Freckles are small, flat, pigmented spots that commonly appear on areas of the skin exposed to the sun — such as the face, shoulders, chest, and arms. They range in color from tan, red, and light brown to dark brown, depending on your skin tone.
Freckles happen when your skin makes extra melanin (your skin’s natural pigment) to protect itself from the sun’s UV rays. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, melanin production increases, especially in people who are genetically predisposed to freckling. Some people are just more likely to get them — especially if they have lighter skin or red/blonde hair.
Melanin is produced by specialized skin cells called melanocytes. Its main job is to protect your skin from sun damage by absorbing and reflecting harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
If you have a fair or light complexion, your melanocytes respond to sun exposure by increasing melanin production. However, instead of tanning evenly, your skin is more likely to develop freckles — small, concentrated spots of pigment.
Freckles often appear in childhood and become more noticeable with sun exposure.
They may fade in winter and darken in summer due to changing UV levels.
Freckling is genetically influenced, especially by the MC1R gene, which is more common in people with red or blond hair and lighter skin tones.
Nope! Freckles are not harmful and not a sign of skin disease. They're just your skin’s way of responding to sunlight. But if a spot looks different or starts changing, it’s a good idea to get it checked by a doctor.
Nope! Skin tags are not cancer and don’t turn into cancer. They’re totally benign (non-cancerous).
Yes -there are two main types of freckles: Ephelides and Solar Lentigines. While both are caused by sun exposure and an increase in melanin, they differ in appearance, age of onset, and permanence.
What they look like:
Flat, small spots that range from red, tan, to light brown in color.
Common in:
People with light skin, red or blond hair.
Triggered by:
Sun exposure and sunburns in childhood.
Where they appear:
On sun-exposed areas like the face, shoulders, arms, upper chest, neck, and back.
When they appear:
Usually begin in early childhood and may continue to develop into young adulthood.
Do they fade?
Yes - they often fade with age or in months with less sun exposure.
What they look like:
Larger and darker than ephelides; can appear yellow, red, brown, or dark brown.
Also known as:
Sun spots, age spots, actinic lentigines, or liver spots.
Common in:
Adults over age 40, regardless of skin tone, especially with frequent sun exposure over the years.
Where they appear:
Commonly seen on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, forearms, chest, shoulders, back, and lower legs.
Do they fade?
Unlike ephelides, solar lentigines don’t fade on their own and may require treatment for lightening.
You can’t change your genes, but you can protect your skin:
Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Wear hats and sunglasses
Avoid strong midday sun
Cover up with clothing when needed
Yes, but only if you really want to — and only with professional treatments. Freckles are harmless and often fade with age or reduced sun exposure. However, if you’re looking to lighten or reduce their appearance, several treatment options are available. While freckles can’t be permanently removed, many treatments can visibly fade them over time.
Topical Acids and Chemical Peels
Products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, or phenol can help fade freckles.
These peels work by exfoliating the top layer of the skin, promoting the growth of new, more even-toned skin cells.
Retinoids and Retinols
Prescription retinoids and over-the-counter retinols speed up cell turnover.
They bring new skin cells to the surface and help fade pigmentation gradually.
Retinoids also boost collagen production, improving overall skin texture.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments (such as Q-switched lasers or intense pulsed light) target pigmented cells and break them down.
Often used for both freckles and sunspots, lasers provide more precise and long-lasting results with multiple sessions.
Cryotherapy
This treatment involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze the freckle or pigmented spot.
The treated area darkens and sheds within a few days, revealing lighter skin underneath.
Most often used for solar lentigines (age spots) and actinic keratosis, but may help some persistent freckles.
The best treatment depends on:
Your skin type and tone
The depth and number of freckles
Sensitivity to ingredients or procedures
A dermatologist will assess your skin and recommend the most effective and safe approach.
Remember:
Always wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to prevent new freckles and protect your skin during and after treatment.
Avoid DIY treatments or unregulated products that may harm your skin.
No, they’re different:
Freckles come and go with sun exposure.
Sunspots (age spots) are usually larger and show up with age and long-term sun damage.
Moles are raised and can be different colors -these should be watched closely.
Freckles tend to fade in winter when there’s less sun, and come back in summer!
Fact: Freckles form when your skin produces extra melanin after sun exposure. They’re not damage, just a natural reaction — though they do show your skin has had sun exposure.
Fact: Freckles themselves are harmless. But frequent sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, so it’s still important to use sunscreen and check your skin regularly.
Fact: Most people develop freckles over time, especially during childhood or after spending time in the sun. Babies usually aren’t born with them.
Fact: Some treatments can fade freckles, but they often return with more sun exposure — unless you’re super consistent with sun protection.
Fact: Nope! Freckles are under your skin, not dirt. Scrubbing won’t remove them and could just irritate your skin.
Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.
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