Freckles, also known as ephelides, appear on the skin as small tan or light brown spots. While freckles are usually found on the face, they’re also located on any part of your skin that gets exposed to the sun.

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While freckles are natural and generally not harmful, they are an indication of sun damage. Freckles develop when the skin produces more melanin pigment in response to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Think of this process as your skin’s attempt to protect itself from further sun damage. This is why freckles often fade in the winter, then darken in the summer, when there’s more sunlight.

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There are two different types of freckles. The more common version of freckles are known as ‘ephelides,’ which are flat, light brown and tend to fluctuate with the seasons. The other kind is known as ‘lentigines,’ which are liver or age spots.

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Freckles are just skin cells that contain a pigment (color) called “melanin.” Melanin is a chemical made by skin cells called “melanocytes.” Melanin helps to protect the skin from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays by reflecting or absorbing them.

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Freckles are triggered by exposure to sunlight. The Sun’s ultraviolet radiation causes melanocytes to make more melanin, which can cause freckles to appear or become darker.

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Freckles are triggered by exposure to sunlight. The Sun’s ultraviolet radiation causes melanocytes to make more melanin, which can cause freckles to appear or become darker.

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The more melanin you have in your skin, the easier it will be for you to tan.

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People with fair complexions have less melanin in their skin to start with. When sunlight causes their melanocytes to make more melanin, they often develop freckles instead of getting an even suntan like people with darker complexions.

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The seasons can affect your freckles? Yep. Some people experience their freckles fading in the winter only to return in the summer. In the exact same breath, other people have them year-round, and some people have freckles that tend to fade as they age.

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Freckles appear—and multiply—with exposure to light, and usually make their debut around the ages of 7 or 8.

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In Medieval times, freckles were considered witches’ marks. Never mind the fact that men have and will always be just as susceptible them–right up there with moles, warts, and birthmarks—freckles were said to be indicative of a women’s allegiance to the devil, which may or may not be true.

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No one is born with freckles. Moles and other birth marks may be present from the day a child is born, but never freckles.

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Freckles, moles, and age spots aren’t inherent health concerns, but they should be monitored for abnormal changes. If you notice any suspicious changes in the border, color, or size of a spot on your skin, seek the advice of a dermatologist.

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While redheads have less melanin in their skin, contrary to popular belief, not all of them have freckles. They’re thought to be controlled by the same gene, but red hair is recessive, and freckles are a dominant trait. Roughly 80% of redheads have an MC1R gene.

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Freckles can sometimes be reduced or removed through bleaching or fading creams, retinoids, cryosurgery, laser treatment, photofacials and chemical peels.

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No two freckles are the same. They’re as unique as snowflakes. Your freckles are 100 percent yours.

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