Freckles Types: What They Are, Why They Form, and How to Tell Them Apart
When you see small, flat brown spots on your skin, you might call them freckles—but not all freckles are the same. ephelides, the common freckles that appear in childhood and fade in winter. Also known as sun freckles, they’re caused by increased melanin production triggered by UV exposure, not by more pigment-producing cells. These are the ones you see on fair-skinned people after a day at the beach. They’re harmless, temporary, and often run in families. Then there’s lentigines, darker, more permanent spots that don’t fade with seasons. Also known as sunspots or liver spots, they’re the result of long-term sun damage and show up more often in older adults. Unlike ephelides, lentigines come from an actual increase in melanocytes—the cells that make pigment. That’s why they stick around even when you avoid the sun.
The difference matters because one is a genetic trait and the other is a sign of skin aging. If your freckles fade in winter, you’ve got ephelides. If they stay dark year-round, especially on your face, hands, or shoulders, you’re likely dealing with lentigines. Both are usually harmless, but lentigines can sometimes look like early melanoma. That’s why it’s smart to know what’s normal for your skin. Sun exposure is the biggest driver for both types. UV rays don’t just darken freckles—they can cause lasting changes in skin structure. That’s why sunscreen isn’t just about preventing sunburn. It’s about stopping these spots from getting darker, bigger, or more numerous.
People often confuse freckles with moles, but moles are raised, can change shape, and sometimes have uneven borders. Freckles are flat, uniform in color, and stay that way unless exposed to more sun. If you’ve noticed new spots after 40, or if existing ones are changing in size, color, or texture, that’s not just a freckle—it’s a signal to get it checked. Most of what you see on your skin is harmless, but knowing the difference between ephelides and lentigines helps you spot what’s normal and what’s not. Below, you’ll find real-world guides on skin conditions, sun damage, and how medications or supplements can affect your skin’s response to light. These aren’t just theory pieces—they’re tools to help you read your own skin better.
