Freckles 101

So what exactly causes the appearance of freckles? Freckles appear when the melanin, the dark pigment in skin, isn't distributed evenly -- certain areas of the skin have more than others, and that's why they appear a little darker.

But what does sunlight have to do with the issue? If you're prone to freckles, you're more likely to have them the more you expose yourself to the sun. If you spend outside without sun protection, you'll probably notice the spots on your skin getting darker and multiplying. This happens when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun hit your skin. The outermost layer of your skin, the epidermis, thickens a little bit more. This in turn causes melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in your skin, to produce more melanin, which can darken the freckles on your skin.

Sunlight isn't the only factor that influences freckles. If you have freckles, there's a good chance your parents and siblings have them, too. A combination of both sun exposure and genetics determine how those darker specks will pop up. People with light skin and light or red hair are more likely to have freckles than those with darker skin. Freckles usually appear on children, and they can start to show on people as young as one or two years old. Freckles develop in random places on the body, usually around areas that get the most sun exposure, such as the face and the arms.

Interestingly, research done among sets of twins shows that identical twins have nearly the same number of freckles. Freckles also tend up to show up in similar locations in twins, which gives evidence that freckles pass genetically [source: Alai].

Although freckles are normal, not everyone feels comfortable with them. If you've ever wondered if it's possible to get rid of your freckles, read the next page.

If you talk to your doctor about getting rid of your freckles, he or she will probably tell you that there's no need to. Freckles are mostly harmless, and there's no real reason to treat them. However, if you're really unhappy with your appearance because of your freckles, there are a number of treatments that can help to get rid of them.

First, some topical creams, both over-the-counter and prescription, can lighten skin color and make it look more even. However, the active ingredient in these creams is hydroquinone, and doctors warn that creams with over 4 percent hydroquinone may increase your risk of cancer [source: Lloyd]. If you still decide to use one of these creams, apply it every day and you should see results in a few months.

Another, more extreme method of getting rid of freckles is cryosurgery, in which a doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze them off. Also available are laser treatments, photofacials, chemical peels and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, the latter of which uses light energy to target skin cells that have color in them.

It might be difficult to get rid of the freckles you already have, but it's not so hard to prevent more from appearing. One way you can do this is by protecting yourself from the sun. Avoid being outside during peak sunlight hours, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you do need to be outside, make sure that you wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 15 [source: American Academy of Dermatology]. Try to wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs. Not only will taking these steps help prevent freckles, it'll help prevent skin cancer as well.

If you don't want to take a drastic step to remove your freckles, read on to find out how to hide them.

Most likely, a doctor will suggest trying to accept and embrace your freckles as part of who you are. If you have a big event coming up, though, and you're hoping to hide your freckles without necessarily having to get rid of them, there are a few ways to do so.

The first and most obvious way to hide freckles is with makeup -- any type of cosmetic like cover-up, foundation or concealer will work. Makeup can be inexpensive, and it won't harm your skin unless you're allergic to it. And since you can simply wipe off makeup, it's a temporary way to hide your freckles. Some makeup companies also make creams with mulberry and bearberry extracts, and doctors tend to recommend these over hydroquinone creams if you want to lighten your freckles [source: Lloyd].

Some people try to hide their freckles using home remedies. A popular way, for instance, is to put lemon juice on your skin so that freckles will lighten in the sun. There is little scientific evidence to back up most of these remedies, and they may work for some people and not for others.

Freckles may fade with time, especially when you limit your exposure to the sun. Be sure you're always wearing sunscreen or sunblock when exposing your skin. Not only will it help keep your skin safe, but it may keep your freckles from darkening.

Freckles are a natural physical characteristic of many people, especially those with light skin or hair. And as far as skin conditions go, they're among the most harmless marks you could have. But if you're not a fan of them, now you know how to eliminate or hide your freckles. For more information about freckles and skin care, follow the links on the next page.