The Genetics of Freckles

Have you ever thought about what freckles are, why we have them and where they come from? It turns out that like most things, we can somewhat thank our genes for those cute little dots on our skin.

Freckles are areas of your skin that contain high levels of melanin. Melanin is the protein that is responsible for pigment. So hair color, skin color and eye color are all associated with melanin. Melanin is also a natural sun protector, which explains why more freckles develop while you are out in the sunlight.

Now you may be asking, how is melanin produced and what does it have to do with genes?

The MC1R gene is responsible for the production of melanin. This specific gene contains the code that specifies the production of a protein called melanocortin 1 receptor. This receptor is located on the surface of melanocytes, which are the cells that produce the pigment, melanin.

So how does this all relate back to the genetics of freckles? When you expose your skin to sunlight you trigger your cells and the MC1R gene to produce more melanin to act as a natural UV barrier. When more melanin is produced, the darker pigments appear. If your melanocytes are evenly spread, you will likely develop an even tan. If your melanocytes are clustered together, you will likely have a build up of pigment in one area resulting in freckles!

Like most traits, freckles are a result of genetic factors combined with environmental factors. UV light and your melanocytes have to work together, as freckles will not develop until your skin has been exposed to UV rays. Ever notice that babies are not born with them? That’s because their skin has never been exposed to sunlight.

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