Freckles - Skin Conditions

Freckles are small, usually tan or light brown, spots on the skin that are caused by an increase in the amount of a dark pigment called melanin. They are a common and completely harmless skin condition.

Freckles typically appear on the face, but they can be found on any skin exposed to the sun, such as arms or shoulders. They become darker and more apparent after sun exposure because ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun triggers melanin production.

Freckles are genetic and are most common in people with fair skin and/or with blond or red hair. While people with darker skin and hair can also have freckles, they are generally not as contrasted with the skin color and thus, may be less noticeable.

There are two types of freckles: ephelides, which are flat, light brown spots that typically appear during the sunny months and fade in the winter, and solar lentigines, also known as “sun spots”, that are darker, don’t fade in the winter, and are more commonly associated with aging and sun damage.

While freckles are harmless, they can resemble some forms of skin cancer, and people with freckles are more susceptible to developing skin cancer due to greater sun exposure. Thus, it’s always important to protect your skin from the sun and get regular skin checks from a dermatologist.