Why do some people get freckles?
Quick Answer
Freckles are small clusters of extra melanin produced by skin cells in response to sunlight, and they are most common in people with fair skin and variants of the MC1R gene.
The Full Story
Melanocytes are skin cells that make melanin, the pigment that protects skin from ultraviolet radiation. In people prone to freckles, sunlight causes some melanocytes to produce extra pigment in small, concentrated spots rather than an even tan. The tendency is largely genetic and strongly linked to variants of the MC1R gene, which is also associated with red hair. Freckles usually darken and multiply in summer and fade in winter when sun exposure drops. Although harmless, a high number of freckles indicates sun-sensitive skin and a higher risk of sunburn.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why Freckles Appear — The Sun-Activated Pattern Written in Your Genes"