YOUR AMAZING BODY

FRECKLES are the body’s natural sun protection. They are clumps of melanin, the protein that gives eyes, skin and hair their colour – and acts as a natural sunscreen.

This is why when the sun comes out, freckles become more visible. People with a mutation in a gene called MC1R develop freckles. Experts believe this is because their ancestors lived in hot climates and needed extra sun protection.

Their DNA evolved to instruct the development of freckles, keeping the skin safer. People with freckles must still use sun protection.