What are Freckles?
Freckles are small brown spots that can be found on some skins, most of the time on lighter ones. And often in areas that are exposed to the sun.
They are of overproduction of melanin, which is responsible for our skin and hair color.
Ephelides and solar Lentigines are the two different types of freckles.
Ephelides are the common type and what we usually call: freckles.
Solar lentigines are dark patches of skin that appear during adulthood. This includes freckles, aging spots, and sunspots.
The two types of freckles can look similar but differ in their development.
Freckles on Face | Freckles on hands | Freckles on arms.
Freckles are often found on the parts of the body that are exposed to the sun the most. And even though they are so common on the face, you may also see them on other body parts that get sun exposure such as the chest, hands, arms, and legs.
Especially after age 40. Almost everybody may eventually develop some sort of small brown spots on different parts of their body after age 40.
They are what we often refer to as the “barnacles of old age.”
Freckles ARE DANGEROUS, sometimes!
Freckles from SUN
People with freckles might have noticed that spending a long day in the sun makes them darker and far more visible.
Why? Well, in order to understand why it happens, you will have to understand where freckles come from in the first place.
Where do Freckles come from?
Freckles are a combination of genetics and sunlight.
Genes play an important role because they determine how many melanocytes you’re born with.
Melanocyte is a highly differentiated cell that produces a pigment melanin inside melanosomes.
The melanin makes our skin darker by acting like a pair of sunglasses.
The reason why darker skins have more melanocytes than light skins.
However, it’s those with lighter skin who are more likely to get freckles. This is because the melanocyte cells in the skin of people who have freckles are scattered across the body in small, dense clusters — just like cities on a map. When those melanocytes are exposed to UV rays from the sun, they boost melanin production, which shows up on the skin as little flat brown spots, or freckles.
Since freckles are related to sun exposure, it is more likely to get freckles during the summer months, and they might fade in the winter when gets less sun exposure.
Are Freckles genetic?
Parents with freckles often have kids with freckles. But not always. As when it comes to freckles, there are genes are involved, and they can interact with one another in multiple different ways. Some combinations give freckles, some don’t.
According to the professionals in the field.
For example, the gene, MC1R, is associated with both freckles and red hair. And you are a redhead if both copies are changed. If only one copy is changed, you might get freckles — but not always. And scientists still don’t know why.
Freckles skin cancer?
Freckles may sometimes be confused with more serious skin problems. On the other hand, some serious problems like skin cancer may sometimes be passed over as a mere freckle.
Hence the danger of freckles.
Sadly, people who have freckles are at a higher risk for skin cancer. While freckles themselves are harmless, you have to be always watching them.
Anyone who has one or more pigmented spots of which they are not certain should be seen by a dermatologist.
Risks of UV rays
While we have nothing against those drawing them on with makeup, if you have freckles naturally, then they can be a sign of sun damage and DNA mutation.
Freckles are one of the first warning signs that your skin type is very sensitive to the harmful effects of UV radiation, and is at a greater risk of damage and early aging.
UVA rays penetrate the skin more profoundly than UVB rays and are usually referred to as ‘ageing’ rays. They can pass glass and clouds, so even if the sun is not very visible, the skin can still be damaged.
UVB (burning) rays penetrate the.
UV rays damage collagen and elastin.
However – In most cases – freckles are harmless!
It is undoubtedly, necessary to take precautions and be careful with these freckles by visiting a dermatologist if necessary to make sure that your freckles do not present a danger to your health.
However, it should also be mentioned that cases, where freckles represent a risk, are very rare. In most cases – freckles are harmless. So you should probably start loving and celebrating them.
Here is a list of reasons why you need to stop worrying about your freckles and start ENJOYING them instead :
As already mentioned, freckles themselves aren’t any indication of disease. But, again, if you think yours could be a sign of a health problem, or if you do notice a strange-looking what you might think is a “freckle”, please visit your dermatologist.
- Freckles do make people who have them look a lot younger. As they are most common before puberty.
This is probably part of the reason we tend to associate them with youth. - Freckles create a natural look and require less makeup. Some people spend money on bold expensive unique pallets, but you already have an eye-catching feature, and it’s all-natural.
- Freckles are beautiful. Some of the world’s most beautiful people also enjoy flaunting their freckles, so feel free to do the same.
- Freckles are the huge beauty trend right now. As the “natural” beauty trend grows in popularity, people are starting to get freckles tattooed on their faces.
They’re paying money to get what you were born with, don’t you feel lucky?
Freckles are “Removable”:
As nowadays everyone is praising freckles, after the ultra-natural look of Meghan Markle on her big day when she says “I do” to Prince Harry. There are still some women who are annoyed with their freckles.
The good news for these women is that freckles can be removed or lightened using different natural and medical ways.
Among the home remedies you can use to get rid of the freckles, we suggest:
- Applying fresh aloe vera gel on the freckled skin and massage it for 4 to 5 minutes. You can leave it on your skin overnight. And can repeat it daily.
- Applying Lemon juice on the freckled area with a cotton pad and leave it on your skin for 10 to 15minutes then rinse it off. You can this mask 2 times a week. Before using this remedy, please put in mind that lemon can cause redness and irritation for sensitive skins.
- Eucalyptus Oil is known for its ability to inhibit melanin synthesis, which can help reduce freckles. How to use it? Apply the oil on the freckles, leave it on for about 20 minutes and then rinse off.
For medical treatments, we suggest you ask your dermatologist in order the get the treatment that fits your skin the most and help you get rid of freckles the fastest.
