Freckles are small, flat, tan or light-brown spots on the skin that are genetic and caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour. They are completely harmless and appear on sun-exposed areas like the face and shoulders.
What Causes Freckles?
UK-based General Practitioner Dr. Sermed Mezher explained the science behind freckles. According to Dr. Mezher, there are different types of freckles. 'Solo lentigenes, which people develop throughout their lifetime and can be a sign of photo damage of the skin,' he said. 'But the ones that people are generally talking about are the ones in people with lighter skin, red hair, ginger, and those are called effolidies.'
He added that these conventional freckles form during childhood and are triggered by sun exposure. The key factor is variations in the MC1R melanocortin gene. 'This variant tends to cause melanin to clump rather than form an even tan, so when exposed – leads to increased freckles that tend to fade throughout the winter months,' Dr. Mezher said.
Why Do Freckles Get Darker in Summer?
During summer, increased sun exposure stimulates melanin production, causing freckles to darken. This is a natural response and not harmful. Some people embrace the look, even using makeup to create fake freckles, with beauty brands offering products specifically for this purpose.
Can Freckles Be Removed or Lightened?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, freckles cannot be completely removed but can be lightened with topical products, lasers, and cryotherapy. They recommend consulting a dermatologist to discuss the best treatment options. Prevention is also possible by protecting skin from sunlight: applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and avoiding peak UV hours between 10am and 4pm.
