Molly Smith, age 12, of  Denton, Texas, for her question:

WHAT CAUSES FRECKLES TO FORM?

Freckles are inherited and usually appear around the age of 6 or 8. When the pigment forming cells in the skin are concentrated, or produce pigment in spots instead of evenly throughout the skin, freckles result. They are most common in redheads and blondes and people with fair complexions.

Freckles generally become less obvious as a person grows older, but they may never disappear completely. Their color is intensified by sunlight, so freckles tend to darken in the summer and fade in the winter.

There is no safe and permanent way to remove freckles. The pigment forming cells responsible for freckles are located deep in the skin and simply produce more freckles if those on the surface are removed. The various bleach and freckle creams promoted to remove freckles are a waste of money.

If you have freckles, relax and enjoy them.