Freckles are small, flat, pigmented spots on the skin, ranging from tan to reddish-brown. They often raise questions about their origin and whether new ones can develop. Understanding freckles clarifies how they form and what influences their appearance.
Understanding Freckles
Freckles result from the skin’s production of melanin, a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. There are two main types: ephelides and solar lentigines.
Ephelides are the classic freckles, flat and light brown or red. They often appear in childhood, become more prominent with sun exposure, and tend to fade in winter. Their development is influenced by genetics, particularly variations in the MC1R gene.
Solar lentigines, also known as sunspots or age spots, differ from ephelides. These are larger, more defined patches, ranging from yellow to dark brown. Unlike ephelides, solar lentigines do not fade in winter and are directly linked to cumulative sun exposure. They result from an increase in both melanocytes and melanin accumulation in the skin’s outer layer.
How New Freckles Appear
New pigment spots appear primarily due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When skin is exposed to sunlight, melanocytes are stimulated to produce more melanin as a protective response against UV damage. This increased melanin production leads to new spots, especially solar lentigines.
Intense or prolonged sun exposure causes melanocytes to overproduce melanin, which then accumulates in concentrated areas, forming these new pigmented lesions. While ephelides are genetically predisposed, their visibility and number can increase significantly with sun exposure. Solar lentigines are a direct consequence of long-term sun exposure.
Protecting Against New Freckles
Preventing the formation of new sun-induced pigment spots involves consistent sun protection measures. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher is an effective strategy. This sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts, provides a physical barrier against UV rays. Clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating offers enhanced protection, blocking a significant percentage of UV radiation. Seeking shade, particularly during peak UV hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, further minimizes sun exposure and helps reduce the likelihood of new spot development.