People with skin type V have an olive or dark skin tone and include light-skinned African-Americans, Indians, and those of Middle Eastern descent. They tan easily and very rarely burn. Although skin cancer is not common among people with this skin type, they should still take the necessary precaution to protect their skin against skin cancer. Individuals with this skin type should still protect themselves from the sun as chronic sun exposure leads to uneven skin tone and pigmentation.
Skin Type V also reacts differently and at times more severely to common conditions such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) which can lead to potential problems with pigmentation, or uneven darkening or lightening of skin colour as the formation of melanin is a dynamic process and responds to various stimuli. Thus the skin is more reactive to an insult which can lead to dark marks called Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation PIH. PIH may takes years to fade thus wearing a sunscreen is essential to prevent PIH. This skin type can also produce less pigmentation called Hypopigmentation or lightened areas, after a burn or other injury.
There is a greater risk of keloid (raised, often large scars) development because darker skin has a better bed of collagen. Studies suggest that the fibroblasts which make collagen, are larger and more numerous and active. Damage to darker skin is therefore associated with a greater incidence of keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Best skincare practices for Fitzpatrick Skin Type I
- Minimise sun damage
- Even out pigmentation
- Reverse age-related changes like wrinkles
- Check for skin cancers
In general, skin types V have a much higher risk for problems (e.g. skin discoloration, blotchiness, darkening or lightening of the skin, burns, scarring) following aesthetic treatments.
At Skin Renewal, each client is booked for a consultation with a doctor before any treatments are done. As every person has a unique set of needs, an individualised package is worked out for each client to ensure optimal results.