When the skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays, it triggers melanocytes to produce more melanin, which may cause freckles to become darker. Predisposition to freckles may be an inherited trait, as freckles tend to run in families.

Individuals with freckles may be more prone to the effects of UV radiation from the sun due to a lower concentration of photoprotective melanin. Freckles may be found mostly on prepubescent children, as freckles on infants may be rare and less common on adults.

In some cases, freckles may fade with time and age. If altered with creams or lasers, freckles may reappear upon exposure to the sun. Wearing sunscreen and protecting the skin from exposure to the sun may help to avoid freckles.

Some freckles may fade in the wintertime when the sun's effects may not be felt as much as in the other seasons. These freckles may be flat and brown or red in color. Age spots or sun spots may form as a result of years of harmful exposure to UV radiation from the sun. These freckles may not disappear in the winter. Sunspots may be found more commonly on adults, as they usually develop over time.

In treating freckles, skin lightening creams and retinoids may be effective. These treatments may lighten freckles, making them less visible. Cryosurgery is a technique in which liquid nitrogen may be used to lightly freeze some types of freckles. This treatment may be effective in treating certain types of freckles.

Laser treatment, photofacials and intense pulsed light treatment may also be used in removing or lightening freckles. Chemical peels may also be used in treating freckles.

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