What is the primary characteristic of skin type 5?

Skin type 5 is characterized by medium brown skin that typically tans with ease and is less prone to sunburn. This classification is part of the Fitzpatrick skin type scale, which categorizes skin types based on their response to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Individuals with skin type 5 usually have a naturally darker complexion, which offers some inherent protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Understanding this skin type is critical for tanning professionals, as it influences recommendations for safe tanning practices and expected outcomes. For example, knowing that individuals with skin type 5 can tan more easily allows for tailored advice on tanning sessions, products to use, and the importance of sun protection measures to avoid overexposure.

The other choices represent different skin types, with extremely fair skin, very dark skin, and fair skin that burns easily being distinct categories on the scale, reflecting different levels of melanin and responses to sun exposure.