Freckles are small tan spots of melanin on the skin of people with fair complexion.

A predisposition to freckles is genetic and is related to the presence of the melanocortin-1 receptor MC1R gene variant. Freckling is caused by the same process that produces sun tanning, although the distribution of melanin is not the same. Light skin and (especially) red hair are associated with an increased likelihood of being able to develop freckles.

Freckles are predominantly found on the face, although they may appear on any skin exposed to the sun. Freckles are rare on infants, and common on children aged 5 to 15; they are less common on adults.

Many fair-skinned Europeans get them, but they disappear after a while. Africans are not likely to have them since their skin is not as prone to the sun. East Asians, though, will get them and retain them for a long period of time.

Upon exposure to the sun, freckles will reappear if they have been altered with creams or lasers, but do however fade with age. Freckles are not a skin disorder. People with a predisposition to freckles may be especially susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer, and should therefore take extra care to protect themselves in the sun.

In dermatology, the synonym ephelides is used to designate freckles.

Quotes

"A face without freckles is like a night without stars!" Stephen Majercik

See also

• Beauty mark
• Mole (skin marking)

External links

• Redheads & Freckles
• Sexual Selection for Freckles and Red Hair
• Overview of Freckles

Human appearance | Dermatology

Piha | Fregne | Sommersprossen | Peca | Freknur | נמשים | Speechelen | Sproet | Sünnsprütten | Çil