The Fitzpatrick scale was developed as a universale skin classification system in 1975 by Thomas B. Fitzpatick, a Harvard dermatologist. The scale is designed to estimate the response of different types of skin to ultraviolet (UV) light. Today, it remains a recognized tool by dermatologists to determine what types of skin treatments (like chemical peels) you’d be a good candidate for.
Click here to see the Fitzpatrick scale.
In general, your skin tone and how you respond to sun exposure can help you determine which chemical peel is best for you.
The skin types that react best to chemical peels tend to be lighter skin types I, II, and III. Although skin types IV, V, and VI are not ideal for chemical peels, superficial peels formulated with salicylic acid and glycolic acid in lower strengths can be used on darker skin types with excellent results!
Here are our recommendations for choosing the right chemical peel based on your skin tone:
1. Very light skin - This skin tone is characterized by red or blond hair and blue or green eyes. If you have this skin tone, your skin always burns and never tans. It’s also very susceptible to damage and skin cancers. Here are some recommended Medpeel Chemical Peels for your skin tone:
Glycolic - Effectively addresses the adverse signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and light hyperpigmentation without visible flaking.
- AHA Vitamin C - A blend of AHA and Vitamin C that helps exfoliate the dead outer layer of cells and allow the untouched skin below to reveal itself.
- Fusion - A proprietary blend of Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, TCA, Resorcinol, and Fruit Enzymes Complex to create the ultimate superficial, designer peel.
- Salicylic - A beta hydroxy acid peel used to clear clogged pores with repeated use.
- Alpha Beta - A two-step peel that is packed with rejuvenating, powerful, yet gentle exfoliating acids to clear and balance skin.
- TCA - This peel produces noteworthy skin brightening and tightening and will also address deeper wrinkles, sagging skin and texture issues.
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Jessner - A medium level peel containing 14% of each acid (Salicylic, Lactic, and Resorcinol).
2. Light Skin - This skin tone is characterized by blonde, light to medium brown hair and light to medium eyes. If you have this skin tone, you almost always burn and rarely tan. It’s also very susceptible to damage and skin cancers. Here are some recommended Medpeel Chemical Peels for your skin tone:
- Glycolic - Effectively addresses the adverse signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and light hyperpigmentation without visible flaking.
- AHA Vitamin C - A blend of AHA and Vitamin C that helps exfoliate the dead outer layer of cells and allow the untouched skin below to reveal itself.
- Fusion - A proprietary blend of Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, TCA, Resorcinol, and Fruit Enzymes Complex to create the ultimate superficial, designer peel.
- Salicylic - A beta hydroxy acid peel used to clear clogged pores with repeated use.
- Alpha Beta - A two-step peel that is packed with rejuvenating, powerful, yet gentle exfoliating acids to clear and balance skin.
- TCA - This peel produces noteworthy skin brightening and tightening and will also address deeper wrinkles, sagging skin and texture issues.
- Jessner - A medium level peel containing 14% of each acid (Salicylic, Lactic, and Resorcinol).
3. Medium to Olive Skin - This skin tone is characterized by medium brown hair and medium to dark eyes. If you have this skin tone, you sometimes burn and sometimes tan. It’s also very susceptible to damage and skin cancers. Here are some recommended Medpeel Chemical Peels for your skin tone:
- Glycolic - Effectively addresses the adverse signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and light hyperpigmentation without visible flaking.
- AHA Vitamin C - A blend of AHA and Vitamin C that helps exfoliate the dead outer layer of cells and allow the untouched skin below to reveal itself.
- Fusion - A proprietary blend of Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, TCA, Resorcinol, and Fruit Enzymes Complex to create the ultimate superficial, designer peel.
- Salicylic - A beta hydroxy acid peel used to clear clogged pores with repeated use.
- Alpha Beta - A two-step peel that is packed with rejuvenating, powerful, yet gentle exfoliating acids to clear and balance skin.
- TCA - This peel produces noteworthy skin brightening and tightening and will also address deeper wrinkles, sagging skin and texture issues.
- Jessner - A medium level peel containing 14% of each acid (Salicylic, Lactic, and Resorcinol).
4. Dark Olive to Light Brown Skin - This skin type is characterized by dark brown to black hair and medium to dark eyes. If you have this skin tone, you tend to tan easily and are less likely to burn. Here are some recommended Medpeel Chemical Peels for your skin tone:
- Glycolic - Effectively addresses the adverse signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and light hyperpigmentation without visible flaking.
- AHA Vitamin C - A blend of AHA and Vitamin C that helps exfoliate the dead outer layer of cells and allow the untouched skin below to reveal itself.
- Fusion - A proprietary blend of Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, TCA, Resorcinol, and Fruit Enzymes Complex to create the ultimate superficial, designer peel.
- Salicylic - A beta hydroxy acid peel used to clear clogged pores with repeated use.
- Alpha Beta - A two-step peel that is packed with rejuvenating, powerful, yet gentle exfoliating acids to clear and balance skin.
- TCA 10% - This peel produces noteworthy skin brightening and tightening and will also address deeper wrinkles, sagging skin and texture issues.
5. Dark Skin - This skin tone is characterized by dark hair and dark eyes. If you have this skin tone, your skin most likely tans easily and rarely burns. Here are some recommended Medpeel Chemical Peels for your skin tone:
- Glycolic - Effectively addresses the adverse signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and light hyperpigmentation without visible flaking.
- AHA Vitamin C - A blend of AHA and Vitamin C that helps exfoliate the dead outer layer of cells and allow the untouched skin below to reveal itself.
- Fusion - A proprietary blend of Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, TCA, Resorcinol, and Fruit Enzymes Complex to create the ultimate superficial, designer peel.
- Salicylic - A beta hydroxy acid peel used to clear clogged pores with repeated use.
- Alpha Beta - A two-step peel that is packed with rejuvenating, powerful, yet gentle exfoliating acids to clear and balance skin.
- TCA 10% - This peel produces noteworthy skin brightening and tightening and will also address deeper wrinkles, sagging skin and texture issues.
6. Very Dark Skin - This skin tone is characterized by dark hair and dark eyes. If you have this skin type you never burn. Here are some recommended Medpeel Chemical Peels for your skin tone:
- Glycolic - Effectively addresses the adverse signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and light hyperpigmentation without visible flaking.
- AHA Vitamin C - A blend of AHA and Vitamin C that helps exfoliate the dead outer layer of cells and allow the untouched skin below to reveal itself.
- Fusion - A proprietary blend of Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, TCA, Resorcinol, and Fruit Enzymes Complex to create the ultimate superficial, designer peel.
- Salicylic - A beta hydroxy acid peel used to clear clogged pores with repeated use.
- Alpha Beta - A two-step peel that is packed with rejuvenating, powerful, yet gentle exfoliating acids to clear and balance skin.
- TCA 10% - This peel produces noteworthy skin brightening and tightening and will also address deeper wrinkles, sagging skin and texture issues.
