Freckles vs. Sun Damage: Knowing the Difference and Why It Matters5 min read

Unraveling the differences between freckles and sun damage requires an understanding of their unique characteristics, despite their shared connection to sun exposure. Although both manifest as spots on the skin, certain features help distinguish between one another.

Freckles are small, tan, or light-brown spots that typically appear during childhood or adolescence, particularly if you have a lighter skin tone. They are often genetically inherited and can become more prominent or numerous with sun exposure, appearing mainly on sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, and shoulders. 

However, the notable aspect of freckles is their ability to fade or even disappear in the absence of sunlight, particularly during the winter months.

On the flip side, sun damage, often identified as solar lentigines or age spots, presents different physical symptoms. These spots are larger, darker, and usually have irregular borders. Unlike freckles, sun spots tend to have a more uneven pigmentation. 

While they also emerge in sun-exposed areas, they persist all year round, irrespective of sunlight exposure. These spots form when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, grow in a clustered manner due to prolonged and intense sun exposure, resulting in these persistent patches of darker skin.

In terms of symptoms, freckles themselves usually don’t cause any discomfort or change in skin texture. Signs of sun damage, however, can extend beyond visible changes. It can lead to a rough or leathery skin texture, redness, and even skin growths that can sometimes bleed or itch.