Ever Wonder Why Some People Have Freckles?

In our series of “Ever Wonder Why?” blogs, we dive into intriguing aspects of dermatology that you might find fascinating. Today, we’re exploring the charming world of freckles!

What are freckles?

Freckles, also known as “ephelides,” are small, flat brown spots that appear on sun-exposed skin, especially the face and arms. They are an inherited characteristic but are triggered by sun exposure.

Why do some people have them and others don’t?

Genetics play a big role. Freckles are more common in people with fair skin and/or with blonde or red hair, but they can appear in any skin type. There’s a gene (MC1R) that’s responsible for how our skin responds to the sun. Variations in this gene can lead to an increase in the production of a pigment called melanin, which subsequently causes freckles to form.

Fun Facts:

1. Protection Mechanism: Melanin is our skin’s natural sunscreen. When our skin cells sense UV radiation from the sun, they produce more melanin to protect our DNA from damage. Freckles are like nature’s sunscreen dots!
2. Freckles vs. Age Spots: While both are brown spots on the skin, they are different. Freckles are natural and usually start in childhood, whereas age spots (solar lentigines) appear later in life due to prolonged sun exposure.
3. Freckles Can Fade: If you’re someone who freckles, you might notice they can become lighter during the winter months when sun exposure is reduced.

Always remember, whether you have freckles or not, it’s essential to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be your daily companion, rain or shine!

Stay tuned for our next “Ever Wonder Why?” blog, where we’ll explore more captivating facts about our skin and the world of dermatology.

Here is the second: Ever Wonder Why Scars Look Different Than Regular Skin?

Welcome back to our “Ever Wonder Why?” series! Today, we’re diving into a topic many of us can relate to – scars and why they appear different from our surrounding skin.

Dr. Brandon Kirsch
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Dr. Brandon Kirsch is a board-certified dermatologist with over 10 years of experience, blending his expertise in medicine, law, and technology. He earned his medical degree from Brown University, followed by an internship at the Mayo Clinic and a dermatology residency at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Kirsch is the Chief Science Officer at Musely.com, has served as Chief of Dermatology at Naples Community Hospital, and held prominent roles in leading biopharmaceutical companies, including Arena Pharmaceuticals, Dermavant Sciences, and Brickell Biotech. Dr. Kirsch is renowned for his warm disposition, authoritative knowledge and trusted patient care in dermatology.

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