Freckles are small 1-3 mm pigmented spots which appear predominantly on the face and other sun exposed areas.
They represent pigment produced by the skin pigment cells called melanocytes which then feed it to the surface cells called keratinocytes.
The ability to form freckles depends on your genetics and the type of skin given to you by your parents. lighter skin types which burn more easily manifest freckles as a sign of skin damage caused by the sun. Some individuals with darker skin can also manifest freckles. Sunburns and the tendency to use insufficient sunblock or working outdoors can predispose to this condition.
They can be present in the winter and fade or disappear in the summer.
It is important to realize that freckles represent damage of the skin from the sun.