Freckles & Genetics

How it works

When we’re outside in the sun, specialized skin cells called melanocytes go to work producing pigment to protect our skin. If the pigment is produced evenly across your skin, you end up with a tan. But if pigment is produced in some areas more than others, you get freckles. Scientists aren’t quite sure what causes the uneven distribution of pigment across skin cells.

The genetic link

There are multiple genes that impact how many freckles someone may have. So far, 23andMe researchers have identified 34 genetic markers that affect the likelihood of someone having freckles.

Did you know?

It’s probably no surprise that freckles are more common in people with lighter skin and hair. It turns out these traits have some genetic links in common.

Explore more

Curious what your genetics have to say about your freckles? 23andMe’s Health + Ancestry Service can tell you more. Order a kit to find out whether you’re likely to have many or few freckles based on your genetics.

References

Bastiaens M et al. (1999). “Ephelides are more related to pigmentary constitutional host factors than solar lentigines.” Pigment Cell Res. 12(5):316-22.

Bastiaens M et al. (2004). “Solar lentigines are strongly related to sun exposure in contrast to ephelides.” Pigment Cell Res.17(3):225-9.

Breathnach A and Wyllie L. (1964). “Electron microscopy of melanocytes and melanosomes in freckled human epidermis.” J Invest Dermatol. 42:389-94.

Praetorius C et al. (2014). “Sun-induced freckling: ephelides and solar lentigines.” Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 27(3):339-50.