Book 2, Question 92
Why Do We Get Freckles?
Freckles are tiny brown dots that can appear on skin, especially on the nose and cheeks. They are little clusters of melanin, a pigment that colors your skin. Melanin specks!
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 2
More fun facts
- Freckles can be an early warning sign that skin got too much sun.
- The word freckle was first used in the 1300s and probably comes from a Scandinavian word.
- Doctors say there are actually two kinds of spots that people call freckles.
- Freckles are different from moles, which are small, usually dark, and can be raised.
- You are more likely to have freckles if you have light skin and blond or red hair, but anyone can have them.
- The best way to prevent freckles is to stay out of strong sun or use lots of sunscreen.
- Judy Blume wrote a funny book called Freckle Juice about a boy who wants freckles.
Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, Cleveland Clinic, KidsHealth (Nemours)
Questions kids ask
Are freckles harmful?
No. Freckles are very common and are not a health threat, but they are a sign to protect your skin from the sun.