Categories of Color
The Obagi Skin Classification System divides skin color into Original, Deviated, and Complex color types (see below for definitions) based on the patient’s ethnic background. This has profound effects on how the skin will react during skin conditioning and rejuvenation procedures. The basic categories are White, Asian, and Black. As shown in the Table 1-3, for White skin, the original color type is Light White; for Black skin, the original color type is Dark (jet) Black; and, for Asian skin, it is Dark Yellow.
| Basic Skin Color Categories (Table 1-3) | ||
| White | Asian | Black |
| Very Light White | Light Yellow | Light Black |
| Light White | Medium Yellow | Dark Black |
| Normal White | Dark Yellow | |
Skin conditioning before and after a procedure consists of one (1) skin cycle (six (6) weeks) for all skin color groups except the deviated groups, which may need more cycles.
Original Color Type
The Original Skin Type applies to patients who are not ethnically mixed. This type of skin is not problematic during conditioning and is stable after most reju-venation procedures. There may be short-lived PIH, but it responds rapidly to treatment (see Table 1-4).
| Obagi Classification: Original Skin Color Types (Table 1-4) | ||
| Original Color Type | Corresponding Fitzpatrick Type |
Description |
| Light White | I, II | Does not tan; sun-exposed areas commonly show photodamage |
| Dark Yellow | V | “Brownish” color. Slightly darker in areas exposed to the sun |
| Dark (jet) Black | VI | Very dark; sun-exposed and non-exposed areas are similar in color |
Deviated Color Type
The Deviated Color Type is found in persons who are racially or ethnically mixed, such as Black-Asian, White-Black, etc. This color is unstable and takes longer to return to its natural color after a procedure. If a deeper procedure is performed, skin color may become lighter. Skin darkening in the form of PIH is also more likely and may persist longer.
Complex Color Type
Persons of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladesh, American Indian, Latino, Indian and some of mixed racial origin fall into the Complex Color Type. This type has an uneven, variable skin color tone, dark in some areas and lighter in others, and is extremely unstable. The variability of color is accentuated by sun exposure and tanning.