Home / Editor's Pick /

Summer facts: Why do we freckle in the sun?

08:00
25 May 2023

Summer facts
Why do we freckle in the sun?

freckles

Spring and summer is often the time of year where freckles begin to appear across our faces. But why do they come out in the sun and are they a sign of damage?

Freckles are generally caused by genetics and stimulated by ultraviolet (UV) light. If your skin isn't protected, exposure to sunlight causes the production of melanin that protects the skin and leads to the appearance of more freckles.

People with lighter skin and hair pigments are more likely to see freckles on their faces and arms as they produce more melanin to shield themselves from sun damage.

Most of the time, freckles are harmless and not a sign of sun damage, however if they become significantly darker after exposure or begin changing in size or shape, this could be a sign of sun damage and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Our app has a UV forecast with all the info you need to stay safe this summer.

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Thursday 17 July 2025

Coastal phenomenon

Sea fog: Sharp boundary along Cali
dennis oswald selfie supercell stormchaser
Wednesday 16 July 2025

Storm chaser's Blog

USA - Alone with the supercell
Wednesday 16 July 2025

Numerous fatalities

Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan
All weather news
This might also interest you
Two weather radars side-by-side, one showing sunny conditions over the UK and the other a temperature map showing widespread warmth.
Thursday 10 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Turning sunnier and warmer
Wednesday 9 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Overcast start, warmer afternoon
Weather map showing thunderstorms over Northern Ireland and rain elsewhere next to a temperature map showing highs in the upper 20s in south-east England.
Thursday 17 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Storm potential in areas, warming too
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement