while controlling the risk of acute injury and delayed adverse effects. Because the UV dose that causes a barely discernible pink coloration on the skin is not the same for everyone, the exposure schedule for the first-time user will depend on his or her skin type.

In addition to preventing burns from overexposure to UV light, the formula marks the point at which tanning takes place most efficiently. After this point, the degree of tanning is lessened or even reversed. Even if the tanner already has a substantial base tan, overexposure mostly produces a thickening of the outer layer of skin, which does not tan. Overexposure in a single session may damage the tanning response so that less pigment is produced instead of more.

Because the output of different tanning lamps varies, so will the exposure times of different tanning units. In particular, reflector and high-pressure tanning lamps will have shorter recommended exposure times. But because they are derived from the levels of UV light that the unit produces, they should be respected

http://www.yourperfectan.com/htm/yourtan/skintype.htm

[Summers Tan]

Thanx for all the effort,chica!

[njchica]

what's YOUR skin type?

I'm a 3C.

[Sc0tt]

Type 4. I thought I was more a 3, but it said I was a 4

[njchica]

anyone else? what's your skin type?

I always thought I was a 4 until I went through the questionnaire.... I thought my dark hair and Italian ancestry made me a 4 but I was wrong.

[FoXy BrOwn xO]

*i just took it & im a 3b*

[Tpsyduck]

Wow, you always have soooo much info Chica, Thanks so much for it, it is appreciated
Oh, and I'm a type 4!

[TheMainEvent]

Says I'm a 3A but I think I'm more of a 2C.

Thanks for the post chica!

[ladyboss]

I'm a 4

[SassyRedTex]

It says I am a 4 too...I never would have thought that!

[Mrc4608]

i'm a 3b.

[sessa518]

im a 2c but i don't get it? what exactly does low tolerance mean?

[sunbunny]

I'm a 3b.

[njchica]

Quote:im a 2c but i don't get it? what exactly does low tolerance mean?

Type#2 Light colored skin which burns easily. Can tan but still susceptible to sunburn. Blonde or red hair, brown or blue eyes and freckles.

This skin type can be exposed to indoor tanning rays in moderation and in very short periods of exposure. Extreme caution should be taken to avoid sunburn.

2.
Usually burns easily and severely (painful burn); tans minimally and lightly; also peels.
People with fair skin, blue or hazel eyes, blonde or red hair, white unexposed skin.

Type 2's need to be very careful when developing a base tan.... short session times are extremely important b/c this skin type burns easily. Also, being a Type 2, you're never going to develop a super-dark brown tan... I think I read somewhere that 2's tan more of a golden color and it is very difficult to darken it up much more than that.

Lav, are you a type 2? Can you help us here?

[Bonnie]

Yeh, I'm a 4!

[RoxyCCS]

i'm a 3A

[Val]

I'm a 3B. Thanks Chica!

[StarryEyes]

It says I am a 4, which I totally disagree with. I'm naturally super pale, light blue eyes, burns easily, and tans moderatly.

[sessa518]

ok, i think i get it now thanks chica!!

[RydeTheLTRAIN]

I'm a 4, according to the first link given in this thread. I sort of expected that.

[Scott]

I am a 3b...

[david]

i'm a 3a, but i hope to still get super dark someday

[LucaBella]

hmm said i am a 4, kinda odd, lol i am Celtic, fair, with freckles, bt I do take UV ligt really well , so i dunno! lol
Thanks for the site

[colorgod]

I'm a 3B.

[colorgod]

I've done this somewhere else so I already knew mine. Of course, I checked it again.

[southerntan]

I'm a 4.

[colorgod]

Southern, from the looks of your pic, you are a real 10.

[southerntan]

**Blush** thanks, color.

[~Sunshine~]

Quote:
On 2003-12-24 06:45, njchica wrote:

Lav, are you a type 2? Can you help us here?


I know you didn't ask me directly, but I can help.

According to the questionnaire, I am a 2C, which doesn't surprise me. All my life I never thought I could really get a good tan, until I started working in a tanning salon with high pressure beds.

I know I do have to be really careful in base beds to not burn (because of high UVB), but I can get a pretty good tan in HP.

And yeah, Chica, the colour I get is a very golden colour, not yellow at all, but like a golden-bronze colour, it's fine with me.

