20 Jul , 10:59
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Scientific mystery of freckles revealed: genetics and sun create a unique pattern on the skin
As reported by TUT.AZ, Dr. Anna Matveeva in an interview with "Gazeta.Ru" made a clear distinction between harmless freckles and potentially dangerous signs of photodamage.
"Freckles form due to local accumulation of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color and sun protection). Heredity plays the main role: people with a variant of the MC1R gene (a gene associated with red hair and sensitive skin) have skin prone to spotty pigmentation. Under ultraviolet exposure, the spots become more noticeable, especially in spring and summer. Without sun, they can almost disappear. Ultraviolet light only triggers the manifestation of an innate characteristic," she explained.
The international scientific community confirms that freckles themselves pose no health risk. They are a benign form of skin pigmentation. However, their presence signals increased sensitivity to solar radiation. People with freckles usually have skin phototype I-IIA (very fair, prone to burns), which significantly increases the risk of ultraviolet damage. Experts note that freckles are actually the body's protective response to excessive sun exposure.
"If new spots appear after tanning that differ in size or color from the usual ones, this may be a consequence of sun damage. Such formations - solar lentigo (dark persistent spots) - are larger, darker, don't disappear in winter, and have blurred borders," said the expert.
Specialists from different countries are unanimous: particular vigilance should be given to areas of skin that grow, change shape, color, or stand out among others. In such cases, urgent consultation with a dermatologist is necessary.
Classic freckles are multiple light brown spots 1-3 mm in size. They have characteristic seasonality: darkening in summer and becoming paler in winter. They usually appear in childhood, predominantly on exposed areas of skin.
In contrast, pigment spots such as solar lentigo occur in adults after prolonged sun exposure and persist throughout the year. New formations may have asymmetrical shape, uneven coloration, irregular edges, and a tendency to grow. When such signs are detected, dermatoscopy (examination of the skin with magnification) and regular monitoring by a specialist are recommended.
Is it necessary to remove freckles
"There are no medical indications for removing freckles. It's a matter of external perception. If they cause discomfort, you can use laser, phototherapy (light treatment) or peels (cleansing of the upper layer of skin). Even after removal, with predisposition and contact with the sun, spots may reappear. The main prevention method is protection from ultraviolet radiation," the doctor believes.
International studies show that ultraviolet radiation penetrates through clouds and glass. Up to 80% of radiation reaches the skin even in cloudy weather. UVA rays (sun rays that cause skin aging) are active throughout the year. Therefore, der
