Buzz
For some, freckles may be seen as a cosmetic hindrance, while for others, they’re a trendy fashion statement. But what exactly causes these skin spots, often affectionately called "angel's kisses"? In short, it's all thanks to your genes—and the sun.
Freckles are concentrated spots of melanin, a pigment protein. Melanin appears when UV rays from the sun hit the skin. These rays can cause damage, but melanin works to protect the skin by darkening it—think of it as your skin donning a pair of sunglasses.
Melanin is created in cells known as melanocytes. In some people, melanocytes are evenly distributed, and sun exposure results in a uniform tan. In others, these cells are clustered together, leading to the formation of distinct patches of melanin—better known as freckles.
So why do redheads often have more freckles? The answer lies in the same gene, MC1R, which typically controls both red hair and freckles. This gene sits on melanocytes and regulates the balance of pigments in hair and skin. When MC1R is functioning normally, it transforms any pigment the body makes into eumelanin, which is responsible for black and brown hair and skin tones. When the MC1R gene is 'broken,' it allows the rarer pigment, pheomelanin, to accumulate, giving rise to red hair and the characteristic rusty hue of freckles. Variations of MC1R may also influence how many freckles someone has.
However, MC1R isn’t the only gene at play when it comes to freckles. Around ten years ago, scientists identified another gene responsible for freckles in Chinese populations. Other genes may also be involved, as researchers are still working to uncover all the genetic factors behind freckles, which appear in many different ethnic groups. No matter the genetic source, freckles are always inherited: Parents pass down the tendency to freckle, as well as the locations where they appear on the body.
While some skin disorders with pigmentation can cause freckles, freckles themselves aren’t typically a cause for alarm (unlike moles, which are raised; freckles are flat). However, if you have freckles, be sure to apply sunscreen generously, as the areas around the freckles will be particularly vulnerable to sunburn. You can think of them as your personal reminder system to protect your skin.
