Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been making light of the harsh conditions he is experiencing in a Siberian penal colony.

Navalny, who has stood as the most significant opposition to President Vladimir Putin in recent years, posted an update on X via his lawyers about the IK-3 penal colony, also known as "Polar Wolf," in Kharp in northern Russia, which is considered one of the country's toughest prisons.

He was located at the prison by his lawyers on Christmas Day, nearly three weeks after his team lost contact with him after he failed to appear in court via video link for a hearing, kicking off a desperate search.

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"I am your new Santa Claus," Navalny wrote jokingly. "Well, I now have a sheepskin coat, an ushanka hat (a fur hat with ear-covering flaps), and soon I will get valenki (a traditional Russian winter footwear). 

"I have grown a beard for the 20 days of my transportation."

Russian authorities had previously held Navalny at a facility roughly 145 miles east of Moscow. Polar Wolf is situated above the Arctic Circle in the Yamalo-Nenets district, which is about 1,200 miles northeast of Moscow. It was founded in 1961, according to the Russian prison system, on the site of a former Soviet gulag forced labor camp. 

"Unfortunately, there are no reindeer, but there are huge fluffy, and very beautiful shepherd dogs," Navalny continued. "And the most important thing: I now live above the Arctic Circle."

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"The 20 days of my transportation were pretty exhausting, but I'm still in a good mood, as befits a Santa Claus."

After some joking around, Navalny shared more details about the difficult journey and thanked his followers for their support given they were concerned about his whereabouts.

"They brought me here on Saturday night. And I was transported with such precaution and on such a strange route… that I didn't expect anyone to find me here before mid-January."

He wrote that he saw guards with machine guns and dogs outside in the snow. 

"Anyway, don’t worry about me. I’m fine. I’m awfully glad I finally made it here," Navalny wrote.

Human rights defender Igor Kalyapin told The Moscow Times that conditions there are terrible.

"It is clear that this is detention in maximum isolation," Kalyapin told the publication. "I think that Navalny was sent so far precisely in order to ensure this maximum possible physical isolation, so even taking a trip there would be a problem."

Navalny has been imprisoned since returning to Russia in 2021, when authorities immediately arrested him and later sentenced him to 19 years in prison on extremism charges. His team has repeatedly raised concerns about his treatment following his return.

Navalny has previously organized anti-government demonstrations and has run for office to advocate for reforms against what he claims is corruption in Russia. He was the victim of an alleged assassination attempt in 2020, when he suffered poisoning from a suspected Novichok nerve agent. 

He remained in a coma for several weeks while doctors in Germany fought to keep him alive. He accused Putin of being responsible for his poisoning.

Ivan Zhadov, an aide to the opposition leader and head of his anti-corruption foundation, criticized the Russian government’s treatment of Navalny.

"Aleksei’s situation is a clear example of how the system treats political prisoners," Zhadov wrote in a post on X. 

Fox News Digital's Peter Aitken and Stephen Sorace, as well as The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Freckles found on the face are often considered cute in our society and can make someone stand out. 

Why do certain people have them, though, while others don’t? And what are freckles, anyway?

To find out the scoop, Fox News Digital spoke to experts about this particular science-based phenomenon. 

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Here's what to know.

Known scientifically as ephelides, freckles are small, pigmented spots on the skin that are more noticeable in individuals with lighter skin, said Danilo C. Del Campo, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Skin Clinic in Illinois. 

"They are mainly caused by a combination of genetic factors and sun exposure," Del Campo told Fox News Digital.

When the skin is exposed to the sun, it produces more melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, resulting in the appearance of freckles, he said.

"This is a natural response but also an indication that the skin is sensitive to sunlight," Del Campo said. 

If you or your children experience a sudden increase in freckles or notice any changes in the freckles' appearance, it is advisable to consult a board-certified dermatologist, said Del Campo. 

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"You can find one by looking for the FAAD designation or visiting AAD.org," he said.

The development of freckles often has a genetic component, Del Campo said.

"One key gene involved is the MC1R gene, which influences skin and hair color," he said.

"Variants of this gene can lead to lighter skin and hair, increasing the likelihood of freckles. That is why individuals with red or blonde hair often have freckles."

Genetics can be complex, however, and not everyone with these traits will develop freckles, he said.

Freckles can start appearing in children as young as two years old, said Del Campo, and may become more pronounced and numerous with age, particularly after sun exposure. 

"This is because the skin responds to UV radiation from the sun by stimulating melanocytes to produce more melanin in certain areas, resulting in the formation of freckles," he said. 

"While this is a natural process, it serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of our skin to the sun." 

Regular skin checks by a dermatologist are recommended to ensure skin health, he recommended.

Hair color and skin tone, like freckles, are outcomes of a complex interplay of genetic factors, Chelsea Wagner, MS, CGC, senior genetic counselor at BillionToOne in Kansas City, Missouri, told Fox News Digital. 

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"Freckles tend to be more common in individuals with fair or light skin tones. However, it’s important to note that freckles can appear in people of all ethnic backgrounds and skin tones," Wagner said.

"This diversity is due to the intricate genetic factors that determine pigmentation," she said. 

"This complexity contributes to the wonderful diversity we see in people’s appearances all over the world."

There are numerous factors, both genetic and non-genetic, that influence a person’s risk of developing skin conditions and skin cancer, Wagner said. 

"Because of this complexity, it’s crucial to have regular discussions with your health care provider about your personal risk factors and family history. Routine skin checkups with a health care professional are also essential for early detection and prevention."

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Our genes, especially variations in the MC1R gene, provide the foundation for freckle development, while environmental factors, primarily sun exposure, act as the catalyst that brings them to life, Wagner said. 

"Freckles are a unique result of this genetic and environmental interplay, making each person’s freckled pattern truly one-of-a-kind." 

Freckles themselves are not a direct risk factor for skin conditions or cancer, said Del Campo. 

"However, they indicate skin that may be more susceptible to damage from UV rays," he said. 

"Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with freckles to practice diligent sun protection measures, such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing hats and protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours." 

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Regular skin examinations by a dermatologist are also essential, especially for those with fair skin and freckles, to monitor for any potential skin issues, he also emphasized.

"It is important to remember that while freckles are generally harmless, any changes in their size, shape or color should prompt a visit to a dermatologist," Del Campo said. 

"Early detection and prevention are key to maintaining skin health," he also said. 

"For individuals with freckles, it is not just a matter of aesthetics but also a priority for their overall health to adopt good sun protection habits. I highly recommend consulting a board-certified dermatologist for personalized advice and skin checks." 

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