Not all small brown spots are the same. Medical professionals distinguish between several categories of pigmented lesions with distinct characteristics.

Ephelides represent what most people recognise as traditional freckles. These small, flat, brown spots typically emerge during childhood and become more prominent with sun exposure. They tend to fade during winter months when UV radiation decreases, then reappear with renewed sun exposure.

Solar lentigines, sometimes called age spots, differ significantly from childhood pigmented spots. These larger, darker patches develop later in life as cumulative sun damage manifests. Unlike ephelides, they remain visible year-round and typically appear on areas with the highest sun exposure.

Freckles most frequently develop on sun-exposed areas of the body:

• Nose, cheeks, and forehead: the most common facial locations,

• Arms: particularly the forearms due to regular sun exposure,

• Chest: developing on the upper torso area,

• Back: appearing on shoulder and upper back regions,

• Hands: especially the backs of hands and fingers.

Several factors contribute to freckle formation, with genetics and sun exposure playing primary roles.

Your genetic makeup largely determines your propensity for developing freckles. People with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes possess less melanin naturally, making them more susceptible to concentrated pigmentation when exposed to UV radiation. Specific genetic variations affect how melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) respond to sun exposure, explaining why freckles often run in families.

UV radiation serves as the primary trigger for freckle formation. When skin encounters ultraviolet light, melanocytes produce melanin as a protective response. In individuals predisposed to freckling, this melanin concentrates in small patches rather than distributing evenly across the skin surface. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to this process, which explains why freckles and sunlight exposure correlate so strongly.

Hormonal changes can influence pigmentation patterns. Some people notice increased freckling during pregnancy due to elevated oestrogen levels. Additionally, cumulative UV exposure over decades leads to more persistent pigmentation changes, contributing to solar lentigines in mature skin.

The relationship between freckles and sun damage requires careful consideration of different types of pigmented spots.

Ephelides, or traditional freckles, represent a natural pigmentation response rather than direct sun damage. These markings indicate your skin's attempt to protect itself from UV radiation through increased melanin production. However, their presence does signal UV exposure has occurred.

Solar lentigines, conversely, represent accumulated sun damage and indicate more significant UV-induced changes to skin cells. These age-related spots suggest long-term sun exposure has affected the skin's normal pigmentation processes.

The persistence of sun-kissed marks depends largely on their type and underlying causes. Childhood ephelides often fade significantly or disappear entirely during winter months when UV exposure decreases. Some people find their childhood freckles become less prominent with age as sun exposure habits change.

Solar lentigines, however, typically remain permanent without intervention. These age-related spots represent structural changes to skin cells and don't fade naturally with reduced sun exposure.

Several approaches can help diminish existing skin markings, ranging from gentle home care to professional treatments.

Some people desire sun-kissed marks for their aesthetic appeal, leading to interest in safe enhancement methods.

Cosmetic pigmented dots created with makeup products offer the safest approach for achieving the freckled look. Semi-permanent tattooing techniques exist but carry risks and should only be performed by qualified professionals using sterile techniques.

While sun exposure can darken existing brown dots, deliberately seeking UV exposure for cosmetic purposes isn't recommended due to skin cancer risks. Self-tanning products provide a safer alternative for achieving a sun-kissed appearance.

Caudalie offers comprehensive solutions for preventing new sun-kissed marks whilst managing existing pigmentation through scientifically formulated products.