Angel Kisses - August Gravatte Photography

What are freckles and why do people have them?

According to Dr. Lisa Arkin, a pediatric dermatologist at the University of Wisconsin, freckles are made up of melanin, an ingredient in our skin that protects us against harsh UV light damage. The way our bodies produce melanin and whether we develop freckles or not is determined by our genetics.
There are two types of melanin that dictate skin color; eumelanin and pheomelanin. Lighter/fairer skin tones are associated with higher levels of pheomelanin and darker skin tones are associated with higher levels of eumelanin. Simply, people with freckles have imbalanced levels of melanin (more pheomelanin than eumelanin) which creates very small patches of tan trying to protect the skin from sunlight. Making each beauty mark, angel kiss, skin star, or freckle a unique part of the unique person.

"When I was growing up I didn't like them...but my mom and grandmother told me they are beauty marks," WKU graduate student, Ariel Terrell said. "They are unique."

"Since the second grade I've loved being a Ginger," Nick Lawson said. His family refers to his freckles as 'angel kisses.' "I've always got angels surrounding me," Lawson said.

"Freckles are my indication of being tan," said Breeann Gravatte, WKU freshman. "I can't see myself without freckles."

Nashville, Tenn. native Torrian Hall, 31, has freckles on both sides of his family. "It's my personality, so I don't pay attention to what people say," Hall said.

"It has always been my style and brand for myself to be natural," said Paige Forberger, WKU junior.