Freckles, also known as ephilides, are small hyperpigmentation that are found on the skin. While they are more common on fairer skinned individuals, they can occur on any skin tone and in any area of the skin.
While freckles are common, another popular hyperpigmentation is a lentigines a large patch of pigmentation that resembles a birth mark or a large freckle. We commonly know lentigines as sun spots or age spots. While freckles and lentigines may look similar in appearance, they are actually quite different. If you're not a fan of either, these dark spots can leave you frustrated with your skin. Don't stress! Hale Cosmeceuticals is here to share the science behind these hyperpigmentation and how you can keep them from altering your complexion.
The Difference Between Lentigines and Freckles
The spots on your skin go deep. Hyperpigmentation is caused by melanin, which is made up of cells that are called melanocytes. Melanocytes mostly populate the basement membrane of the epidermas, a sheet of fibers that underlies the skin. Both lentigines and freckles are caused by melanocytes. The only difference is how the melanocytes are dispersed. With freckles, the melanocytes spread into skin cells, causing a dappled appearance that is just as clustered as the amount of skin cells in your dermis. Freckles do not have defined edges and can become more vivid after exposure to sunlight. Lentigines, on the other hand, are caused by a proliferation of melanocytes that is localized and not dispersed. The group of melanocytes causes more of a spot-like appearance with defined edges. Lentigines appear more commonly as the skin ages into middle and older age.
If you are trying to tell them apart, freckles usually show up or darken with increased sun exposure and may fade during the fall and winter as sun exposure drops and skin cells naturally turn over. They also often become less noticeable with age. Solar lentigines are typically larger than freckles, may be less perfectly symmetrical, and usually do not fade when the seasons change because they are more closely tied to cumulative sun exposure over time.
In general, freckles and true age spots are not dangerous and do not require treatment. However, many people still choose to address them for cosmetic reasons.
Preventing Pigmentation
Unfortunately, science has yet to find a way to harness the behavior of melanocytes. But, here's something we do know both freckles and lentigines can worsen with increased exposure to sunlight. Sun damage is one of the leading causes of age spots and significantly darkens the appearance of freckles. That means the best way to protect your skin from unnecessary pigmentation is to wear sunscreen. Hale's new product Complexion Protection uses highly potent titanium dioxide to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. With an SPF 35+, you get the perfect spectrum of protection during the day. Call us during the month of July for a special discount! And don't forget to reapply if you're spending multiple hours in the sun.
Although sun protection will not lighten freckles or lentigines that have already developed, it can help reduce additional sun damage and may help prevent further darkening or the development of new discoloration. Before heading outside, make sure you are using adequate SPF and other protective measures.
Combat Hyperpigmentation by Getting Lighter and Brighter
If you've already had your time in the sun and are dissatisfied with the appearance of freckles and lentigines on your skin, there is hope. Ingredients like niacinamide, ferulic acid, phytic acid, azeliac acid, vitamin c, and glutathione can effectively destroy unwanted clusters of melanocytes, whether they are localized or dispersed into skin cells (freckles). At Hale, we use these ingredients in our SB-7 skin brightener serum to inhibit the biosynthesis of Tyrosinae and interfere with the transfer of melanosomes, effectively reducing the appearance of age spots, sun spots and freckles. SB-7 Brightening Serum is 20% off during the month of July! Call 1-800-951-7005 to place your order today!
Other lightening ingredients often used for age spots and similar hyperpigmentation include retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C, and azelaic acid.
When to Get Brown Spots Checked
While freckles and solar lentigines are usually harmless, some skin cancers and precancerous lesions can resemble them. It is best to have a spot checked by your doctor or dermatologist if you notice concerning changes, including:
- Changes in color, such as darkening or uneven coloring
- Changes in texture, such as raised borders or a scaly surface
- Changes in shape, such as growth or increasing asymmetry
