What should you know about getting freckles from the sun?

Freckles are small, flat tan-to-brown macules caused by increased melanin production in response to ultraviolet light. They often appear on the face, shoulders, chest, or arms and may become more noticeable after time outdoors, then fade when exposure reduces. Freckles are different from raised moles and can overlap in appearance with other pigmented spots, so a new or changing mark should not be labelled from a photograph alone. Sun exposure can also contribute to broader sun-damaged skin.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin, reapply as directed on the product, seek shade, and cover the shoulders and arms with clothing when practical. Avoid deliberate tanning because it can deepen freckles and add cumulative skin damage. If you want to reduce their appearance, a dermatologist can discuss [IPL Photofacial](/treatments/laser-and-energy/ipl-photofacial/) or [Picosecond Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/picosecond-laser-treatment/). Suitability depends on your skin tone, the diagnosis, recent tanning, medicines, and the risk of temporary pigment changes. Protective habits remain useful after any cosmetic treatment.

Arrange a skin examination if a spot changes in size, shape, colour, or texture, develops several colours, bleeds, crusts, itches persistently, or becomes painful. Seek review for a mark that looks noticeably different from your other freckles. Do not remove or laser a suspicious mark before diagnosis, because examination may be needed first. New symptoms do not prove a serious condition, but they should be assessed rather than watched indefinitely.

Ask whether the marks look like freckles or another type of pigmentation, how to monitor them, and which sun-protection routine fits your skin. If considering light or laser treatment, ask about test areas, expected temporary redness or darkening, eye protection, aftercare, and what happens if the marks recur.