What’s My Skin Type for Tanning? (The Fun Guide to the Fitzpatrick Scale)
Tanning isn’t for everyone! At The Tan Boutique we encourage SAFE tanning and in order to be tanning safely it’s super important you know your skin type. Why? Because our skin doesn’t all react the same way to UV rays. Some people bronze like a Greek god, whilst others turn into a lobster after 10 minutes at the beach.
That’s where the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale comes in. Think of it as your tanning personality test — except it predicts how your skin reacts to the sun.
Let’s break it down:
🌞 Skin Type I: The Porcelain Princess/Prince
- Features: Very fair skin, freckles, red or blonde hair, light eyes
- Sun reaction: Always burns, never tans
- Tanning advice: Give it a go, but very carefully. We recommend starting with our regulated beds at very low minutes and sticking to regular sessions. If you’re not noticing a difference — or if you’re feeling tender or red — then natural tanning isn’t on the cards for you. In that case, Spray tanning is your best glow-up option, and SPF outdoors is a must.
- Recommended starting minutes: 4 minutes
🌞 Skin Type II: The Fair & Fragile
- Features: Fair/lighter skin, light eyes, maybe some freckles
- Sun reaction: Usually burns, tans very lightly (if at all)
- Tanning advice: You might catch the faintest golden glow, but it can be risky. Start with low minutes, keep your sessions frequent but spaced at least 24 hours apart, and only increase slowly. You may see progress, but remember your melanin may only go so far. Spray tans are a great option if you want to deepen the look.
- Recommended starting minutes: 5 minutes
🌞 Skin Type III: The Lucky Neutral
- Features: Light to medium skin, dark blonde or brown hair, darker eyes
- Sun reaction: Sometimes burns, but usually tans
- Tanning advice: You’re in the sweet spot! You’ll tan with some effort, but keep minutes low to start and increase gradually. You might be able to raise your minutes a little quicker than Types I and II, but slow and steady still wins the glow game.
- Recommended starting minutes: 6 minutes
🌞 Skin Type IV: The Golden Glow Getter
- Features: Olive or light brown skin, dark hair, dark eyes
- Sun reaction: Rarely burns, tans easily
- Tanning advice: You tan like it’s your superpower. Still, if you’re new to the Sunbeds, follow the beginner’s guide and check between sessions to make sure you’re not overdoing it.
- Recommended starting minutes: 8 minutes
🌞 Skin Type V: The Deep Bronze Beauty
- Features: Brown skin tones, dark eyes, dark hair
- Sun reaction: Very rarely burns, tans deeply
- Tanning advice: You already glow naturally, and tanning beds will deepen it beautifully. Your skin can usually handle higher minutes in early sessions — but start smart and listen to your skin.
- Recommended starting minutes: 8 minutes
🌞 Skin Type VI: The Melanin Marvel
- Features: Dark brown to deepest black skin, dark eyes, dark hair
- Sun reaction: Almost never burns, always deepens in colour
- Tanning advice: You don’t need to “tan” in the traditional sense — your melanin has you covered. But if you want to give yourself a boost then your skin will definitely be able to hack the higher minutes.
- Recommended starting minutes: 8 minutes
The Bottom Line
The Fitzpatrick scale isn’t just about tanning — it’s about sun safety. No matter your skin type, being sensible on regulated tanning beds and using SPF outdoors is non-negotiable. Tanning can feel fun in the moment, but protecting your skin keeps it glowing, youthful, and healthy for years to come.
✨ Pro tip: If you’re after that golden goddess look without the UV, Spray tans have come a long way — and they won’t leave you looking orange (not on our watch).
⚠️ Quick disclaimer: Everyone’s skin is unique. Always start with the lowest times, check your skin after each session, and consult staff if you’re unsure which type you fall into.
