© Shutterstock

"Freckles" is a slang word -

It comes from Old Norse and appeared in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales': "A fewe freknes in his face y-spreynd."

© Shutterstock

Medical term -

Freckles also go by the medical term ephelides, from the ancient Greek éfilis, which translates to "rough spot on the face." 

© Shutterstock

Freckles aren't rough -

In reality, freckles aren't rough or raised. They're well-defined, often brown spots that show up in sun-exposed areas. 

© Shutterstock

Newborns don't have freckles -

Freckles tend to appear around the ages of 2 to 3, only because babies and toddlers are usually shaded from the sun and don't accumulate enough UV radiation to form freckles.

© Shutterstock

Genetics determine whether you'll get freckles -

Freckles are linked to a key genetic player in regulating your skin and hair color. A gene known as MC1R controls how much of two different kinds of melanin you produce. 

© Shutterstock

Two different melanin -

The two types of melanin are darker brown eumelanin and reddish-yellow pheomelanin. If your MC1R gene is inactive, you'll produce more pheomelanin, leading to light hair and skin, as well as a propensity for freckles.

© Shutterstock

Without the sun, there would be no freckles -

Freckles form as a result of sun exposure and sunburns. They can appear on anyone who doesn't protect themselves from UV rays. 

© Shutterstock

Freckles aren't the same as sunspots -

Sunspots, or solar lentigines, are flat, brown spots that tend to be larger and more irregularly shaped than freckles. 

© Shutterstock

The development of sunspots -

Sunspots take many years to fully develop after repeated sun exposure. They're seen on a wide range of skin types and tones, and commonly begin to appear around the age of 40.

© Shutterstock

Freckles are more common in fair-skinned individuals -

Individuals with fair skin, especially those with red or blonde hair, are more prone to developing freckles. 

© Shutterstock

The shades of freckles -

Freckles come in a variety of colors, ranging from light brown to almost black, adding uniqueness and charm to one's appearance.

© Shutterstock

A freckle typically doesn't become cancerous -

Moles can turn into melanoma over time, but freckles are innately benign. However, the presence of freckles can signal your susceptibility to developing skin cancer, as they form on a skin type sensitive to the sun. 

© Shutterstock

Freckles aren't (necessarily) forever -

This is another big difference between freckles and sunspots, which won't go anywhere without treatment. 

© Shutterstock

Freckles tend to fade in winter -

Generally, freckles fade during the winter and are more prominent in the summer, when sun exposure is at its highest. 

© Shutterstock

There are two different kinds of freckles -

The more common of the two are ephelides, which are flat, light brown marks that tend to fluctuate with the seasons.

© Shutterstock

Lentigines -

Then there are lentigines, which are liver or age spots, where the skin contains even more melanocytic cells. They typically don't change based on exposure to sunlight.

© Shutterstock

Freckles can multiply with age -

As individuals age, they may notice an increase in the number and intensity of their freckles, which is due to years of sun exposure and the general aging process.

© Shutterstock

Melanin isn't produced evenly -

In some people, melanin is produced evenly through the skin. When it's not, freckles are little clumps of melanin that fluctuate with the sun.

© Shutterstock

They double as natural sunscreen -

The melanocytes act as a natural sunscreen by darkening your face, which makes the skin less susceptible to UV rays.

© Shutterstock

SPF is still important -

However, it's no excuse not to be applying and reapplying a minimum of SPF 30 daily.

© Shutterstock

Not all redheads have them -

While redheads have less melanin in their skin, contrary to popular belief, not all of them have freckles. 

© Shutterstock

Red hair and freckles -

Freckles are thought to be controlled by the same gene, but red hair is recessive, and freckles are a dominant trait.

© Shutterstock

In Medieval times, they were considered witches' marks -

Back then, moles, warts, birthmarks, and freckles were said to be indicative of a women's allegiance to the devil.

© Shutterstock

They don't only appear on the face -

Freckles can also appear on any other part of the body that is exposed to the sun, such as the neck, chest, and arms.

© Shutterstock

They're more common with certain ethnicities -

Freckles are more common among individuals of European descent, particularly those with Celtic heritage.

© Shutterstock

Freckles can be found on all skin tones -

However, it's important to note that freckles can appear in people of all ethnic backgrounds and skin tones.

© Shutterstock

Freckles can be prevented -

For people who want to avoid freckles, prevention is key. Wear an SPF of at least 30. Then, wait 15 minutes before heading out for full protection. Do this every day, even in the winter, to prevent further pigmentation.
Sources: (Healthline) (Allure) (Marie Claire) 
See also: Outsmart the sun: common sun safety myths and facts

© Shutterstock