Image via iStock.
While freckles seem to be having a moment right now, they’re not often thought of as de rigueur. But there’s a fresh reason to embrace your freckles. An Icelandic study of 2,230 people found that freckles (and brown hair and blue eyes) are caused by a variant in the gene IRF4.
This gene variant can reduce the levels of melanin that reaches keratinocytes (stay with us here), which are the surface cells on the skin. The lower amounts of melanin result in freckling of the skin. The lesson? People with freckles have an entirely unique genetic makeup than those who don’t. Freckle faces, unite!
1. Sunscreen is your best friend.
You have to wear the sunscreen that barely even rubs in, you know, the zinc like paste that marathon runners wear. This is applied at all times, even when walking outside to get the mail. Yes, it’s a pain, but there are ways to make it easier! The Ultraceuticals SPF 50+ Skinactive Body Spray ($59) is a quick to apply spray-on sunscreen that has all of the protection and none of that thick gloop feel. Win.
2. Getting a tan comes with a hefty price.
Because you don't get a tan, you get a fran. A freckle tan. Sometimes you wonder if your freckles will turn into one giant one.
3. You have foundation issues.
RELATED:A foolproof guide to applying perfect foundation (yes, every time)
Foundation looks super obvious on your face... and even tinted moisturizer can be a struggle. Finding the proper shade is a nightmare (do I match my skin or the freckles?!).
