What does Mr. Fitzpatrick Say About The Indian Skin? Is It Relevant?

Ever heard someone classify your skin as ‘type III’? Or have you even remotely heard of a guy called Fitzpatrick? If not then you might wonder what does the classification or Fitzpatrick have to do with your skin. Hang around till the end of this blog and I promise that you will find all your answers. 

Who is/was Mr. Fitzpatrick?

Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, a Harvard dermatologist, created the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale in 1975. It’s a classification system that helps determine how different skin tones respond to ultraviolet (UV) light. Basically, it helps predict things like sunburn risk, tanning ability, and long-term skin damage. The scale has six skin types, from Type I (very fair, always burns, never tans) to Type VI (deeply pigmented dark brown to black skin, never burns).

• Type I: Very fair, always burns, never tans

• Type II: Fair, burns easily, tans minimally

• Type III: Medium, sometimes burns, gradually tans

• Type IV: Brown skin, rarely burns, tans easily

• Type V: Dark brown skin, very rarely burns, tans very easily

• Type VI: Deeply pigmented, never burns, always tans

The table below makes it easier for you to understand. 

According to the Fitzpatrick scale, the Indian skin typically falls under:

• Type IV (light to medium brown)

• Type V (deep brown, more melanin-rich)

These types are less prone to sunburn, but more prone to pigmentation, dark spots, and uneven tone—especially after acne, injury, or sun exposure.

Is the Fitzpatrick skin type scale still relevant in 2025?

If this scale was founded in 1975, a fair question would be, is this still relevant in 2025? 50 years after it first came into existence. The answer is yes, the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale remains a key tool in dermatology for predicting sunburn risk, guiding treatments, and assessing skin cancer risk. It categorizes skin into six types based on response to UV light, helping personalize skincare.

However, its six broad categories don’t fully capture the diversity of skin tones, especially in people of color, sometimes leading to gaps in diagnosis and awareness. Researchers are now exploring more detailed tools and AI technologies to improve skin tone representation.

In other words, the Fitzpatrick scale is still widely used but works best alongside newer methods for a fuller understanding of skin health.

What does the Fitzpatrick Scale mean for your skin?

While Indian skin is generally more resistant to sunburn than lighter skin types, it is not immune to sun damage. In fact, Indian skin is more susceptible to hyperpigmentation, persistent tanning, and uneven skin tone when exposed to the sun without proper protection. Also, skin issues such as acne scars, inflammation, or insect bites can leave behind dark marks that often linger longer and appear more prominently compared to those with lighter skin tones. So while the Indian skin tans gracefully, it also tends to retain pigment stubbornly, making diligent sun protection and skincare essential to prevent lasting discoloration.

How to care for the Indian skin? 

So now that we know that the glorious Indian skin ranges from type III to type VI, here’s how to care for and nourish it correctly: 

Sunscreen is non-negotiable

Indian skin, while more resistant to burns due to higher melanin, is not immune to UV damage. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF30 or higher) is crucial to prevent tanning, pigmentation, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Even indoors, UVA rays can penetrate through windows and some screens, making daily sunscreen application important. Sunscreens with added ingredients like niacinamide or antioxidants offer extra benefits, such as calming the skin and further protecting against environmental stressors.

Fight pigmentation with effective ingredients

Niacinamide, vitamin C, kojic acid, azelaic acid, and alpha arbutin are all evidence-backed for fading dark spots and evening skin tone, especially important for Indian skin, which is more prone to hyperpigmentation. These ingredients are generally well-tolerated and work without causing irritation when appropriately formulated and used as directed.

Gentle exfoliation is key

Chemical exfoliants like AHAs (lactic acid, mandelic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) are safer and more effective than harsh physical scrubs for Indian skin. They help fade pigmentation and smooth texture without excessive irritation. Just be careful not to over-exfoliate. 1–2 times a week is more than enough.

Moisturize, even if you’re oily

Indian skin can be both oily and dehydrated. Lightweight, humectant-rich, or gel-based moisturizers help maintain the skin barrier and prevent water loss without clogging pores. Look for non-comedogenic options featuring hyaluronic acid or glycerin for optimal hydration.

Target inflammation early

Inflammation (from acne, bites, or irritation) increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which lingers on Indian skin. Calm and support the skin barrier using ingredients like ceramides, centella asiatica (cica), aloe vera, and green tea extract to prevent marks and promote faster healing.

Oteria - Made for the glorious Indian skin!