I know that being naturally fair-skinned and fair-haired, it would never look natural if I got any darker than I did, but that's fine with me. It takes a lot longer for me to get good colour, but once I'm tanned, it lasts a really long time.

Sorry to ramble, I don't really know what the point of this was... oh yeah, type 2C.... whatever, I really don't know what else to say.

[SexyKitty]

Quote:
On 2003-12-28 04:35, colorgod wrote:
I'm a 3B.


me too!

[BabyJem]

First time I have taken one of those...I am a 4.

[BebeBejbiBaby]

ima 3a. intersting. i thoguht i was a 36c.

[Bonnie]

Quote:
On 2004-01-04 18:15, BebeBejbiBaby wrote:
ima 3a. intersting. i thoguht i was a 36c.



LOL! That has all sorts of interesting interpretations!

[sugarpie]

4 here...

seems there are a lot of 4's...I gues I'm not the only Mediterranean mixed breed here.

[BebeBejbiBaby]

Quote:
On 2004-01-04 19:50, bonnie wrote:
Quote:
On 2004-01-04 18:15, BebeBejbiBaby wrote:
ima 3a. intersting. i thoguht i was a 36c.



LOL! That has all sorts of interesting interpretations!
you like that huh

[Tpsyduck]

*BUMP*
For members to check out

[PitBullLover]

I'm a 3A...seems to be a lot of us....but they didn't offer a check box for "American Indian" I'm 1/8th Cherokee....so I wonder if that would bump me up some? I do get rather dark in the summer....

[Vikingdotter]

According the questoinaire I am a 4 - but I am a blue eyed blonde ... Am I a freak? (There are surprisingly many good tanning blondes in Sweden and Denmark, so I think I´m not.) I can deny the probablity of "amercan Indians" almost for sure, but I may have some not-so-nordic ancestors.

[Bonnie]

I am the same, Inger! But I have the Scandinavian genes plus Italian, so am blonde, blue-eyed and tan like a demon!

[~*HoneyBee*~]

Your score was 64, which means your skin type is "4" and your tolerance to UV Radiation is High/Normal tolerance to UVR.

[Kristygal]

I'm a 3A

[CariFairy]

I am like a 1 and a half lol. I indoor tanned because I was too white almost purple... I started out in a HIGH PRESSURE for 2 minutes LOL. then upped it 1 minute a week.. I went twice a week. I am doing well though;) No burns!

[Kristygal]

Quote:
On 2004-01-27 18:34, CariFairy wrote:
I am like a 1 and a half lol. I indoor tanned because I was too white almost purple... I started out in a HIGH PRESSURE for 2 minutes LOL. then upped it 1 minute a week.. I went twice a week. I am doing well though;) No burns!

WOW! You must be a ghost!

[CariFairy]

Not anymore.. I am a REAL NATURAL REDHEAD. I dye it brown though.. NOW I cannot get too dark, But I have a good tan.

[pixiewytch]

I am a 2b

[Tpsyduck]

This is so important, especially now that the tanning season is starting up for newbies

[Sunderella]

I had been told previously from one salon I was a 2 like 8- 9 yrs ago...but I took the skin type test and it says a 3A....but it was the first time the salon had seen me, and they didn't ask any questions about burning or anything...so could this test be right and them be wrong?

[rocker-tan]

I think it may be possible to go from one skin type to another. I think if you have gradual sun exposure and are not burning, I think it is possible to go from a 1.5 to 2, or 2 to 3

[chicaloca22002]

Ummmmmmmmmmmmm you can't be atype 4 with blonde hair blue eyes.................

[Bonnie]

Quote:
On 2004-02-17 18:37, chicaloca22002 wrote:
Ummmmmmmmmmmmm you can't be atype 4 with blonde hair blue eyes.................


'fraid you can, dear! Vikingdotter and I are both blonde type 4s. (We are both Scandinavian, well, I'm also half Italian).

[boobrandt]

I'm a 4. But only because my Mom is of Irish descent with fair skin.

[chicaloca22002]

I thouht i would be a 4 but I got a 5 even though my skin is dark olive and would be a 4.

[Kris]

im a 3a...thought it might be alitle higher

[honeyrose29]

The salon typed me as a 1... but this typed me as a 4 with 58 pts. I have natural black hair and dark brown eyes along with a indian heritage from mom and an irish background from dad. I rarely burn and always get very dark.

