Some people are more likely to get freckles than others, depending on their genes and skin type. If a person is genetically more likely to develop freckles, exposure to sunlight can make them appear.
Freckles are common in children and may disappear or become less noticeable as they grow up.
In this article, we look at what causes freckles, how to distinguish them from other similar marks, ways to remove or lighten them, and when to see a doctor or a skin doctor called a dermatologist.
What causes freckles?
Freckles appear when melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, builds up under the skin. Freckles may look brown, red, or tan.
Sun exposure and genetic factors make some people more likely to develop freckles:
Sun exposure
A person’s skin cells produce extra melanin to protect the skin from sun damage. This is why freckles tend to appear after sun exposure.
Freckles can appear over a large area of skin and can reappear or become darker in the summer months. Freckles often fade or disappear in the winter months, when new skin cells replace old cells.
Freckles develop on areas often exposed to sunlight, such as the:
- face
- arms
- neck
- back
- chest
Genetics
Genetics also play a leading role in who is more likely to develop freckles based on which type of melanin their body produces.
The body can produce two types of melanin called pheomelanin and eumelanin. Eumelanin protects the skin from UV rays, but pheomelanin does not.
The type of melanin the body produces depends on a gene called MC1R.
- People with dark hair, eyes, and skin usually produce mostly eumelanin and are less likely to develop freckles.
- People with red, blonde, or light brown hair and who have light-colored skin and eyes usually produce mainly pheomelanin and are more likely to develop freckles.
Are freckles dangerous?
Freckles are not dangerous. However, as people with freckles have skin that is more sensitive to sunlight, they should take extra care to protect their skin from the sun.
Freckles can look very similar to other marks that develop on the skin. For example, they can look like sun spots, also known as age spots, or liver spots.
Sun exposure is a primary cause of both freckles and age spots. Age spots are typically larger than freckles, are more clearly defined, and tend to appear in older adults.
While freckles are more widespread on people with light-colored hair and skin, age spots develop on people with a wider range of complexions.
Moles are usually present from birth, but people can develop them throughout childhood and teenage years. Moles are generally darker than freckles and can be flat or raised off the skin.
This table shows the differences between common marks on the skin:
Some people find that certain natural products can lighten their freckles, although these methods are not scientifically proven.
- Lemons: Apply a small amount of lemon juice to cotton wool and wipe over the skin. The Vitamin C in the lemon juice may help to lighten dark spots, although it is unlikely to be a high enough concentration to make a dramatic difference.
- Honey: Spread a thin layer of honey on to the skin. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water. Honey has antioxidant properties, which may help to lighten freckles over time.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera contains salicylic acid and aloin. This may help to fade freckles. Use aloe vera from the leaf and apply to the skin.
Using these natural products on your skin is unlikely to cause any side effects, but it is best to do a patch test on a small area of skin first. If it causes any skin irritation, stop using the product.
When to see a doctor
Freckles are harmless, but they can sometimes look similar to some types of skin cancer. If people notice any changes in their skin, they should see a doctor, who will be able to check the skin for anything unusual.
People who have fair skin that freckles or burns easily may be at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. They should, therefore, take extra care when going out in the sun.
People should see a doctor if a mole, freckle, or sun spot:
- itches
- bleeds
- grows
- changes shape
- looks different to those around it
People can also use the ABCDE guide to check spots on their skin. Look for:
Asymmetry — does one half looks different to the other half?
Border — does it have poorly defined or scalloped edges?
Color — is it a variety of shades of brown, black, or tan?
Diameter — is it bigger than the size of an eraser on the end of a pencil?
Evolves — has it changed shape, size, or color?
If people have a spot on the skin that matches one or more of the above signs, they should see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Summary
Freckles are harmless marks on the skin caused by genetics and exposure to sunlight. If people have freckles, they will need to take extra care of their skin in the sun.
If people have any concerns about any new marks or changes to their skin, they should see a doctor or dermatologist who can check the skin for anything unusual.
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