Freckles and sunspots are not exactly the same, although they are both related to sun exposure. Freckles, also known as ephelides, are small brown spots that often appear on the face, arms, and other sun-exposed areas of the body. They are typically genetic and tend to darken with sun exposure. Freckles are harmless and are caused by an increased production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Sunspots, on the other hand, are also known as solar lentigines or age spots. They are flat, tan, brown, or black spots that appear on areas of the skin frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. Sunspots are usually larger than freckles and tend to develop later in life, hence the name "age spots." They are caused by an accumulation of melanin in specific areas due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. While both freckles and sunspots are influenced by sun exposure and involve an increase in melanin production, sunspots are generally associated with aging and long-term sun damage, while freckles are more commonly associated with genetic factors and may fade or lighten during the winter months when sun exposure is reduced.