Freckles

skin · melanin · genetics

Melanin overproduction. Freckles form when melanocytes, the cells that make skin color, produce extra melanin granules in one spot. This creates those cute brown speckles you see on fair skin.

Often runs in families. Freckles are most common in people with fair complexions, especially those with North European ancestry. But people of all skin tones around the world can have them.

Not more cells, just more pigment. Here's the cool part: freckles don't have extra melanin-making cells. Instead, the cells they do have work overtime and pump out way more melanin than usual.

Different from moles and spots. Freckles are special because they're caused by overproducing melanin, while moles and lentigines happen when melanocytes actually pile up in larger numbers in one area.

Sun can make them darker. Freckles show up most on fair skin and may become more visible or darker when you spend time in the sun.