OURSKIN CELLS AND FITZPATRICK SKIN TYPES
Keratinocytes The most abundant cell in the epidermis, these cells provide some of the rigidity of the outer layers of skin.
Fibroblasts The king of all cells, fibroblasts produce collagen.
Melanocytes Found in the epidermis, these cells produce the pigment melanin. As you're probably aware, melanin absorbs the harmful ultraviolet light produced by the sun and protects the skin's DNA from radiation damage. This pigment-producing cell also produces what is known as a tan, which sounds desirable, until you realise that a tan is simply the body's response to injury from ultraviolet radiation.
Langerhans These cells are involved in the immune function of the skin.
FITZPATRICK SKIN TYPES
Developed by Professor Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD, as a classification system based on skin pigment to calculate sunlight burning, this system is commonly used as a guide for procedures that will affect pigmentation.
TYPE I
Extremely fair skin, red or blond hair, blue or green eyes
Always burns, never tans
TYPE II
Fair skin, sandy to brown hair, green or brown eyes
Usually burns, difficult to tan
TYPE III
Medium skin, brown hair, brown eyes
Sometimes burns, often tans
TYPE IV
Olive skin, brown or black hair, dark brown or black eyes
Rarely burns, tans with ease
TYPE V
Dark brown skin, black hair, black eyes
Very rarely burns, tans very easily
TYPE VI
Black or dark brown skin and hair, black eyes
Never burns, tans very easily
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