Now.. why would they type me a 1? Maybe because I am fair in the winter and I dye my hair? *shrug*

[Sunshine_555]

The questionnaire said I'm a 3B but I was a little confused on the heritage thing, my mom's of English (Britain) descent and my dad's of English/Scottish/German descendant so what kind of Caucasian are they, and what would that make me? Sorry this seems like a really stupid question...

[CincyFan]

Quote:
On 2004-02-22 03:07, Sunshine_555 wrote:
The questionnaire said I'm a 3B but I was a little confused on the heritage thing, my mom's of English (Britain) descent and my dad's of English/Scottish/German descendant so what kind of Caucasian are they, and what would that make me? Sorry this seems like a really stupid question...


Sunshine, there are no stupid questions here, so ask away!

I would consider both your parents to be caucasion - light skinned european.

Anyone else agree?

[MattR83]

I would agree with you Cincy, my ancestry includes Polish and Slovak (in addition to English and Welsh) and I guess they would be considered light skinned european as well. btw- I'm a 3A

[Sunshine_555]

Thax! I found out (from my mom) that I've also got a tinny bit of Native American, Irish and Dutch from her side too... thats so cool... oh excuse me I get carried away sometimes! What about you?

[sunbunny]

Bumping this up.

[hairpin]

Scored a 20 and ended up being 2C. I realize I need to be VERY careful.

_________________

Just took the test for my husband and he's a 6. Can you believe it? An 88. No reason for him to use my bed. Well at least I won't have to share with him. LOL[ This Message was edited by: hairpin on 2004-03-16 17:04 ]

[dpdpig]

3b, better than i thought

[kgushanas]

I'm a 5.

[southernbelle]

I'm a 3A!! LOL

[tncharlie]

i am 4,pretty much what i thought it would be.charlotte

[GoldenBoy]

I'm a 5.
But probably a 4. Really...

[Genie]

I got a 5. They really should have American Indian on the list.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[voom]

2c! sounds about right...

[readyformycloseup]

I'm a 3A. This questionnaire is helpful! I just purchased a tanning membership and I'm not sure how often/long/lotion etc. I'm sooo glad I found this site!

[boobrandt]

Quote:
On 2004-04-03 15:38, readyformycloseup wrote:
I'm a 3A. This questionnaire is helpful! I just purchased a tanning membership and I'm not sure how often/long/lotion etc. I'm sooo glad I found this site!


Welcome! There is a lot of information here, and we'll be happy to help you! Your salon should be able to determine how you should start tanning; i.e. how long, what type of bed, etc. The most important thing is to not rush your tan but let it build up; if you overexpose your skin, you'll slow your progress! If you're impatient like me and like to see results quickly, try using a light dha bronzer for some quick color. What brands does your salon carry? [ This Message was edited by: boobrandt on 2004-04-03 16:34 ]

[Sunderella]

bump

[aac706]

my score was a 34 and I am a 3B...but what does that mean...

[readyformycloseup]

oops sorry boo I didnt see your response until today. My salon carries Supre and Figi and one other I can't remember. I did see they have the designer skin angel lotion I am hearing about. But it was $55, is that a good price? For now I am using Total Immersion and my sweetpea from bath and body works for moisturizer. I have been going twice a week for a month now and I have my base. I tried the smoke black and I love how it deepened my tan. Is there a good everyday lotion without bronzers that I should be using or another bronzer that I should alternate with? I am so interested in hearing how you experienced tanners get ultra dark~~!!

[readyformycloseup]

oh yeah, the other brand they carry is Designer Skin lol

[KonaBikeBabe]

I'm a 3A.

[angelmom_23]

okay I know I am a three, but where are you girls getting the letter after your number?? that is confusing me, am i missing something somewhere in the test??LOL.

[angelmom_23]

okay, i took the test and i came out a 3a, so anyone with the same skin type can maybe help me pick out a good broner. I am debating on BBR, Believe, or ambrosia dark bronzer? any input?

[xexoticnessx]

3

[kyorochan]

I am a 4!!! coz I'm half Japanese and half Korean..which means..Eastern Asian!
It's interesting that caucasian people with blue eyes and blond hair got a 4 ...

[BrownJen]

What skintype are you?

[wannatan]

When I first did it I was a 4, but I think the description is best as a mid 3, so I'm in between I'm sure.

:: [X] ::

[Danie Doll]

I'm a 3A.

