It makes no difference whether you're Irish, African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American—or whatever! People of all races can burn—no matter who you are or where you live!
Although everyone is at risk from too much UV exposure, some people with certain skin types may have a higher risk factor.This doesn't mean that if you have a darker skin tone you shouldn't practice proper sun safety though, as skin cancer affects everyone. In fact recent statistics have shown that while those individuals with lighter skin tone have a higher incidence of skin cancer, those with a darker skin tone have a significantly lower survival rate once diagnosed. So everyone should take proper precautions, regardless of skin type!
The chart below represents a range of skin types and the frequency of burning or tanning. Remember though that skin cancer can occur in any of these skin types, so even if you have darker skin you should always practice sun safety. For tips on how to stay sun safe.
| Skin Type |
History of Sunburning or Tanning |
| I |
Always burns easily, never tans |
| II |
Burns easily, tans minimally |
| III |
Burns moderately, tans gradually to light brown |
| IV |
Burns minimally, always tans well to moderately brown |
| V |
Rarely burns, tans profusely to dark brown |
| VI |
Never burns, deeply pigmented |
