Brown Spots and Freckles

Many brown spots are sun spots (lentigos) and are related to accumulated sun damage of the skin over one’s lifetime. Freckles, similar to sun spots, indicate the skin’s defensive response to sun exposure. These spots contribute to the appearance of sun-damaged skin. Almost all of the abnormal brown patches and spots that people acquire as they age result from some change or malfunction in the process of pigment production and transfer. Such changes can be triggered or influenced by a number of factors. In addition to sun exposure, hormonal activity and drugs can also either stimulate or inhibit melanin synthesis, leading to brown patches and spots on the skin, including sun spots and freckles.