Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What characterizes Fitzpatrick Type III skin?

1. Very fair skin, burns easily

2. Light to medium skin, sometimes tans

3. Medium skin, tans easily

4. Dark skin, rarely burns

The correct answer is: Light to medium skin, sometimes tans

Fitzpatrick Type III skin is characterized by light to medium skin tone that shows a tendency to tan but may also burn. Individuals with this skin type typically have a beige complexion and may have light eyes and hair. They often experience slight burns with sun exposure but are more likely to achieve a tan than those with fairer skin types. Understanding the Fitzpatrick scale is crucial for estheticians, as it guides treatment plans, particularly with regard to sun protection, chemical peels, and laser treatments. This allows for personalized care that aligns with each skin type's unique responses to ultraviolet exposure and cosmetic treatments. The other classifications refer to skin types with different characteristics. Very fair skin that burns easily aligns with Type I, while medium skin that tans easily without much burning correlates more with Type IV. Dark skin types, which rarely burn, are classified as Type V and VI. Recognizing these differences is essential for effective skincare and treatment applications.