The freckles that speckle many people's skin are often called "sun kisses" because they tend to appear or darken after exposure to the sun. Melanin scatters UV rays, meaning it sends the rays bouncing ...

Freckles are composed of an ingredient called melanin, which protects against damage caused by UV light. Your body makes melanin to protect itself from sun damage. When people who have darker skin ...

You’ve probably noticed a new spot on your skin at some point — maybe a small brown dot on your shoulder or a darker patch on your hand. But how do you know if it’s a harmless freckle or something ...

Freckles are often caused by variations in a particular gene that affects melanin. They are common and usually harmless. If you have concerns about any marks on your skin, consult a dermatologist for ...

Q Why do we have freckles? Blue Sky Science is a collaboration of the Wisconsin State Journal and the Morgridge Institute for Research.