Why are freckles so common?
Freckles can be described as tan or light-coloured spots on the skin. These spots are made up of melanin-rich clusters of skin cells. Freckles are not like moles which are raised. Freckles don’t cause pain or harm.
Frowns are not a genetic condition. Sun exposure triggers freckles. Here are seven ways you can get rid of freckles.
SunscreenSunscreen will not remove freckles that are already present, but it can help prevent them from coming back. Sunscreen should be worn all year, even in cloudy weather.
The American Academy of Dermatology provides these tips
- Sunscreen should be at least 30 SPF.
- Before going outside, apply sunscreen for at least 15 minutes before leaving the house.
- Apply sunscreen at least every two hours and immediately after swimming, sweating or extreme exercise.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment uses intense, focused light pulses to treat damaged skin areas. There are many types of lasers. A 2015 study found that the 1064 QSwitched NdYAG laser is highly effective in treating freckles. According to a study, more than 50% of the participants were laser-treated freckles.
Laser treatment is generally safe. Scarring is not a possibility. Other side effects can occur, however, such as:
- Itching
- Swelling
- redness
- Crumbiness
- Peeling
- Infection
- Colour changes
You may need to take antiviral medication if you have had oral herpes in the past before you undergo laser treatment. Because the laser can trigger a flare-up of herpes around the mouth,
Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medications and creams before the procedure. You may be advised to avoid certain products or medications before the procedure. Inform your doctor about any creams or medications you are using.
Laser treatment can take up to 2 weeks to fully recover. To achieve the desired results, multiple sessions may be required.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to destroy and freeze abnormal skin cells. Cryosurgery can be performed without anesthesia, requires little recovery time and is generally safe. Hypopigmentation, bleeding and blistering are possible side effects. Scarring is rare in cryosurgery.
Topical fading cream
Fading cream is also known as bleaching cream. It can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription. Hydroquinone is an ingredient that suppresses melanin production and lightens darkened skin areas.
Hydroquinone cream applied topically may cause:
- inflammation
- Dryness
- Burning
- It is blistering
- skin discoloration
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considered bleaching products containing up to 2 percent hydroquinone safe and effective in 1982. new evidenceTrustedSource in 2006 indicated that hydroquinone could cause cancer in rats and skin disfiguration and darkening. The FDA then nominated hydroquinone to be further studied under the National Toxicology Program.
Topical retinoid cream
Vitamin A compounds are found in retinoid cream. It is used to lighten freckles and improve sun-damaged skin. A 2014 review suggests that retinoids might offer photoprotection through absorption of ultraviolet B radiation. This could help to prevent the formation of new freckles.
You can purchase retinoid creams without or with a prescription. These side effects are common:
- redness
- Dryness
- skin irritation
- Peeling
- Sensitivity
Chemical Peel
Chemical peels use a chemical solution that exfoliates and peels off damaged skin. A moderate skin peel with glycolic acid or tricholoroacetic acid is used to remove freckles. New skin can be created once the damaged skin has been removed.
Temporary side effects of chemical peels include:
- Stinging
- Peeling
- redness
- Itching
- Crescent
- Swelling
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery states that moderate skin peels can take up to two weeks to heal. Apply a topical ointment to your skin and soak it daily. For up to 2 weeks, you will need to use a prescription antiviral and stay out of the sun until your skin is healed.