The medical name for freckles is ephelides, which represents a more concentrated local production of pigment, melanin. Freckles are more common in redheads or fair skin who have lighter and reddish-brown melanin (pheomelanin) and fairer skin. Unfortunately, pheomelanin doesn’t protect the skin against UV rays as well as the darker melanin (eumelanin). This is why people with lighter skin tone are more sensitive to sunlight and need stronger sun care protection.

People with freckles usually have fair skin that must be well protected from the sun’s UV rays. If you have freckles, limit your sun exposure, shield your skin with protective clothing and wear a hat. Choose a sunscreen with a broad protection (UVA-UVB) that has an SPF of at least 50.