Dark skin and freckles: what to know

Freckles, also called ephelides, usually reflect increased melanin activity in otherwise normal skin. They often appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, shoulders and arms, and may become more visible after outdoor exposure. In deeper skin tones, a brown spot can also represent post-inflammatory pigmentation, a mole, or another pigment disorder rather than a freckle. A clinician can examine its shape, colour pattern and change over time.

Freckles are generally harmless, but a new or changing mark should not be labelled from a photograph alone. Irritation from strong lightening products can make surrounding skin darker, especially when pigment is prone to post-inflammatory change.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin, reapply as directed, and add shade, clothing or a hat when practical. Avoid picking, abrasive scrubs and unprescribed bleaching mixtures. If treatment is wanted, a dermatologist may discuss topical options or procedures after checking your skin tone and the diagnosis. IPL Photofacial and Picosecond Laser Treatment are procedure options that require individualized settings and a test area may be considered.

Arrange a skin assessment if a spot is new, grows, develops several colours, becomes asymmetrical, bleeds, crusts, hurts or repeatedly itches. Seek prompt care for a rapidly changing mark or a sore that does not heal. These features do not diagnose cancer, but they do make an examination more appropriate than self-treatment.

Ask whether the mark is a freckle or another pigment change, whether your current products could irritate it, and which sunscreen and treatment settings suit your skin. Also ask how long to pause active products before a procedure and what colour change should prompt a review.