[x0bodyshotx0]

im an 8!

[angelmom_23]

I might have to get me some Smoke Black now. When I was first asking about it, someone told me that I needed a good base tan first, or it might streak. But I noticed that readyformycloseup said they had been going twice a week for a month and they tried and loved how it deepened her tan. So I am kinda sad now , that I didn't get the Smoke Black now instead of the Ambrosia Dark Bronzer.LOL. OH, and I got my Cat's PJ's in and I absolutely love it!! I was having a hard time finding somehthing that would moisturize all day long, but this stuff did the trick.LOL.

[bitpsych]

It says I'm a 5.

I think it's basing this off the fact that I'm half black. Let me tell you, though, it definetly does NOT show. My untanned skin is very, very light and decently freckled.

My salon skintyped me as a 2, but that's because it asked questions about how I respond to the sun and tanning. I've never had a real tan before in my life, because I always wear SPF 15 when I'm out in the sun, and I rarely burn, so I asked the woman at the desk what I should put in response to questions like "what kind of tan can you develop?" or "does your skin turn greyish-brown after tanning?" because I don't KNOW. She said to just put 0, so I think it skintyped me as way lower than I actually am. Maybe I'm a 3b or 3c. Definetly not a 5, though.

[TandS]

It says I'm a 3. Right on the border between 3A and 3B.

[Jenniferlynn]

I'm either 3A or 3B.. though I'm not really sure on my parent history. Guess that kinda matters. lol

[ruthless]

3a. Not suprised.

[LavenderFleur]

I am a 3A too.

[evilina231]

I am a 4

[jal8504]

i just took the survey and i tried really hard to be honest and got a 4! but that doesn't make sense because i'm pretty pale unless i work at tanning, and burn but not badly and not often. i just sometimes feel like these skin types don't apply to every single person, because if i had predicted my results, i would have said i was a 2!

[sherlynn 01]

I am a 4

[dakoto70]

I am a 3a. Now I finally know what my skin type is. I thought I would be a little lower, but I guess that is ok.

[Cueball]

I thought I was a three, but I guess I am a four.

[summergirl]

im a 4

[Leo Girl]

Sadly I am a type 2. All of you who can tan should pray to god for your blessings every night!

[KoKoGoddess]

I am a 5!!!!!!!!yay!!!

[cass489]

I am a 3B. Which is what most people are.

[1racebabe]

3A, I am mostly Irish, its that good old Celtic blood. Fair skin, if I were any whiter Id be clear! Took me a while to get ANY color. Now Im sassy and sweet and look like brown sugar.

[smarty pants]

I am a 3b

[CincyFan]

I can't believe I've never posted my skin type here, lol.

I'm a 3B

[angela]

im a 4 ..yeah

[tan0h0lic]

I am a 3A

[Sunderella]

I am a 3B

[rackel]

It says I'm a 4, but I would think more like a 3B.

[valifay]

I took that one before. I'm a 3A. Thanks for all the info!

[lisadd82]

I am a 4

[wannatan]

It's wierd, I did a couple of skin typing questionnaires at my salon, and they always class me as a 4. But I am sure I'm a 3 something on here.

:: [X] ::

[camarolynn73]

I'm a type #2, it takes me months to acheive a good tan, and I will never be dark. So sad!

[newtnner]

I am a 2. I do not even bother with tanning beds anymore because any slight tan is just too extreme and harsh on my skin. Even 2 minutes in a bed will roast me. It is NOT in your best interest to try and *fight* what mother nature gives you! It's up to the sunless bottle now.

[Ashley Nicole]

Im a 3b

[christamarie]

I am a 4. I could be 5, but I have green eyes.

[sweetipie05]

I think I'm a 4 or 5. My father is cuban and my mom is french, german, and romainine (SP), so i get really brown in the summer and in tanning beds. I have brown eyes and light brownish blonde hair

[CarolinaPnthrFan]

I'm a 3A.

_________________
[ This Message was edited by: CarolinaPantherFanatic on 2005-04-04 12:32 ]

[sunyourbunz]

I'm a 4! (66 was my score)

[XtanaholicX]

im a 4!

[sheila_beela]

i'm a 4. it's werid i don't think i am. my mom is irish and white as a ghost and my dad is tan all year long. i think i'm really in the 3 section but ohh well.