Oteria is an Indian skincare brand that beautifully aligns with the discussion of Indian skin care and the Fitzpatrick scale by focusing on products designed for the unique needs of Indian skin tones. Rooted in the concept of harmony, Oteria blends nature’s gifts with scientific advancements to support the skin’s circadian rhythm. This approach is especially relevant for Indian skin, which is more prone to pigmentation, uneven tone, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation despite being more resilient to sunburn. Our products focus on supporting your skin’s natural health instead of trying to fix it aggressively. Take a look at some of our champion products:

Revive Skin Cream

Oteria’s Revive Skin Cream is a powerful blend designed to target multiple skin concerns, making it your go-to pigmentation cream for face, a deeply nourishing skin repair cream, and an effective Anti Wrinkle Cream all in one. Its advanced formula works like a Skin Renewal Cream while harnessing the power of Stem Cell Face Cream technology to restore, rejuvenate, and reveal a youthful, even-toned glow.

Key ingredients

Niacinamide: Locks in moisture.

Human Adipocyte Conditioned Media Extract: Boosts collagen, enhances skin texture.

How to use

Apply a small quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.

Caution

FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.

Disclaimer: Results based on subjective evaluation. Since our products are made with natural ingredients/extracts they may change the colour and fragrance, but the performance of the product is unaffected.

Go-To Skin Cream 

Oteria’s Go-To Skin Cream is your all-in-one solution for radiant skin is a skin shining cream, a skin glowing cream, and a skin brightening cream packed into one powerful formula. Enriched with Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Horse Chestnut Seed Extract, it deeply nourishes and revitalizes to give you that natural, healthy glow you’ve been chasing.

Key ingredients

Horse Chestnut Seed Extract: Boosts microcirculation,reduces redness and fights premature aging. 

Vitamin A, E and B-Vitamins: Provide crucial nutrients for healthy, radiant skin. 

How to use

Apply a small quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.

Caution

FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.

Disclaimer: Results based on subjective evaluation. Since our products are made with natural ingredients/extracts they may change the colour and fragrance, but the performance of the product is unaffected.

Sun-Kissed Suncare Gel

Oteria’s Sun‑Kissed Suncare Gel is your go-to after Sun Care Gel, expertly formulated for sun damage skin repair and long-lasting hydration. This lightweight sun protection gel not only shields your skin from harmful UVA rays but also soothes, brightens, and revives sun-exposed skin with a radiant finish.

How to use

Take a pea-sized amount of gel into the palm and gently massage onto your face and neck in upward strokes.

Caution

FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.

Disclaimer: Results based on subjective evaluation. Since our products are made with natural ingredients/extracts they may change the colour and fragrance, but the performance of the product is unaffected.

Check out our entire range of products here. 

Takeaway

The reason behind educating you about the Fitzpatrick scale is not to box or categorize you. It's rather to help you understand how your skin behaves, especially under the sun. Indian skin is beautiful and versatile, but it needs targeted care to stay healthy, glowing, and even-toned. If Mr. Fitzpatrick was to advise you, he would ask you to never miss your sunscreen.

FAQs

1. What is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale?

It’s a classification system developed in 1975 by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick to categorize skin types based on how they respond to UV exposure—specifically, how easily they burn or tan. It includes six skin types, from Type I (very fair) to Type VI (deeply pigmented).

2. Where does Indian skin fall on the Fitzpatrick scale?

Most Indian skin types fall under the ranges - Type III to Type VI, meaning they tan easily and rarely burn, but are more prone to pigmentation and dark spots.

3. Is the Fitzpatrick scale still relevant in 2025?

Yes, it’s still widely used in dermatology for assessing sun sensitivity, treatment planning, and laser safety. However, it’s often paired with newer tools to better capture the full spectrum of skin diversity—especially in people of color.

4. Why is Indian skin more prone to pigmentation?

Indian skin has more melanin, which offers sun protection but also holds on to pigment longer. So acne, sun exposure, or even a scratch can leave behind marks that take time to fade without proper care.

5. Can I use the Fitzpatrick type to choose the right skincare?

Yes—knowing your skin type can guide your choice of products. For Indian skin (Type III-VI), it’s best to use pigmentation cream for face, skin repair cream, and daily sunscreen to prevent long-term damage and dark spots.

6. How can I protect Indian skin from sun damage?

Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 30+, even indoors, is essential. Ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C also help brighten and shield the skin from UV-induced pigmentation.

7. What ingredients should I look for in a good anti-aging product?

Look for stem cell extracts, niacinamide, and vitamins A & E, all of which are found in Revive Skin Cream—a product that acts as an Anti Wrinkle Cream, Skin Renewal Cream, and Skin Repair Cream for Indian skin.

8. Are Oteria’s products suitable for all Indian skin tones?

Yes, Oteria formulates its products specifically with Indian skin (Types III–VI) in mind, focusing on issues like pigmentation, uneven tone, and sun damage, without being too harsh or stripping on melanin-rich skin.