Sun Spots vs Freckles: Everything You Need to Know
Have you ever noticed some spots around your nose or cheeks while looking in the mirror? These can be flat or dark spots, patches, and light tiny spots. These are the signs of skin pigmentation having distinct characteristics and origins. Those spots you are concerned about might be sunspots or freckles. Therefore, knowing sunspots and freckles can help to relieve anxiety and take care of your skin effectively. People often confuse sun spots vs freckles, but both have different causes and require separate prevention approach.
Let’s start and learn the difference between sun spots and freckles. And how to protect your skin these.
What are Sunspots?
Sunspots, known as age spots or solar lentigines, are darker and have distinct pigmentation patches. Sunspots are related directly to the UV radiations from the sun due to cumulative and prolonged exposure. Typically, sunspots appear in areas frequently exposed to sunlight, such as on the shoulders, arms, hands, and face.
Research states that sunspots are more common in older people. About 90% of people have at least one sunspot on their body. Sunspots are up to 1 cm in diameter and are not influenced by genetics.
The primary cause of sunspots is UV's chronic exposure. With time, these harmful rays damage melanocytes (Cells in the skin responsible for production or melanin) and lead to overproduction of melanin. Sunspots typically appear on exposed skin in people in their mid-40s and onwards. While not cancerous, they are a sign of cumulative sun exposure.
What are Freckles?
Freckles appear due to increased pigmentation, and sun-exposed areas of the skin. These are small, flat patches ranging from light brown to reddish-brown. Freckles are genetic and form due to uneven distribution of melanin.
Melanin is a pigment responsible for skin color. When exposed to the sun, melanocytes increase melanin production in freckle-prone individuals, making them prominent on the skin.
Mostly, Asians, Americans, Mediterranean, and African have freckles as they tend to have red or fair, skin tone. Research states that around 60% of the people having fair skin tone complexion are affected by freckles.
Key Differences: Sunspots vs. Freckles
While there are some similarities between freckles and sunspots, it is important to understand the differences between both as most people misinterpret both.
| Feature | Sun Spots | Freckles |
|---|---|---|
| Causes | Prolonged sun exposure | Genetic factors, sun exposure |
| Appearance | Larger, darker, persistent | Smaller, lighter, seasonal |
| Age of Onset | Common in older adults | Common in children and young adults |
| Treatment | Topical creams, laser, peels | Generally unnecessary, cosmetic options available |
| Prevention | Sunscreen, protective clothing | Sunscreen, avoid excessive sun exposure |
Cause
Whether it’s freckles or sunspots, it is important to get skin treatments and know the real causes behind them. Sunspots can be developed on all skin types and races. These form due to prolonged sun exposure that damages skin cells due to melanin production.
Sunspots cause damage, but sun freckles do not!
As sunspots appear due to repeated sun exposure, freckles are a genetic condition in which the MC1R gene and its variants are associated with it. This MC1R gene helps in producing melanin by giving instructions to the body. Some people produce melanin and pheomelanin, which affects how much your skin tans. People who develop pheomelanin have more chances of skin burning.
Size
Sunspots and freckles, both related to sunlight exposure, differ in size. Sunspots range up to 1 cm, whereas freckles are typically 1-2 mm in diameter, though some freckles can be as large as 6 mm.
Aging
As you age, you will notice sunspots, but freckles are not visible. Freckles can appear on the skin's surface at any age and are not a sign of aging, but are a genetic gift. Sunspots are common in 40s or older people and it isn't easy to get rid of them.
Location
Areas of skin exposed due to sun exposure are more likely to show freckles and sunspots. The common areas for the appearance of freckles liver spots, and sunspots are the face, neck, arms, shoulder, and hands.
Color
Freckles have a light skin color and can be easily covered through makeup. Whereas, sunspots range from light brown to dark, and black dark spots that form due to pigmentation.
Different Life Spans
Sunspots vs. freckles; both have different life span that trigger due to the intensity of sunlight, and the age factor is also important to consider. Sunspots take a longer time to fade away and are less prominent due to their light color.
Whereas, freckles develop genetically and become prominent with age. Plus, they take less time compared to sunspots to fade away.
Prevention: Sunspots vs. Freckles
There are various treatments and products to prevent and treat sunspots that help in reducing their appearance. However, the best cure for unwanted sun spots and its prevention is through these simple steps.
Limit Sun Exposure
Try not going in direct sun exposure as sunspots develop due to prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays. Therefore, limiting your daily sun exposure can help you in minimizing this risk.
Monitoring UV Index
When you are going out in sunlight, monitor the UV index. Check the UV index through different websites or your weather app. This will keep you informed about when to use suncreen and protect your skin from UV rays.
Cover your body, wear long clothes, and apply sunscreen
Keep yourself well-protected from sun exposure by wearing clothes that cover your whole body and applying sunscreen on your face and hands. Doing this prevents the appearance of sunspots.
Applying a good quality sunscreen is equally important
Sunscreen or SPF comes from various brands and in different levels. SPF 30 protects you from about 96.7% UVB rays while SPF 50 protects from 98%. To be safe you should use SPF 50 from a reputable brand. And don't forget to reapply sunscreen after 2 hours in continuous sun exposure.
Treatment Options: Sunspots vs. Freckles
While prevention is important, both sunspots and freckles can be addressed through various methods:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can help lighten the appearance of sunspots and freckles by removing the top layer of skin. Consult a dermatologist to determine if this approach is suitable for your skin type and the severity of your concerns.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment targets specific pigments in the skin, effectively lightening sunspots and freckles. Different lasers may be used for skin conditions depending on the individual's needs. Consulting a qualified dermatologist is crucial for discussing the risks and benefits of laser treatment.
Lightening Creams
Topical creams containing ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, or licorice extract may help lighten sunspots and freckles with consistent use. Sometimes, creams can cause skin irritation. Therefore, consult a dermatologist before using any lightening creams. An alternative is to use natural dark spot eraser cream with Jamaica’s mineral rich botanicals to give you an overall healthy and radiant skin. Get it Now!
Should People Be Worried About Sunspot Damage and Freckles?
Don’t forget, that freckles are the skin's way of protecting exposed areas of your skin from UV rays and sun damage. So, when you see freckles on your skin, this means an extra production of melanin in the deeper layers of your body. Genetically the freckles serve to protect from exposure, therefore, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with atleast SPF 50.
Like freckles, sunspots are non-cancerous and do not cause any damage. Sunspots form due to sun damage and develop mostly on people with fair skin as age spots.
Therefore, it is important to monitor both the sunspots and freckles. If you see any suspicious change in your skin, do visit a dermatologist or a doctor before it’s too late!
Conclusion
Both sunspots and freckles have common occurrences and either should be a cause for undue concern. However, understanding the difference between sunspots and freckles will allow you to take targeted action for the prevention and treatment. Embracing your skin is important just as taking care of it through preventative measures. So, prioritize sun protection to minimize their appearance in future.