_________________
[ This Message was edited by: sheila_beela on 2005-04-04 19:35 ]

[Jellix]

Wow, I'm not too sure how accurate that questionnaire is, it says I’m a type 4 but I'm very fair skinned and take FOREVER to tan (I started out at 6 minutes in a regular bed and burned the first 3 times I went!)! My salon typed me a 2, I think that's much more accurate.

[ITALIAN MAMA]

im a 4

[boxercrazy]

I just took the test and I am a "3A".

[swtnsassy]

Im fair skinned with blonde hair and blue eyes and Im a 4....didn't see that one comming lol

[rackel]

I think this test is BS. It's made up by the industry, I think it's a scam to make people think they can tan more than they really can. JMO.

[BrownJen]

This is an article from Looking fit (Feb 2002), written by the creators of the skintype questionaire, to help better explain the concept behind the skin type classifications. Pleae note: I was unable to locate the chart that corresponds with this article.

Skin Type/Subtype: Another Proposed Method To Classifying The Skin

by Patricia Reykdal and Donald L. Smith

Professional tanning salon operators provide their customers with a dose of ultraviolet radiation that is optimal for each tanning session. The goal is neither to overexpose nor underexpose your clients.

The problem with existing exposure schedule guidelines posted on tanning units is that clients, especially those with higher Skin Types/Subtypes, significantly would be underexposed to UVR if the guidelines were followed.

The following article presents an alternative method of classifying the skin, which has been proposed to the US Food and Drug Administration for its approval. Many salons nationwide have been using this method for more than two years. Review the material so you can easily explain the concept to your employees and customers.

Understanding The Skin

Mother nature has provided us with three seperate ways to avoid overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Overexposure is defined as a dose of UVR sufficient to cause a sunburn that can damage our DNA. On the other hand, exposure is defined as a dose of UVR below the level necessary to cause a sunburn.

Our three ways of preventing sunburn are: constitutive pigmentation, facultative pigmentation, and sunburning.

Constitutive Pigmentation

Our constitutive pigmentation is our natural skin color and it is based upon our genetic heritage. As a rule of thumb, the darker our natural skin color, the greater is our protection from overexposure to UVR and it provides our only permanent means of photoprotection.

Individuals who are Skin Type 0s (albinos) and Skin Type 1s (the most-sensitive Caucasians) have the highest relative risk of burning.


Facultative Pigmentation

Our facultative pigmentation-better known as a "tan"-is our level of acquired or adaptive photoprotection to UVR. This method of protection from UVR is transitory since a tan can, and usually does, darken or fade over time and season of year.

Adaptive pigmentation provides the natural equivalent of SPF 3 to SPF 5 protection from the sun. Skin Type 0s have no photoprotective constitutive pigmentation, and Skin Type 1s, who have minimal levels of natural skin color, are genetically incapable of developing adaptive pigmentation. These individuals must wage a life-long battle against the sunburning power of UVR utilizing sun avoidance, protective clothing and sunscreens.


Sunburning

The sometimes painful process of sunburning is the third natural way we have to protect our DNA from damage. The redness and swelling associated with a sunburn all serve to protect us from further acute damage to UVR and is Mother Nature's way of letting us know that we haven't been very smart.

Before discussing how to determine your clients' Skin Type/Subtype, it is essential to know the reasons why it makes sense to know their Skin Type and their Subtype. The graph on page 138 shows the time it will take to sunburn for the various Skin Types/subtypes in the sunlight experienced by much of the country at noon on a typical summer day (6 UV Index unit reading). For this example, it is assumed that no base level (facultative pigmentation) of tan exists.

As you can see, a Skin Subtype 2A has 21 minutes until they will accumulate 1 MED (minimal erythema dose of ultravioelt radiation) which is the level at which they will experience a sunburn. A Skin Subtype 3A, on the other hand, can tolerate double this amount-42 minutes- before suffering a sunburn. A Skin Type 5 (brown-skinned individuals) can tolerate 72 minutes of exposure to sunlight without sunburning, while a Skin Type 6 (black-skinned individuals) can tolerate 84 minutes.

Therefore, the above graph shows very clearly why it is necessary to know your clients' Skin Type and their Subtype in order to accurately predict the time it will take them to sunburn. Thus, you can see that tolerance to UVR is Skin Type/Subtype dependent. The darker the natural skin color, the greater the tolerance to UVR.

