Ever wondered why the same fake tan can look completely different from one person to the next? ✨

Your natural skin tone, undertone and the way your skin responds to the sun can all influence how a tan appears on your skin. One way skin types are commonly described is through the Fitzpatrick Skin Scale.

Originally developed to classify how different skin types react to sun exposure, the Fitzpatrick Scale groups skin into six broad categories. While it was never designed specifically for fake tanning, understanding where you approximately sit on the scale can be a helpful starting point when choosing your ideal Naked Tan shade.

Because when it comes to tanning, there’s definitely no one-shade-fits-all situation.

What Is the Fitzpatrick Skin Scale?

The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale was developed in the 1970s by dermatologist Dr Thomas Fitzpatrick. It categorises skin into six types based largely on how easily the skin burns and tans when exposed to ultraviolet light.

The scale ranges from Type I, which generally burns very easily, through to Type VI, which contains higher levels of melanin and rarely burns.

It’s important to remember that the Fitzpatrick Scale is only a guide. Skin tone exists on a huge spectrum, and factors such as your undertone, ethnicity, genetics and personal skin history aren't perfectly captured by six categories.

But from a fake tanning perspective, it can be a handy way to start thinking about how deep you’d like your tan to appear against your natural complexion.

So, where do you fit?

Fitzpatrick Skin Type I

Typically:

Very fair skin, often accompanied by light eyes, freckles and naturally blonde or red hair.

Skin Type I tends to burn very easily in the sun and naturally tans very little, if at all.

Your fake tan vibe:

If you have very fair skin, starting with a softer tan can create the most natural-looking result.

A Medium tanning mousse is a gorgeous option when you want noticeable colour without creating too much contrast against your natural skin tone.

If you're newer to fake tanning, building your colour gradually can also help you find your perfect level of bronze.

The goal? Think healthy-looking, sun-kissed glow rather than dramatically darker skin.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type II

Typically:

Fair skin that burns relatively easily but may develop a light natural tan.

People in this category often have fair to light skin with blonde, light brown or sometimes darker hair.

Your fake tan vibe:

You’ve got plenty of options depending on the finish you love.

For an everyday glow, Medium is a great place to begin. If you're heading out, going on holiday or simply love a richer bronze, you might prefer Dark.

This skin type can often carry a little extra depth while still keeping the final result natural.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type III

Typically:

Light to medium skin that may occasionally burn but generally develops a gradual tan.

This is one of the broader Fitzpatrick categories and can include a wide variety of skin tones and undertones.

Your fake tan vibe:

Hello, tanning sweet spot. 🤎

Both Medium and Dark fake tan shades can work beautifully with this skin type.

Choose Medium when you want something soft and subtle, or reach for Dark when you want a deeper, freshly-back-from-holiday glow.

For special occasions, you may even love experimenting with Ultra Dark, particularly if you're after a more dramatic bronzed finish.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV

Typically:

Medium, olive or light brown skin that generally tans relatively easily and burns less frequently.

Your fake tan vibe:

Because your natural skin already has more depth, richer tanning shades often blend beautifully.

Dark or Ultra Dark can help enhance your existing colouring while delivering that smooth, bronzed finish.

Instead of looking dramatically different from your natural skin tone, fake tan can be used to even out the appearance of colour, add warmth and create that fresh, glowing finish we all love.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type V

Typically:

Brown to dark brown skin that tans easily and very rarely burns.

Your fake tan vibe:

Fake tan isn't only about making skin look darker.

On deeper complexions, self-tan can be used to enhance warmth, create an even-looking finish and add an extra layer of bronzed glow.

A deeper formula such as Ultra Dark may be the best place to start if you're looking for noticeable colour.

You can also pair your tan with a moisturising body routine to keep the skin looking smooth, hydrated and radiant.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI

Typically:

Deeply pigmented brown or dark brown skin with high levels of natural melanin.

Your fake tan vibe:

Again, tanning deeper skin tones isn't necessarily about dramatically changing the colour of the skin.

It's all about the finish.

Fake tan can help create additional warmth and a smooth, glowing appearance, particularly when combined with beautifully hydrated skin.

For deeper skin tones, Ultra Dark is likely to provide the most visible result compared with lighter tanning formulas.

But What About Your Undertone?

Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type is only one part of the tanning puzzle.

Your undertone can also influence how fake tan looks once it develops.

Generally, undertones are described as:

• Cool – pink, red or bluish undertones
• Warm – golden, peachy or yellow undertones
• Neutral – a mixture of warm and cool
• Olive – green or golden undertones

This is exactly why two people with a similar natural skin depth can apply the same fake tan and end up with slightly different results.

And that's completely normal.

Your skincare routine, how much product you apply, how long your tan develops and how well you prepare your skin can also make a difference.

Your Perfect Tan Is Personal

Here's the biggest tanning rule we want you to remember:

Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type doesn't decide which tan you're "allowed" to wear.

If you're Type I and absolutely love a deep Ultra Dark tan? Go for it.

If you're Type IV and prefer a subtle Medium glow? Perfect.

The scale can give you a starting point, but your perfect tan ultimately comes down to the result you feel best in.

At Naked Tan, we believe tanning should be about enhancing your skin and creating the level of glow that makes you feel amazing.

How to Make Your Fake Tan Look Even Better

No matter where you sit on the Fitzpatrick Scale, good tan preparation makes a huge difference.

For your smoothest Naked Tan result:

Exfoliate before tanning.
Removing dry and dead skin cells helps create a smoother surface for your tan.

Pay attention to dry areas.
Elbows, knees, ankles, hands and feet tend to absorb more tanning product, so apply carefully around these areas.

Apply evenly.
Blend your tanning product thoroughly and take your time around wrists, ankles and feet.

Keep your skin hydrated.
Moisturising after your tan has developed can help keep your skin looking smooth while supporting an even fade. Naked Tan's Crème de la Crème body moisturiser is perfect for keeping your skin feeling soft and hydrated between tanning days.

Don't forget your SPF.
Fake tan does not protect your skin from UV rays.

Whether your Fitzpatrick Skin Type is I, III or VI, sun protection remains important. Follow Australian sun-safety recommendations and use an appropriate broad-spectrum sunscreen when exposed to UV.

So, Which Naked Tan Shade Is Right for You?

As a simple starting guide:

Fairer skin tones: Try Medium for a natural glow, or Dark when you want something more noticeable.

Light to medium skin tones: Medium and Dark are both beautiful options depending on how bronzed you want to go.

Medium and olive skin tones: Dark can enhance your natural colouring, while Ultra Dark creates a deeper result.

Deeper skin tones: Ultra Dark can help provide more visible warmth and depth while enhancing the appearance of your natural glow.

But remember — these aren't rules.

The beauty of self-tanning is that you're in control of the result.

Find Your Naked Glow

The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale can help you understand a little more about your natural skin, but your perfect fake tan shade comes down to one very important thing:

How you like to glow.

Whether you're looking for a subtle everyday bronze, getting ready for a big event or going full glam with an Ultra Dark finish, Naked Tan makes it easy to customise your colour.

Because the best tan isn't determined by a chart.

It's the one that makes you feel incredible in your own skin. 🤎