What Cause Freckles?

Freckles are non-protruding, usually flat tan, sometimes dark brown spots that could appear over time on some or several area of the skin that have been exposed to the harmful UV from the sun. Generally freckles are more common among individuals with lighter skin since they do not have sufficient melanin in their skin, exposure to sunlight will cause them to produce excess amount of melanin that might lead to freckles.

The main cause of freckles is due to the specialized cells called melanocytes in the skin, producing a colored (tan brownish) pigment called melanin. This Melanin is the pigementation that gives skin its color. Melanin, though the component of freckles has its functions. is a chemical produced by certain skin melanocytes that helps protect the skin from sun damage by reflecting and absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays.

However, sometimes some melanocytes in your skin produce more melanin than others, thus causing uneven darkening of your skin, causing uneven spots on your skin to appear as what we call freckles. If you have melanin that builds up in one place, it will result in freckles. So usually protection and removal of freckles start with ample application of UV protection lotion (SPF 15 and above depending on your exposure duration) and also freckle removals or hyperpigmentation removal lotions, fade freckles creams which also work for removing freckles and age spots to a relatively ok extend.

Age spots are different from freckles. Age spots appear much later in life are common in individuals in there middle ages. Age spots are superficial collections of the skin pigment melanin, a pigement which occur within the top layer of the skin.

Effects of Sunlight on Skin Freckles

Sunlight also causes freckles already present to become darker. Dark skin that appears during pregnancy or while on birth control pills is called melasma, or the mask of pregnancy. Sun exposure makes these patches and spots even darker.

Flat, large spots on the skin in middle age are caused by sun exposure, and are known as age spots, liver spots, or lentigines. Sun exposure is also powerful enough to change certain skin cells into dangerous skin cancers, leading physicians to recommend protective sunscreen and clothing. These actions can also help slow the appearance of both freckles and age spots.

Differentiate Freckles From Cancer?

For those who already have any brown, discolored lesions, an in-depth consultation should be scheduled with a physician. He or she will perform a careful examination to determine that these spots are not pre-cancerous. This can develop on the skin causing growths that have irregular borders and strange colors such as black, red or pink. Look for spots that don’t heal, have lack of symmetry, or are of a large size. See a dermatologist if you have any spots on your skin that look suspicious.