Redheads: What Are Your Freckles Trying to Tell You?

Many redheads are blessed with freckles, and as much as we love them, they are caused by exposure to the sun. This exposure isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it is something to be mindful of. First things first, freckles are normal. But, learning to keep an eye eye on our freckles is part of being a healthy redhead. Here’s what your freckles are telling you: 

1. Freckles appear when melanin builds under the skin.

Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. The more melanin in your body, the darker your skin will be. The human body produces melanin to protect your skin from the sun, which is why freckles appear or become more prominent when you are exposed to the sun. 

2. Since freckles are the first sign of sun exposure for many redheads, if your body is starting to produce more freckles, that is your way of knowing you may need more sun protection or a higher SPF.

Freckles do not mean you have sun damage or that you are at risk for skin cancer, but It’s important to keep an eye on your freckles to see if they change or grow. 

3. Freckles can sometimes be mistaken for sunspots, which unlike freckles do not fade or disappear on their own.

Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye out for moles or other skin marks that may be hiding among your freckles. If you do see something odd, speak with your dermatologist to be on the safe side. The warning signs include (commonly known as ABCDE’s):

ASYMMETRY: When the halves of a spot don’t match up, it may be a sign of irregular cells.

BORDER: Malignant moles tend to have uneven, notched, or bumpy edges.

COLOR: Inconsistent color in the mole signals a possible issue.

DIAMETER: Anything bigger than 1/4 inch could be cancerous.

EVOLVING:  and remember to always wear adequate sun protection and SPF even if it’s not sunny out. 

Rock it like a Redhead!