As the saying goes freckles are a sign of beauty, however not a lot of people would agree who’s face is covered in a huge mass of brown spots, even a small cluster on the nose and cheeks are found to be offensive to some wearers. Freckles are flat circular spots that  typically range in the size. These spots develop randomly on the skin especially after several doses of being exposed to sunlight and particularly in people with fair complexions. Freckles can be very attractive if not cluttered, they also vary in colour, they can be red, yellow, tan, light-brown, brown, or black -but are always darker than the skin around them, since they are due to deposits of the dark pigment called melanin.

Where does and what does the meaning of the word freckle mean, well it comes from the Middle English "freken," which in turn came from the Old Norse "freknur," meaning "freckled."

Freckles are categorised into two basic types, namely both titled Ephelides and Lentigines: In today’s modern society cosmetics help people with the problem they may have with freckles. People tend to cover up or cover over the best they can with the help of make up and creams to disguise these unsightly blemishes as some would see freckles.

 Freckles

The first category Ephelides (singular: ephelis, the Greek word for freckle): This type of freckle i.e. flat spots are red or light-brown and typically appear during the summer months and fade in the winter. These types of freckles are most commonly found in people with light complexions and in some families they are known to be hereditary (genetic) behaviour. The regular use of sunscreen during times of sun exposure helps to suppress the appearance of the ephelis-type freckle. Also the regular use of sun protection creams and sprays is most certainly a safe method in protecting the skin from the suns harmful UV rays that can cause you to suffer from severe sunburn or worse still skin cancer.

Lentigines (singular lentig from the latin word for lentil): Young children may develop a small tan, brown, or black spot which tends to be darker than an ephelis-type freckle of which you will find does not fade in the winter. This kind of spot is referred to as lentigo simplex. Although occasionally lentigines are part of a rare genetic syndrome, for the most part they are just isolated and unimportant spots. Freckles as you see can come and go. Before using unknown cosmetic brands in the way of treatment for freckles you must consult your doctor first. You have many companies offering miracle cures who fail to deliver positive results. So be weary at all times when using products you are not familiar with.

More on skin disorders and conditions can be found on most health sites online or in leaflets from your local clinic or hospital.