I was plucking some hairs in the mirror today, and I made note that one of my freckles was close to this hair. I was making note of it due to the fact that lasers don't like them very much.

Then the thought slowly occurred to me, why hadn't I noticed this freckle there before, looking at my whole face rather I noticed basically the area under my eyes to my upper lip has solid freckle coverage. I used to have freckles like this when I was a kid, but I was pretty sure they were very subtle now, so I looked at some pictures of me without any foundation on, and sure enough from basically the week I got on my more serious hormone regimen to now, they have increased dramatically and are now very close to where they were when I was a child.

Then I noticed, my arms are also covered in freckles as well, which I don't really recall as a child, I remember having a few but not like this. I don't really have an photos of my arms as a child though to use for more solid comparison but needless to say I was rather shocked.

1. Has this happened to any of you?
2. Is there any way to even out your complexion without covering your freckles up? I would rather embrace them as long lost friends rather than cover them up.
3. Am I right in assuming they were always there but the changes in my skin on hormones is what is making them much more visible?

Estrogen increases pigmentation of the skin and will sometimes lead to increase in freckles, brown spots. It's perfectly normal. I have them too and I like them.

From Volume 64, Number 1
OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY
Copyright © 2009
by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Physiological Changes Associated with the Menstrual Cycle
A Review

"The effects of estrogen on pigmentation were first implied by observed changes in pigmentation characteristic of pregnancy: patches of increased pigmentation on the face known as chloasma, as well as darkening of the skin of the areolae, the perineum, and the skin over the linea alba, which fade shortly after delivery (29). Application of estrogen-containing ointment to children results in hyperpigmentation, when applied to the genital area as well as the nipples and linea alba (33). Hyperpigmentation is also observed in some patients with use of oral contraceptives (20)"

"The increase in pigmentation was reported to be most noticeable under the eye (29)."

my arms and a bit of my back is covered in freckles now compared to before HRT. I personally find it cute lol. haven't really noticed an increase face-wise, but it does seem to be more prominent than before, but maybe it was always there 0_o im not sure lol... i know its strange that i wouldn't notice a change in something i see every day in terms of pigment, but i pay so close attention to cheek developement and laser hair reduction that lookin at freckes sort of slips through the cracks lol

Quote from: KayXo on June 01, 2014, 06:50:12 PM
Estrogen increases pigmentation of the skin and will sometimes lead to increase in freckles, brown spots. It's perfectly normal. I have them too and I like them.

I think it's attributed to estrogen making the skin thinner and revealing freckles, not estrogen making brand new ones.

I had freckles when I was little. As my skin got thicker they went away. This is what happens with most everyone.

However since my skin got thinner from HRT, they've come back.

I disagree. Estrogen increases melanin production, hence pigmentation of the skin. It's just that simple.

If it were simple melanin increases from estogen wouldn't my skin itself be darker? I mean I honestly cannot say if the freckles I have now are in the same spots as they were as a child. Certainly some things get darker on estrogen but if it isn't everything then I would suspect the method of action is somehow differnt than just more pigment. I could be wrong, not like I am a doctor or biologist.

Edit:
If you want to see what I mean compare the photo I posted here: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,166191.msg1440440.html#msg1440440
With the one in my avatar currently.

Second Edit, now I switched my Avatar to a new photo So no point in the last edit unless you wanna see a larger version of my Avatar pic (where freckles are more visible)

I have nothing to contribute here... except to say that freckles are cute, adoreable and sexy.

Just sayin'.

I definitely got more freckles - and I can see in photos that they're in the same spots they were when I was a really little kid, which is kinda cool.

Quote from: Hikari on June 02, 2014, 04:06:45 PM
If it were simple melanin increases from estogen wouldn't my skin itself be darker?

With estrogen, it seems patches develop, spots here and there that are darker, especially when exposed to sun. Estrogen increases the rate at which melanin is produced, more than normal.

I've noticed a lot more freckles on my face since hrt.

I got some major sun on vacation last week.  I noticed I got a bit of a tan (never before!) and some serious frecklage that I haven't seen since I was a kid.

My quirk, or one of, is that I like freckle faced girls. I may need to bookmark this page.

Quote from: Jill F on June 05, 2014, 01:02:59 PM
I got some major sun on vacation last week.  I noticed I got a bit of a tan (never before!) and some serious frecklage that I haven't seen since I was a kid.

Same. Was in the sun last couple of weeks. I'm darker and have some freckles. It's really nice! I definitely am not complaining!

Quote from: LordKAT on June 05, 2014, 01:13:59 PM
My quirk, or one of, is that I like freckle faced girls.

Same. Always did, always will. 

I am glad I do too, if I didn't I would be screwed lol because now they are very prominent!

In general though I am learning to really appreciate the natural things about my own looks, my natural hair color, my freckles, the fact I won't ever be a size 0, and so on.

I have been learning how I can work with foundation in such a way I can keep the shadow of remaining facial hair away and not my freckles. It is kinda precise to make it blended so it isn't obvious.