Why do we get freckles?
Freckles are small spots of extra melanin in the skin. They appear when sunlight triggers pigment cells to produce more melanin in certain spots, and they are strongly influenced by genes.
People with fair skin and red or light hair are more likely to have freckles, especially if they carry certain versions of a gene called MC1R. Freckles often appear in childhood, become darker and more numerous in summer and fade in winter when there is less sunlight.
Freckles themselves are harmless. They are not caused by more pigment cells but by more active ones producing extra melanin in small areas. They are different from moles, which are clusters of pigment cells, and from age spots, also called sunspots or liver spots, which appear in older adults after years of sun exposure.
Freckles and sun safety
Having many freckles is a sign that skin is sensitive to the Sun and burns easily, which increases the risk of skin cancer. People with freckles should be especially careful with sunscreen and protective clothing. New or changing spots should be checked by a doctor.
Did You Know?
Freckles have become a fashion trend in recent years, and some people use makeup to draw on artificial freckles.
This answer is general information, not medical advice. For a personal health question, talk to a doctor.