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c) The Different Skin Types
As already mentioned, the effect of UV radiation is different for each person and also each skin type.
• Skin type I (Celtic), natural self-protection time approx. 3-10 minutes
People with this skin type have noticeably light skin with freckles, they have red or light blonde hair and blue eyes. After
3-10 minutes in the sun they already have a sunburn and never become brown/tanned.
• Skin type II (Germanic), natural self-protection time approx. 10-20 minutes
These people have blonde/light brown hair and blue, green or grey eyes. Untanned skin becomes red after 10-20
minutes in the sun. After some time, however, light tanning occurs.
• Skin type III (Mixed), natural self-protection time approx. 20-30 minutes
Dark blonde hair and brown or grey eyes are the common characteristics of this colouration type. These people can be
in the sun for 20-30 minutes before a sunburn begins. Over time, the skin tans deeply.
• Skin type IV (Mediterranean), natural self-protection time approx. 40 minutes
This skin type is recognisable by dark brown/black hair and brown eyes; the skin is already brown when untanned.
Sunburn occurs only after a very long time; the skin becomes brown very quickly.
• Skin type V, natural self-protection time approx. 60 minutes
People with this skin type have dark brown skin, dark eyes and black hair. The skin does not become much darker in
the sun, but a sunburn can occur.
• Skin type VI, natural self-protection time approx. 90 minutes
People with this skin type have very dark or black skin, black/brown eyes and black hair. No tanning is visible. However,
it is possible to become sunburnt if the skin has not been exposed to the sun for a long period of time.
