Freckles are often found on people with fair complexions, such as people with red hair. Why? Because people with paler skin generally have less melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. Where do they come from? Well, although freckles are inherited, it’s actually the sun that brings them out.

See, the sun’s ultraviolet radiation causes melanocytes in your skin to make more melanin, and this in turn creates freckles while making existing freckles darker. This is why freckles appear darker in the summer and lighter in the winter! Check out the different types of freckles below, and don’t forget to share!