What causes freckles these days that make me afraid to look in the mirror? ㅠㅠ

Lately, the sunlight streaming through my window has been welcome, yet also frightening. I used to enjoy outdoor activities to the fullest, and they would quickly recover, but now, every time I look in the mirror, I see the blemishes that have settled on my cheekbones, and it's frustrating. I've been wondering what could be causing my freckles to suddenly get worse. I thought it was simply fatigue, but seeing that they can't be covered up with makeup really makes me realize they need to be taken care of. Searching the internet, opinions vary, so it's hard to pinpoint the exact cause of my freckles. I always thought I was diligent about applying sunscreen, but I'm wondering if there's something I'm overlooking in my daily life. Before going to the dermatologist, I want to focus on improving my own skin. Do you know of any causes or effective management methods for freckles? I'd especially love to hear any tips, even if they're just simple cleansing techniques or product recommendations. I'd love to hear how others are coping with these changes.