Fitzpatrick Skin Type

Get the user’s Fitzpatrick skin type from HealthKit

Overview

The Fitzpatrick skin type is a classification system for skin types based on their response to sun exposure. It ranges from Type I (very fair skin that always burns) to Type VI (deeply pigmented dark skin that never burns).

getFitzpatrickSkinType

Retrieve the user’s Fitzpatrick skin type stored in HealthKit. This is a synchronous operation.

Signature

function getFitzpatrickSkinType(): FitzpatrickSkinType

Returns

skinType · FitzpatrickSkinType

The Fitzpatrick skin type value as an enum:

• FitzpatrickSkinType.notSet (0) - Not set or unknown
• FitzpatrickSkinType.I (1) - Type I: Pale white skin, always burns, never tans
• FitzpatrickSkinType.II (2) - Type II: White skin, usually burns, tans minimally
• FitzpatrickSkinType.III (3) - Type III: White to light brown skin, sometimes burns, tans uniformly
• FitzpatrickSkinType.IV (4) - Type IV: Moderate brown skin, burns minimally, tans easily
• FitzpatrickSkinType.V (5) - Type V: Dark brown skin, rarely burns, tans very easily
• FitzpatrickSkinType.VI (6) - Type VI: Deeply pigmented dark brown to black skin, never burns

Example

import { getFitzpatrickSkinType, FitzpatrickSkinType } from '@kingstinct/react-native-healthkit'

const skinType = getFitzpatrickSkinType()

const skinTypeDescriptions: Record<FitzpatrickSkinType, string> = {
  [FitzpatrickSkinType.notSet]: 'Not Set',
  [FitzpatrickSkinType.I]: 'Type I - Very Fair',
  [FitzpatrickSkinType.II]: 'Type II - Fair',
  [FitzpatrickSkinType.III]: 'Type III - Medium',
  [FitzpatrickSkinType.IV]: 'Type IV - Olive',
  [FitzpatrickSkinType.V]: 'Type V - Brown',
  [FitzpatrickSkinType.VI]: 'Type VI - Dark Brown/Black',
}

console.log('Skin type:', skinTypeDescriptions[skinType])

// Provide sun protection recommendations based on skin type
if (skinType === FitzpatrickSkinType.I || skinType === FitzpatrickSkinType.II) {
  console.log('Recommendation: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, seek shade, wear protective clothing')
} else if (skinType === FitzpatrickSkinType.III || skinType === FitzpatrickSkinType.IV) {
  console.log('Recommendation: Use SPF 15-30 sunscreen, moderate sun exposure')
} else if (skinType === FitzpatrickSkinType.V || skinType === FitzpatrickSkinType.VI) {
  console.log('Recommendation: Use SPF 15 sunscreen for extended sun exposure')
}

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getFitzpatrickSkinTypeAsync

Asynchronous version of getFitzpatrickSkinType. Use this if you need to await the result or want consistency with other async HealthKit operations.

Signature

function getFitzpatrickSkinTypeAsync(): Promise<FitzpatrickSkinType>

Returns

skinType · Promise<FitzpatrickSkinType>

Promise that resolves to the Fitzpatrick skin type value

Example

import { getFitzpatrickSkinTypeAsync, FitzpatrickSkinType } from '@kingstinct/react-native-healthkit'

const skinType = await getFitzpatrickSkinTypeAsync()

if (skinType !== FitzpatrickSkinType.notSet) {
  // Calculate recommended sun exposure time
  const sunExposureMinutes: Record<FitzpatrickSkinType, number> = {
    [FitzpatrickSkinType.notSet]: 0,
    [FitzpatrickSkinType.I]: 10,
    [FitzpatrickSkinType.II]: 15,
    [FitzpatrickSkinType.III]: 20,
    [FitzpatrickSkinType.IV]: 30,
    [FitzpatrickSkinType.V]: 45,
    [FitzpatrickSkinType.VI]: 60,
  }
  
  console.log(
    `Safe sun exposure without protection: ~${sunExposureMinutes[skinType]} minutes`
  )
} else {
  console.log('Skin type not set - please set in Health app for personalized recommendations')
}

Fitzpatrick skin type is a characteristic stored in the user’s HealthKit profile. It cannot be changed by apps and is set by the user in the Health app settings.

You need to request read authorization for characteristics before accessing this data. This is typically done during initial app setup with requestAuthorization.

Fitzpatrick skin type is useful for apps that provide sun exposure guidance, UV protection recommendations, or track time spent in daylight for health purposes.