Freckles occur in people with heritage from around the world. Because they're often seen in people with red hair, freckles are commonly associated with Ireland and Scotland, where this hair color is common as well. But anyone can get freckles.
The variation of the MC1R gene that causes freckles is passed down genetically. People of Celtic heritage, who typically have very fair hair and skin, are more likely to have this genetic mutation than other groups. However, people of African, Mediterranean, Asian, and Hispanic descent can also have freckles.
Genetics determine whether you'll get freckles.
But that doesn't mean you have to have a certain hair color — or skin color — to have freckles. "The MC1R gene variant is more common in Caucasian and Asian people, but it is possible for people of any ethnicity to have this variant as well," says Dr. Marcus.
While the OCA2 gene is recognized as being one of the genetic conditions that cause freckles, it is quite rare. A form of albinism, OCA2 causes white hair, extremely light eyes, and fair skin. While OCA1 is characterized by a complete absence of pigment, OCA2 isn't as severe; freckling is common after sun exposure.
Freckles occur in people with heritage from around the world. Because they're often seen in people with red hair, freckles are commonly associated with Ireland and Scotland, where this hair color is common as well. But anyone can get freckles.
Dr. Lisa Arkin. Freckles are composed of an ingredient called melanin, which protects against damage caused by UV light. Your body makes melanin to protect itself from sun damage.
Freckles are beautiful
Some of the world's most beautiful people also enjoy flaunting their freckles, so feel free to do the same.
Doctors call them ephelides. You have them because of the genes you were born with. Freckles often show up during childhood, and you may continue to get more until you're in your 20s. They're most common in people with fair skin or red hair, but anyone can have them.
We have a lot less melanocytes in the skin of our palms and the soles of our feet, which is why we don't tan in these areas. It is also why freckles are rare on these parts of our body.
They are also seen to make you look younger, unlike age spots. SPF is your best friend! A sun block should be applied throughout the day. If you have the skin type to develop more freckles extra care and caution must be taken as your skin requires more protection from the sun.
Background: : Although freckles are light-brown macules most frequently observed in individuals with red or blond hair and blue or gray eyes, freckles are common to Asian people, including Koreans. Treatment may be requested on cosmetic grounds.
Genetics and sun exposure are the primary causes of freckles. Some people are more likely to get freckles than others, depending on their genes and skin type. If a person is genetically more likely to develop freckles, exposure to sunlight can make them appear.
The allele for freckles is dominant and represented by the capital letter F. The fact that this trait is dominant means that even if an offspring only inherits one allele, they will express the freckles trait because a dominant allele is always expressed.
Freckles are an inherited feature and although not considered sun damage, they do occur as a result of sun exposure. Freckles are typically first noticed on children, especially those with fair skin and red hair. When UV rays hit your skin, freckles develop from an increase in dark pigments called melanin.
In this case, the allele for freckles (F) is dominant, which means that if a person inherits just one copy of the F allele, they will have freckles. The "no freckles" allele (f) is recessive, which means that a person must inherit two copies of the f allele (one from each parent) in order to not have freckles.
Freckles are extremely common and aren't a health threat. They're more often seen in the summer. You're more likely to have freckles if you're lighter-skinned and have blond or red hair. However, freckles can occur in anyone, and appear as darker brown spots if you have darker skin.
“A freckle represents extra pigment, or melanin, that's in the skin,” Graber said. A freckle can be found anywhere on the body, but Graber says they are most commonly found on the face. And although a freckle may just look like a mole that hasn't risen yet, the two are distinctly different, according to Graber.
Freckles often fade or disappear with age, while solar lentigines become more common as people get older. You can help keep freckles from getting darker, and reduce the likelihood that more will appear, by taking steps to shield your skin from sunlight, especially during the summer months.
Chinese daily Global Times says that her freckles have made her appearance "iconic". But they have sparked debate in Chinese social media, as it is rare for Chinese people to have them.
Freckles may darken and multiple with exposure to the natural sunlight so those with fair skin and freckles are better off to stay away from extended exposure to the sun.
Freckles can appear on all types of skin tones. Of the six Fitzpatrick skin types, they are most common on skin tones 1 and 2, which usually belong to North Europeans. However, it can also be found on people all over the world.
Nobody is born with freckles (you won't see a newborn baby with freckles), but they usually start to develop during childhood and sometimes vanish during adulthood as we get older.
Freckles themselves aren't a sign of damage to the skin. However, people who have freckles are more likely to be sensitive to the sun's ultraviolet rays that cause damage.
Freckles are not harmful or the sign of a health problem. They're just pigment cells (cells that contain color) that are contained within the skin in small batches. Freckles are usually tan or light brown, flat, and very small. Sometimes they overlap and run together so they may look larger.
There are multiple genes that impact how many freckles someone may have. So far, 23andMe researchers have identified 34 genetic markers that affect the likelihood of someone having freckles.