Are Freckles Sun Damage?

Many of us have freckles. They often become noticeable during the warmer months of the year, prompting many of us to wonder if freckles are a sign of sun damage. 

The short answer to this is no, freckles aren’t usually considered to be sun damage. However, to fully understand the link between them and UV rays—as well as other important information surrounding skin pigmentation—we need to delve a little deeper into the subject.

Everything You Need to Know about Freckles

• What are freckles?
• The link between freckles and the sun

What are freckles?

So, the good news is that freckles aren’t sun damage—but they do become more noticeable with sunlight. They’re the result of small spots of a pigment within the skin—called melanin—that react to UV light. 

Freckles are more common in those with red hair and/or fair skin. They have a genetic link so, yes, this is something that you can blame your parents for (although, admittedly, there’s not much they could’ve done about it…).

The link between freckles and the sun

These darker areas of pigment become more prominent when you go out in the sun. This color change is the skin’s natural defense mechanism against sun damage. Because they react to UV rays, they’re most often seen on areas that are exposed, such as the face, arms, legs, etc.

Are Freckles Sun Damage? No, they’re not—but other skin discoloration might be 

• Sun damage spots: what you need to know 

Sun damage spots: what you need to know

There’s a distinct difference between freckles and areas of the skin that are damaged by excessive sunlight. While they can be similar in color (red right through the spectrum to dark brown), there are many ways a dermatologist can distinguish between the two.

• Freckles often increase in number and size, becoming darker during the summer months. Come the winter (and less UV rays) they often fade a little. Sun damage spots, on the other hand, remain the same, no matter what the level of sun exposure.
• Freckles are generally quite small. Sun damage spots tend to be larger and/or extend across wider areas.
• While freckles might be an early warning that you’re spending a little too much time in the sun, sun damage spots are a definitive sign that you have done so.

While sunspots don’t necessarily need treatment or are a precursor of something more ominous—indeed, they’re very common and tend to increase with age—they’re a sign that you should keep an eye on your skin and have an annual professional skin examination.

There are other signs that evidence too much sun exposure, including:

• Excessive skin sagging
• Premature fine lines and wrinkles
• The appearance of new moles or existing ones that change in size and/or color
• Broken capillaries
• Redness and blotching
• Any other pigmentation changes to the skin

The key takeaway is that, while freckles aren’t usually considered to be sun damage, they are affected by sunlight. As with any skin mark that has an obvious change in appearance (with freckles, this doesn’t include the normal darkening and lightening that’s usual over the year), you should seek a professional assessment as soon as possible.

Get Your Freckles and Other Skin Marks Assessed at Bayou City Dermatology

Sun damage is the biggest cause of premature skin age. Getting an annual assessment by a dermatologist is the best way to ensure that any changing freckles or darker spots are benign—as well as advice on the right level and methods of skin protection.

Freckles are beautiful—but as they’re normally on those with lighter skin tones (and, thus, more susceptible to skin damage) partnering with the expert skin care team at Bayou City is the ideal way to keep your skin beautiful as the years go by.

Discover more at https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/clinical/sun-damage