If you are familiar with Skin Typing but not Subtyping, you can readily see from the chart the reason why Subtyping is necessary in order to prevent sunburning. For instance, if you look at the mid-point of the Skin Type 2 segment of the population (Skin Subtype 2Bs), you will see that it takes 28 minutes to sunburn. If you applied that tolerance level to Skin Subtype 2A individuals who have a tolerance of 21 minutes, you can see that 2As would be exposed to seven minutes of UVR more than can be tolerated by these sun-sensitive people. This additional time is more than sufficient to cause a sunburn.

Moreover, if a Skin Subtype 2A individual would base their calculation time for protection by a sunscreen on the tolerance level of a Skin Subtype 2B, the seven-minute error is multiplied by the protection factor. For example, if a sunscreen with an SPF 8 is applied, a Skin Subtype 2B would have 224 minutes (8 x 28 minutes) of protection, while a Skin Subtype 2A would have only 168 minutes (8 x 21 minutes). The difference of 56 unprotected minutes is more than enough time to cause a painful sunburn.

It should be kept in mind that people must apply the proper dose of sunscreen in order to obtain the rated protection. It takes 1.25 ounces--a full handful-of lotion for a full body application on an adult. If a person only uses one half as much as they should, they will cut down the protection by 50 percent, therefore, an SPF 8 becomes and SPF 4 sunscreen. In addition, a person should reapply the lotion every hour and every time they get wet to be fully protected.

The Skin Typing/Subtyping questionaire will allow you to calculate your clients' Skin Type/Subtype. Since a person's natural skin color doesn't change, they can use this value for the rest of their lives.

[rackel]

Well, perhaps I should clarify a little. That test says I'm a skin type 4. There is absolutely no way. In my dreams, yes, I wish, but unfortunately not. So I thought about it and went through and put in some false answers, red hair, blue eyes, my parents of Celtic/English background, all the lightest answers and it popped out 3B. That's probably a little closer to my type, but I have dark hair, brown eyes, and a dark-skinned parent. I also have a light-skinned parent whom I obviously take after. While the test takes the right idea, I think it's a little generous. I would guess that I'm a 3A. I just think these test results should be taken with a grain of salt.

[VeryTanJerry]

The weakness of this questionaire is that any answer in a particular category is given the same point value even though there can be a broad range of tanning ability within that group. For example, blonde hair doesn't get as many points as brown or black hair even though some blondes can tan quite fast and dark. On the other side, many people who have their heritage in northern Italy have lighter hair and blue eyes and don't tan particularly well but they get plenty of points for being "Mediterranean." All the answers taken together give a reasonable approximation of yourtanning ability I think. But there is certainly a plus or minus factor at work.

[BrownJen]

Rackel, I agree the skintyping questionaires certainly aren't an *exact* science and no two people of the same skin type share the *exact* same tanning ablility. That's in part why our former mod, NJChica posted more than one questionairre (the former being the original Reykdal-Smith system and the latter being created by dermatologists).

Here is some more info taken from a salon owner site, from Don Smith in regards to the skintype questionaires, that you may be interested in reading:

"First of all, Dr. Fitzpatrick DID NOT develop his 1-6 system (1-2-3-4-5-6) for use in a tanning salon. He developed it to help determine the "dose" of UVR and 8-MOP to be used in PUVA therapy for psoraisis. Moreover, his "system" was based upon a personal interview BY A PHYSICIAN of the patient.

Obviously, that is not what we do. Our use of a skin typing system is to determine, IN ADVANCE, our clients tolerance to UVR as determined by tanning salon personnel.

The first system that we developed was a skin type 1-6 (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6) system that was "based" upon the Fitzpatrick system. It was "used" by Smart Tan to develop the system they offer without even the courtesy of giving Pat and I credit for developing it!

After using the 1-6 system for a while, we saw that it had serious limitations, especially in determining tolerance to UVR for skin type 2's. Thus, we decided to add "subtypes" to skin type 2 (2A; 2B; and 2C) and skin type 3 (3A and 3B) in order to remedy these limitations. [Note: Dr. Cesarini in Europe had "modified" the Fitzpatrick "system" by adding subtypes.]

Our reason for having subtypes was because we recognized that if you base your IST (initial session time) calculation for a skin type 2A (the most sensitive skin type 2) on the "mean" of the skin type 2 poplulation (skin subtype 2B), you will risk overexposing the skin type 2A.

