Some individuals may embrace freckles, while others might see them as a cause for concern. These tiny specks can enhance your facial character, but understanding their origins and the most effective treatment options is essential for achieving your desired skin.
Freckles are brown, small, flat spots that are seen on the face due to increased melanin production. They aren’t like moles, as moles might rise and get dark, whereas this remains flat and usually harmless. They are more visible during sunny days and appear to fade during winter. Complete removal of freckles is possible, but it requires continued care and long sun protection.
Let’s understand the factors that cause freckles with some basics.
Genetics plays a crucial role in developing the freckles. If your parents or grandparents had freckles, you’re also more likely to create them. People with a variant of the MC1R gene are more susceptible to freckles.
The main cause of freckles is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces more melanin to protect itself from UV damage, forming freckles. Regular and unprotected exposure can cause freckles to darken and become more prominent.
Fair-skinned individuals are more prone to freckles because their skin has less melanin. However, people with darker skin can also develop freckles, though they may be less noticeable.
Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy, puberty, or from taking birth control pills, trigger the formation of freckles by increasing melanin production.
The two main types of freckles are:
The tiny, classic, light brown flat freckles that appear due to sun exposure are called ephelides. They are more visible in summer, and they fade away during winter.
Lentigines, also known as age spots or liver spots, are larger and darker and appear with age in areas with prolonged sun exposure. They are visible throughout the year.
If you prefer a more even skin tone, several treatment options are available to reduce or remove freckles:
Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin, causing the top layer to peel off and reveal new skin. Superficial peels are suitable for lightening freckles, while medium and deep peels provide more significant results for persistent freckles or lentigines.
Q Switch Laser is a popular method for removing freckles, using concentrated beams of light to target and break down the excess melanin in freckles, causing them to fade gradually.
Freckles on the face are a common feature caused by genetics and prolonged sun exposure. While many choose to embrace them, others may seek freckles on face treatment to reduce their appearance. At Bodycraft, our expert dermatologists and skin care specialists are dedicated to helping you achieve the clear, radiant skin you desire. We are here to guide you through every step. Book your appointment today!
While treatments can significantly reduce freckles, achieving permanent removal may not be possible. Are you still confused about how to remove freckles permanently, well you cannot remove them permanently. Freckles can return with sun exposure, so ongoing sun protection and maintenance treatments may be necessary.
Preventing freckles involves strong sun protection. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and avoid excessive sun exposure. This will help you to avoid the formation of freckles.
The discomfort associated with freckle removal varies by treatment. Then, you should be guided well about how to treat freckles. Topical treatments may cause mild irritation, while procedures like laser therapy, IPL, or cryotherapy might involve some discomfort but are typically manageable with numbing agents.