What Causes Freckles, Actually?

Your skin color is determined by melanin — the pigment that gives hue to your skin, hair, and even your eyes. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes. The more melanin these cells make, the darker your skin (or hair). The less melanin, the paler your skin.

Some people, however, have less melanin overall, but have just a few scattered melanocytes that pump out more pigment. The result? Pale skin with freckles. (But you also can have a darker skin tone and still have freckles.)

Regardless of your skin tone and freckle status, it’s important to wear sunscreen every day — even if you’re not going to the beach. Learn more about the dermatologist-approved way to apply sunscreen and tips to find the right sunscreen for your skin type.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

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