Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSun Exposure and FrecklesFreckles vs. Sun SpotsProtecting Your SkinWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Sun Exposure and Freckles
Freckles vs. Sun Spots
Protecting Your Skin
When to See a Provider
You may have wondered why freckles develop and if they are a sign of sun damage. These brown dots can occur on any color of skin. They appear due to genetics and exposure to the sun. They are not considered signs of sun damage, but they become more noticeable with increased exposure to sunlight.
Generally, freckles are not a health risk, but it’s always important to monitor your skin for any changes and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
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What Causes Freckles?
Genetic factors and sun exposure typically causefreckles. They are found most often in people with light-colored skin and those with naturally red hair, but they can occur in people of any skin color.
Genetics plays a role in freckle development, as some people are born with genes that make having freckles more likely. You are more likely to have freckles if your parents have them.
Freckles most often start to appear during childhood, continue through adolescence, and usually fade over time.
A Word From VerywellIf freckles change in size, shape, itch, or bleed, consult with a dermatologist or your primary care provider.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
If freckles change in size, shape, itch, or bleed, consult with a dermatologist or your primary care provider.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
If freckles change in size, shape, itch, or bleed, consult with a dermatologist or your primary care provider.
—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
How Does Sun Exposure Affect Freckles?
Sun exposure greatly affects how freckles look and where they are found. UV radiation from the sun stimulates the production of melanin. As a result, freckles often become more numerous and more noticeable during the summer months when sun exposure is more frequent.
Some genes associated with developing freckles can also increase sun sensitivity, making it more likely for people to getsunburned.Anytime there is sun exposure, there is a risk of skin damage, so protecting your skin is important.
Freckles vs. Sun Spots (Solar Lentigines)
Solar lentiginesare larger, darker patches that usually develop in adults over age 40 due to cumulative sun exposure over their lifetime.Unlike freckles, solar lentigines do not fade when not exposed to the sun. They are commonly found on the face, shoulders, arms, and hands, where most sun exposure occurs.
Like freckles, solar lentigines are not cancerous.However, their presence indicates significant sun exposure, which can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
How Can I Protect My Skin From Sun Damage?
You can protect your skin from the damage of UV radiation in several ways. Here are a few strategies:
When Should I See a Healthcare Provider?
Freckles generally do not require treatment. However, if the look of freckles is bothersome, topical treatments and laser therapy are available.Consult a dermatologist for the appropriate method.
Monitoring your skin regularly and noting anychangesin freckles,moles, or other spots is important. If you notice any of the following, seek advice from a healthcare provider:
Summary
Freckles, which can appear on any skin tone, are due to melanin production in response to UV light. Unlike freckles, sun spots (solar lentigines) are larger, darker patches that do not fade and usually appear in older adults.
Protecting the skin from UV damage involves using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, staying in the shade, avoiding tanning beds, and monitoring the UV index. Regular skin checks are important. To rule out skin cancer, a healthcare provider should evaluate any changes in freckles or spots.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Akbar SA, Hassan SMJ, Raoof ZM, Saeed MMM.Personalized skincare: correlating genetics with skin phenotypes through dna analysis.UHD Journal of Science and Technology. 2024;8(1):151-163. doi:10.21928/uhdjst.v8n1y2024.pp151-163
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Lentigines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sun safety facts.
Plensdorf S, Livieratos M, Dada N.Pigmentation disorders: diagnosis and management.afp. 2017;96(12):797-804.
American Academy of Dermatology Association:How can I tell if I have skin cancer?
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