Ever pondered upon the distinction between freckles and sun spots — tiny brown patches that develop on your body and face – especially on areas that are more exposed to the sun, and are also known as liver or age spots?
It’s not unexpected that there is so much ambiguity around this subject. Generations pass down myths like “freckles are an indication of sun damage” — but there are many types of skin pigmentation, including moles and melasma. So it’s not always clear what you’re looking at. Therefore, we’ve done the hard work to help you determine the precise distinction between freckles and sun spots, as well as how to treat each. Read on.
What Are Freckles In Short?
Freckles are little dark spots, probably smaller than 5mm in diameter, caused by excess pigmentation produced by skin cells. The hue of most freckles is uniform, but it appears different depending on your skin tone. They might be red, tan, light brown, dark brown, black — or, basically, any hue that is darker than the person’s complexion. That is why people with lighter complexions tend to have reddish freckles while wheatish complexions show brown coloured freckles.
Genetics determines a person’s ability to produce freckles. For example, if both of your parents have freckles, you are likely to have them as well. Although freckles are mostly inherited, they are activated by sun exposure. To produce freckles, people with the freckle gene (MC1R) must spend time in the sun. Regardless of whether they are exposed to the sun or not, a person lacking the freckles gene will not develop freckles.
And, What Are Sunspots?
Assessing the size is the quickest way to tell a brown spot apart from a freckle or sun spot. The hands, face, shoulders, back, arms, and tops of feet are the areas where sunspots are most frequently encountered. Sunspots range in size from 0.2 to 2.0 cm. They also become more prevalent with ageing, which is why they are frequently referred to as liver spots, senile lentigines, or age spots. They are bigger because they are made up of several pigmented cells clumped together.
Sunspots are not usually permanent, which is excellent news! Occasionally, if the sun is avoided for a sufficient amount of time, sunspots can fade. However, preventing skin cancer is preferable to treating it, anyday. You may do this by avoiding sunbeds, applying a good amount of sunscreen, and limiting your time spent in the sun.
Here’s A Dividing Line Between Freckles & Sunspots
Freckles are related to the same gene that determines complexion, despite being more noticeable on lighter skin types. In addition to determining the frequency of freckles, the MC1R gene also determines skin tone and hair colour, particularly red hair. In a similar manner, sunspots tend to appear more frequently on those with lighter skin tones. The main distinction is that sunspots can begin to form as early as the mid-thirties and are more prevalent in elderly populations. Sunspots are created when skin cells repeatedly exposed to the sun over a period of years begin to produce melanin. While both of these are a result of sun exposure – one is genetic and the other isn’t.
Moreover, freckles and sun spots have varying life spans. Sunspots often last longer while freckles typically diminish with age and throughout the seasons. As a result, skin treatments may be necessary to remove sunspots on time.
.png)
Are They Both Harmful?
Thankfully, freckles and sunspots are not dangerous. But even if they are benign, it is crucial to keep an eye on their look to ensure that there are no anomalies or changes that could suggest malignant melanoma (skin cancer). To be on the safe side, if you detect any changes, make an appointment with your board-certified dermatologist.
With a good sunscreen by your side, you might not have to worry about either sunspots or freckles.
Featured Image: Pexels
