Freckles are a result of the overproduction of melanin to protect the skin from the effects of the sun. Normally, this condition is present in a specific gene common in redheads, but it can also appear in other people with lighter skin.
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Despite their charm, they still cause doubt about possible long-term issues, like skin cancer, for example, but they are not a cause for concern.
New York City dermatologist, Carlos Charles, clarifies the matter in an interview with “Elle” magazine. According to him, freckles are not harmful to health, but they are a sign that your skin might be at risk. “People with freckles tend to have lighter skin, and lighter skins are more prone to cancer because they have less natural protection against ultraviolet rays,” he explains.
The specialist says it is necessary to observe freckles and understand them. They are small, have a reddish-brown color, and usually lighten in the winter, when the skin is less exposed to the sun. Any evidence that deviates from this pattern and has some type of change — shape, size, color, and relief — requires attention and the search for a dermatologist.
“Sunspots, similar to freckles, are flat and appear in areas where the skin is more exposed, usually later in life. Some spots are more likely to become cancerous, tend to be darker and raised, and can appear anywhere on the body — even in areas you can’t easily see,” warns the specialist.
The recommendation is to make daily use of high-factor sunscreen — even at home, do not expose yourself excessively to the sun, and have an annual skin check-up of the entire body with a dermatologist.
