Are freckles a sign of sun damage, why are they more prominent when in the sun and how do you get them?
IT'S that time of year again, where freckles start to appear more and more across noses and on arms thanks to increasing sun exposure as summer draws closer.
With the average Brit having around 35 of the sun spots on their bodies, it's time you got the lowdown on freckles and found out what they are, where they come from and what they mean.
Why do freckles come out in the sun?
Freckles can be stimulated by UV light, meaning anyone who isn't protected from the suns rays can get them, even though many freckles are caused by genetics.
The exposure to to the sun causes the production of melanin, which is used to protect the skin, and this makes the freckles darker and more pigmented.
Areas that are more likely to be exposed, including the face, arms and upper body, will more likely have freckles as the skin produces melanin to shield itself from the sun.
Those with lighter skin and hair pigments are more likely to develop freckles as they will produce more melanin as a response to shield themselves from sun damage.
Are freckles a sign of sun damage?
The majority of freckles are harmless and are not a sign of sun damage, with some freckles caused by genetics and therefore not related to the presence of sun damage.
However, even with the genetic tendency to develop the spots, using the right sun protection can stop you from developing them - as they won't appear without sun exposure.
If freckles become significantly darker after exposure to the sun or begin changing in size or shape, this can be a vital sign of an increased skin cancer risk.
Don't fret though, as in most cases the melanin spots are almost always harmless and don't
How can you get freckles, and how do you get rid of them?
Anyone can get freckles from exposure to the sun, but this should be done safely with the right protection including a water-based SPF.
Other forms of freckles, called solar letigines, tend to appear just on adults over 40 years old and can be a natural sign of skin ageing as we get older.
Freckles can be avoided, and it's even possible to aid their disappearance by wearing full sun protection at all times before leaving the house - but this is rather drastic.
They can also be removed through various procedures including bleaching with a safe acid which removes sun damage and dark patches.
It seems celebrities are even loving the freckled look this summer, with Perrie Edward's posing in Calvin Klein underwear and showing off her freckled face!
Check out the carbon laser facial and find out what the benefits are of this unusual procedure.
And check out how Charlotte Crosby revealed her make-up free and full face of freckles whilst on holiday with boyfriend Joshua Richie.