You might notice small, flat brown spots appear on your skin, especially after spending time outdoors. These are often freckles, and they show up on your face, arms, and shoulders when your skin reacts to sunlight.
While freckles themselves are not harmful, their appearance is a signal that your skin is sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light. Freckles are your skin’s way of showing it has responded to sun exposure.
At Advanced Eye Care & Aesthetics, we believe in working with you to protect your eyes and skin—which is why our practice offers services for both.
What Causes Those Little Brown Spots?
Genetics & Sun Exposure
Your family history plays a big part in whether you get freckles. If your parents or siblings have them, you’re more likely to have them, too. Sun exposure then acts as the trigger that makes them appear or become darker.
The Role of Melanin
Melanin is the natural pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their color. When you go out in the sun, your skin produces more melanin to help protect itself from UV rays. For some people, this extra pigment shows up as concentrated little spots—what you see as freckles.
Why Some People Get Freckles & Others Tan
You might wonder why you freckle while someone else gets an even tan. It all comes down to how your body distributes melanin. If the pigment spreads out evenly, you get a tan. If it clusters together in small spots, you get freckles.
Freckles vs. Sunspots—What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to mix up freckles and sunspots, but they’re not the same thing. Understanding the differences can help you know your skin a little better.
What Freckles Look Like
Freckles, also known as ephelides, have a few distinct features. They are:
- Small, usually just 1-2 millimeters across
- Light brown or tan in color
- Common on sun-exposed skin like your face and arms
- Often fade during the winter and darken in the summer
What Sunspots Look Like
Sunspots, sometimes called age spots or solar lentigines, are different. These spots can be addressed through laser skin resurfacing and have a few distinct features:
- Typically larger than freckles
- A range of colors from tan to dark brown
- Outlined with more defined borders
- Permanent and do not fade in the winter
Are Freckles a Sign of Sun Damage?
A Signal From Your Skin
When freckles appear, it’s a sign that your skin has reacted to UV radiation. This reaction is part of your skin’s defense system. People who freckle easily tend to have skin that is more sensitive to the sun’s effects.
Freckles & Your Skin’s Health Over Time
Having freckles doesn’t mean your skin will age faster, but it does suggest that you have a skin type that needs careful sun protection. Over many years, repeated sun exposure without protection can lead to changes in skin texture and the appearance of fine lines (which you may want to address with medical-grade skincare).
How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Everyone can benefit from protecting their skin, especially if you tend to freckle. A few simple habits can support your skin’s health for years to come.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day—even on cloudy days.
- Cover Up: Wear wide-brimmed hats, protective sunglasses, and lightweight clothing with long sleeves when you plan to be in direct sun.
- Seek Shade: Try to find shade during peak sun hours, which are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Options for an Even Skin Tone
If you have concerns about an uneven complexion, sunspots, or freckles, some aesthetic treatments can help improve your skin’s overall tone and texture.
SmoothGlo for a Brighter Complexion
SmoothGlo is a treatment option that addresses several skin concerns at once. It can help reduce the appearance of freckles and sun damage, leading to a more even and radiant complexion.
Talk with an Eye Doctor in Plymouth, WI
Our team at Advanced Eye Care & Aesthetics provides a complete approach to wellness, caring for your vision and skin. Schedule a consultation to explore options for a brighter, more even skin tone.