When I presented our concept last year at the ASP (American Society of Photobiology) meeting, several physicans in attendance suggested that I either (1) go to 1 subtype of skin type 3 or 3 subtypes of skin type 3 to make the logic with skin type 3's the same. After some investigation we decided that going to 3 subtypes of skin type 3's INCREASED the safety margin while going to 1 suptype of skin type 3's DECREASED the safety margin and so we decided to go with the safest approach. Thus, the 3-3 format (which we have been using for the past year came into being.

It is my understanding that the Texas Department of Health recognizes our original system (the Smart Tan format) AND our newer systems.

So, there is no "Fitzpatrick System" questionnaire other than our original system because Dr. Fitzpatrick's system was administered by a physician.

The important thing is to use either the 1-2-3-4-5-6 (our original system) or 1-2A-2B-2C-3A-3B-4-5-6 (our 3-2 system) or 1-2A-2B-2C-3A-3B-3C-4-5-6 (our 3-3 system) and not just "guess" the skin type of the individual!"


The updated version, (which *I thought* was included in the links posted above, but isn't!) can be found here. This is the questionaire I used to determine my skin type. *I've* found it to be accurate for myself, hopefully it will be more beneficial to you as well. Let me know Rackel, I'm curious to know how you come out & what you think of this one. http://www.naatso.org/frameset_tso.htm (Please note: This is PDF format)

[rackel]

Thank you Jen, I appreciate the information. I followed the link and found the skin typing questionnaire, it seemed to be the same one, I got the same results.
Another interesting point, I "took" this for my father, who is of Mediterranean descent, dark skin, dark hair, gets very tan, never burns. And strangely, it typed him as a 3B, I'm guessing because he has green eyes and brown hair. So this is a case where the test was quite conservative. I'm confused how they could come up with such an answer for him, but nevertheless, it confirms to me the inaccuracy of this test.

[BrownJen]

Ok, it shouldn't be the *exact* questionaire as the updated version includes more subtypes. I may have linked you wrong. Try this:
http://www.naatso.org/frameset_tso.htm
you should see a pull down menu, find skintype/(subtype) and click "go"
then click, Latest Version (01-01-02) of Skin Typing Questionnaire
then click, PhotoSub-TTC-2002-3-3-No-ID.PDF

If you did indeed, find the updated version, then *I* don't know how to help any further (sorry). I hope I've helped a litte though, despite any opinion you may have in regards to the skintype questionaires.



_________________
[ This Message was edited by: BrownJen on 2005-05-29 17:14 ]

[summergirl]

i got a 65 on the test so i'm a type 5

[Clayton DeLaney]

Quote:
On 2005-05-27 12:26:00, rackel wrote:
I think this test is BS.

Valid answers to several of the questions depend on the objectivity (or subjectivity) of the individual. Difficult to consider this "questionnaire" to be "foolproof".

Anyway. I rated a 3B.

I think it may be easier to explain the difference between an F4 and an F5 tornado.

[rackel]

Quote:
On 2005-05-29 17:10:00, BrownJen wrote:
Ok, it shouldn't be the *exact* questionaire as the updated version includes more subtypes. I may have linked you wrong. Try this:
http://www.naatso.org/frameset_tso.htm
you should see a pull down menu, find skintype/(subtype) and click "go"
then click, Latest Version (01-01-02) of Skin Typing Questionnaire
then click, PhotoSub-TTC-2002-3-3-No-ID.PDF

If you did indeed, find the updated version, then *I* don't know how to help any further (sorry). I hope I've helped a litte though, despite any opinion you may have in regards to the skintype questionaires.



_________________


[ This Message was edited by: BrownJen on 2005-05-29 17:14 ]
Thank you, you didn't link me wrong, I just clicked on the same old test cause I didn't know where to find the new one. The updated one was much more accurate, thank you! I do appreciate your help and your taking the time to find this info. Of course I will likely always be a bit skeptical about what the industry tries to feed us though.

[BrownJen]

[quote]
On 2005-05-30 00:20:00, rackel wrote:
Quote:
Thank you, you didn't link me wrong, I just clicked on the same old test cause I didn't know where to find the new one. The updated one was much more accurate, thank you! I do appreciate your help and your taking the time to find this info. Of course I will likely always be a bit skeptical about what the industry tries to feed us though.
That's really not a bad thing!

[BrownJen]

bump