I was asked if black people can have freckles. My answer was of course we can have freckles, too. I have seen cute freckles on many dark skins. However, I wanted to know what causes freckles on our skin?
First of all, freckles are natural and not harmful. Even if you don’t like them on you, they are not a sign of any health problems. Freckles are skin cells that contain a pigment colour called “melanin”. Melanin is a chemical made by skin cells called melanocytes. It is also the same pigment that affects the way black people have red hair. Melanin helps to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays by reflecting or absorbing them. However, let us find out what causes freckles and the meaning of black freckles on our skin.
Can black people have freckles
Yes, freckles on black people do occur. It all has to do with the type of skin tone. Depending on your skin tone you can get freckles by spending too much time under the sun. While some of you already have freckles there is a good chance to get freckles, if your parents have them. That means it is genetic. The melanin in your skin is what makes you look tan. In general, people with fair complexion have less melanin in their skin and tend to have more freckles than people with darker complexions. Due to sunlight their melanocytes create more melanin. In this case they often develop freckles instead of getting an even sun tan like people with darker complexions. That makes sense, right.
The cause of black women with freckles may not always be genetic or from exposure to sunlight. You can get freckles if you are under medication for e.g. estrogens, tetracyclines, phenonthiazines, sulfonamides, phenytoin and amiodarone. So now you know that freckles are not necessarily from sunlight. Medications also play a role. Did you know that pregnancy can also causes freckles due to the hormonal changes. However, they disappear with time.
Did you know that some people have freckles that fade away in the winter and return every summer. Other people have freckles the whole year. Embrace your freckles if you have them. In summer I tend to have 6 of them on my nose. I was so happy when I discover them as I always wanted to have those cute little freckles.
Do you have any and do you like them? Here are 5 reasons why you should embrace your freckles.
- Freckles are super unique.
- Freckles are like snowflakes; each one is different than the last!
- The freckles on your face make you who you are!
- Freckles keep you looking youthful!
- Your freckles are beautiful! Rock them proudly, they look hot on you!
British photographer Brock Elbank has created great portraits of people with freckles. He will exhibits his images of freckles in 2017.
Do you have any freckles? Tell us what you like about your freckles!
Source: http://wonderopolis.org/
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