What causes you to get freckles?
Lily Fisher
Updated on April 30, 2026
Freckles are small brown spots on your skin, often in areas that get sun exposure. In most cases, freckles are harmless. They form as a result of overproduction of melanin, which is responsible for skin and hair color (pigmentation). Overall, freckles come from ultraviolet (UV) radiation stimulation.
What causes freckles to suddenly appear?
Sun exposureA person's skin cells produce extra melanin to protect the skin from sun damage. This is why freckles tend to appear after sun exposure. Freckles can appear over a large area of skin and can reappear or become darker in the summer months.