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Some people consider freckles a flaw, while others see them as a spicy distinguishing feature. Scientists are studying why they appear and what significance they have for humans. In this article, you will find scientific facts about freckles.
There are two types of freckles
The most common type of freckles are ephelides. They are flat spots ranging in color from yellow to brown. They can appear seasonally or be present on the skin constantly. They mostly appear on areas of the body exposed to sunlight: the face, neck, décolletage area, shoulders, and arms.
According to Rebecca Marcus, a dermatologist from the United States, ephelides most often appear in childhood – around 2-3 years old. This is because at an earlier age, children rarely come into contact with sunlight or are more protected from it by clothing, a canopy of a stroller.
The second type of freckles is called lentigo. They develop in adults after 40 years old and are pigment spots similar to freckles. They are also called liver spots. Like ephelides, they mostly appear on exposed areas of the body.
Their appearance depends on genetics
The appearance of freckles is influenced by the MC1R gene. It signals the body to produce proteins that regulate hair and skin pigmentation. If this gene is not fully activated, then pheomelanin is produced, and freckles appear on the person’s skin. It also affects the color of the skin and hair, giving them light shades.
According to dermatologist Rachel Meltzer Warren from New York, freckles most commonly appear in people of European and Asian descent. However, people of other ethnicities also often have freckles. The highest likelihood of having freckles is in people with naturally red hair, especially women.
In the Middle Ages, freckles were considered a distinguishing feature of witches.
The Middle Ages were one of the most dangerous periods in history for women. During this time, many girls with red hair could be accused of being witches. Marks were searched for on their bodies that would reveal their connection to the devil.
According to Australian journalist Madeline Smirk, freckles could be used as evidence of witchcraft, especially if they had an unusual shape or if there were many of them. A woman could face very harsh punishment for this. Fortunately, this superstition dissolved over the centuries.
Freckles do not develop into skin cancer
Some moles and birthmarks can turn into melanoma – skin cancer. Many people are afraid that the same thing can happen with freckles.
However, according to American dermatologist Neda Meer, there is no need to worry about this. Melanoma does not develop from freckles. But they can signal a predisposition to its development.
The skin of people with freckles is often sensitive to ultraviolet radiation due to the MC1R gene. Accordingly, if they often tan without using protective measures or get sunburned, the risk of melanoma increases.
It is also worth paying attention to your freckles and seeing a doctor in a timely manner if you notice any changes in their appearance. Often, the first signs of skin cancer or moles that cause concern can look very similar to them. Dr. Meer advises: take a photo of your face without makeup every six months to track whether your freckles have changed.
Freckles can appear and disappear
According to American dermatologist Leslie Baumann, freckles, unlike pigment spots and lentigines, can appear and disappear at different times. They often become brighter and more noticeable in the summer, and fade or disappear completely in the winter.
Also, their number decreases as a person gets older. This happens because hormonal balance changes with age. In particular, less adrenocorticotropic hormone is produced, which is necessary for the production of melanin. The color of hair, skin, and lips gradually becomes paler, as do freckles, which eventually disappear.
You can get rid of freckles or make them less noticeable
Not everyone likes freckles, so they try to get rid of them. Dermatologist Rebecca Marcus from the USA notes that this is quite possible. She notes that the most effective method is a procedure called laser pigmentation correction. On average, 2-3 sessions are required to make freckles less noticeable or completely get rid of them.
Achieving results can also be helped by a chemical peel of the face. The result depends on the number and brightness of freckles.
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