Typically freckles develop in childhood, often before the age of 10, and are commonly seen in individuals with lighter skin types. Considered cute by many, they are actually an early sign of sun damage. They often appear on the face and body, becoming more pronounced with increased sun exposure and fade a bit during fall and winter.

Also known as Age Spots, Liver Spots, Dark Spots, Sunspots. Larger than freckles, these darkened patches are also caused by sun damage and often appear on areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, back of the hands, and shoulders. They are most common in lighter-skinned individuals over the age of 35, or those who’ve experienced significant UV exposure. Unlike freckles, these spots tend to remain visible all year long whereas freckles tend to fade without sun exposure.

As mentioned previously, this form of hyperpigmentation appears as an inflammatory response to a skin injury, whether from a scratch, burn, bug bite, photosensitive ingredient, or even a chemical peel or laser treatment. PIH is more common in individuals with darker skin tones, and the resulting dark spots can remain for weeks or even months after the initial skin injury has healed.

Triggered by hormones including birth control pills, pregnancy, hormones, or IUDs, melasma appears as larger patches of darkened skin. Melasma is more common in women than men and is more frequently seen in individuals with darker skin tones. It also has a predilection for developing in areas of prior skin injury, such as the upper lip or eyebrows, after waxing but can also be seen on the forehead, cheeks, and jawline. Melasma usually gradually subsides within six months after stopping hormones or childbirth. In some instances, however, the melasma will persist until after menopause.

Solar lentigines and freckles are preventable by starting sun protection measures at the earliest age possible, avoiding sunburns, limiting sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and wearing a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection.

Broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 50, such as SUZANOBAGIMD™ Tinted Physical Defense SPF 50 or Obagi Sun Shield™ Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 should be applied daily, even on cloudy, overcast days.

Make sure to include the following: Antioxidants Exfoliating Lotions Retinoids

Whether it’s acne, bug bites, or even a scrape, it’s crucial to avoid picking at the skin to prevent PIH.