Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCauses of FrecklesContributors to FrecklesAre They Dangerous?Freckles vs. Sun SpotsFreckles vs. MolesWhen to Seek Medical CarePrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes of Freckles
Contributors to Freckles
Are They Dangerous?
Freckles vs. Sun Spots
Freckles vs. Moles
When to Seek Medical Care
Prevention
Freckles are small, light brown, or reddish spots on the skin. They usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, like your face, arms, hands, back, or chest. The cause of freckles is an overproduction ofmelanin, a pigment that gives your skin and hair color.
There are two types of freckles:ephelidesand solar lentigines. Ephelides are the kind you develop during childhood. Solar lentigines are freckles, age spots, and sun spots you typically acquire during adulthood.
Freckles usually are harmless, but you should watch any freckles that change in appearance over time. Some freckles warrant a visit to a healthcare provider. People with freckles may be more likely to develop skin cancer.
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What Causes Freckles?
People with very fair complexions produce more melanin in the sun, which means that instead of tanning, they develop freckles.
What Increases Your Chance for Freckles?
Spending a lot of time outdoors and in the sun increases your risk for freckles. Freckles are also genetic, so if your parents had freckles, you may have them, too.
Having lighter skin and burning easily can increase your chances of developing freckles. People with naturally blond or red hair are also at a higher risk.
A Word From VerywellFreckles darken in response to UV radiation. To limit their appearance, experts recommend limiting sun exposure and using sunscreens, hats, and protective clothing outdoors.—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Freckles darken in response to UV radiation. To limit their appearance, experts recommend limiting sun exposure and using sunscreens, hats, and protective clothing outdoors.—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Freckles darken in response to UV radiation. To limit their appearance, experts recommend limiting sun exposure and using sunscreens, hats, and protective clothing outdoors.
—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Are Freckles Dangerous?
Freckles generally are not dangerous. However, because freckles indicate UV-induced damage, they may increase your risk for skin cancer, includingmelanoma.You should monitor any freckles that change in color or size and report these changes to your healthcare provider. Sometimes, freckles are confused with moles, which could be cancerous.
What Is the Difference Between Freckles and Sun Spots?
Freckles can sometimes look likesolar lentigines, commonly called “sun spots.” However, there are some differences between the two.
Typically, freckles (ephelides):
Sun spots (solar lentigines):
Bothmoles and frecklestend to affect light-skinned people. However, they are different types of lesions.
Molesare often larger than freckles. They tend to be raised from the skin’s surface, while freckles are flat.Moles can appear on their own or in clusters and range in color from dark brown to pink. Unlike freckles, moles can develop anywhere on your body.
Should I See a Healthcare Provider for My Freckles or Moles?
You should see a healthcare provider whenever your freckles or moles change appearance. Lesions that exhibit certain characteristics should also be checked to rule out melanoma.
You should check your freckles and moles for what are known as the “ABCDEs” of melanoma, which include:
Can I Prevent More Freckles From Appearing?
Exposure to the sun is the main thing to avoid if you want to prevent freckles. Some tips for protecting your skin from UV rays include:
Home Remedies
Some people anecdotally report that certain home remedies can help fade or lessen the appearance of freckles. Though these methods are not scientifically proven, they are generally considered safe.
Some popular remedies that you can find online are:
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Some over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription treatments, such as peels, may lighten freckles and improve skin tone.These products may contain:
It’s important to try a patch test before applying a harsh product to a large area. If you develop skin irritation, stop using it.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapymay be an option for treating sun-damaged skin, freckles, and sun spots.There are many different types of lasers, includinglaser resurfacingorintense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which laser is most effective for treating your skin.
Sun Spot Removal
Some treatments that can be used to remove or lessen the appearance of sun spots are:
Products that contain the ingredients retinoid and hydroquinone may help improve the look of sun spots.
Summary
Freckles are small spots that develop on your skin due to sun exposure. They are generally harmless, but you should see a healthcare provider if a freckle changes or looks unusual in any way. The best way to prevent freckles is to steer clear of the sun and protect your skin. If you want to lessen the appearance of freckles, some home remedies, OTC medicines, and medical treatments can help.
12 SourcesVerywell 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.DermNet.Brown spots and freckles.Ohio State University.Are freckles a sign of skin damage?KidsHealth Nemours.What are freckles?University of Utah.Ephelides (freckles).M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.Who’s at increased risk for skin cancer?Praetorius C, Sturm RA, Steingrimsson E.Sun‐induced freckling: ephelides and solar lentigines.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2014;27(3):339-350. doi:10.1111/pcmr.12232Cancer Council Australia.Moles.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What to look for: ABCDEs of melanoma.Environmental Protection Agency.Sun safety tips.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Chemical peels.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Laser resurfacing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What can get rid of sunspots?
12 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.DermNet.Brown spots and freckles.Ohio State University.Are freckles a sign of skin damage?KidsHealth Nemours.What are freckles?University of Utah.Ephelides (freckles).M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.Who’s at increased risk for skin cancer?Praetorius C, Sturm RA, Steingrimsson E.Sun‐induced freckling: ephelides and solar lentigines.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2014;27(3):339-350. doi:10.1111/pcmr.12232Cancer Council Australia.Moles.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What to look for: ABCDEs of melanoma.Environmental Protection Agency.Sun safety tips.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Chemical peels.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Laser resurfacing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What can get rid of sunspots?
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.
DermNet.Brown spots and freckles.Ohio State University.Are freckles a sign of skin damage?KidsHealth Nemours.What are freckles?University of Utah.Ephelides (freckles).M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.Who’s at increased risk for skin cancer?Praetorius C, Sturm RA, Steingrimsson E.Sun‐induced freckling: ephelides and solar lentigines.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2014;27(3):339-350. doi:10.1111/pcmr.12232Cancer Council Australia.Moles.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What to look for: ABCDEs of melanoma.Environmental Protection Agency.Sun safety tips.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Chemical peels.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Laser resurfacing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.What can get rid of sunspots?
DermNet.Brown spots and freckles.
Ohio State University.Are freckles a sign of skin damage?
KidsHealth Nemours.What are freckles?
University of Utah.Ephelides (freckles).
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.Who’s at increased risk for skin cancer?
Praetorius C, Sturm RA, Steingrimsson E.Sun‐induced freckling: ephelides and solar lentigines.Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2014;27(3):339-350. doi:10.1111/pcmr.12232
Cancer Council Australia.Moles.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What to look for: ABCDEs of melanoma.
Environmental Protection Agency.Sun safety tips.
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Chemical peels.
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.Laser resurfacing.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What can get rid of sunspots?
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