How Freckles Come To Be? Freckles are tan or light brown skin patches. They are composed of clusters of skin cells containing the pigment melanin. Freckles are flat, as opposed to elevated moles. Freckles are neither painful nor dangerous.
Freckles are not genetic, and no one is born with them. Sun exposure causes them to occur. Here are seven freckle-removal options.
1. Sunblock
Sunscreen will not remove existing freckles, but it will help prevent new ones from appearing. Even when it’s gloomy, you should apply sunscreen all year.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) gives the following advice:
- Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended.
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and soon after swimming or sweating profusely.
2. Laser therapy
Laser treatment targets damaged areas of skin with concentrated, intense light pulses. There are various types of lasers. A 2015 study found that the 1064 Q-Switched Nd YAG laser effectively treats freckles. According to the study findings, treatment with this laser lightened more than 50% of freckles in 62% of patients.
Laser treatment is generally considered safe. Scarring is unlikely to occur. Other side effects, however, may occur, including: Itching, Swelling, Redness, Crustiness, Peeling, Infection, Skin colour changes
If you have a history of oral herpes, you may be required to take an antiviral drug before laser therapy. This is because the laser can induce a herpes outbreak around your mouth.
Your doctor may prescribe other drugs or creams before the surgery. They may also advise against taking certain medicines or using specific products before the surgery. Inform your doctor of any medications or creams you’re using.
Recovery from laser treatment can take up to two weeks. Typically, multiple sessions are required to attain the desired effects.
3. Freezing surgery
Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove aberrant skin cells. Cryosurgery is generally safe, requiring no anesthetic and requiring little recovery time. Hypopigmentation, bleeding, and blistering are all possible side effects. Scarring is uncommon after cryosurgery.
4. Fading cream for the skin
Fading cream, often known as bleaching cream, is accessible without a prescription and over the counter. Many fading creams contain hydroquinone, which is supposed to decrease melanin production and lighten darker skin regions.
The use of topical hydroquinone cream may result in: Inflammation, Dryness, Burning, Blistering, Discoloration of the skin
In 1982, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deemed bleaching treatments containing up to 2% hydroquinone safe and effective. In 2006, new research suggested that hydroquinone may cause cancer in rats and skin discoloration and disfigurement. This prompted the FDA to recommend studying hydroquinone further under the National Toxicology Program (NTP).
5. Retinoid cream for the skin
Retinoid cream contains vitamin A. It is used to lighten freckles and repair sun-damaged skin. Retinoids may provide photoprotection by absorbing ultraviolet B radiation, according to a 2014 review. This may aid in the prevention of new freckles.
Retinoid creams can be purchased either with or without a prescription. The following are common side effects: Redness, Dryness, Rashes on the skin, Peeling, Sensitivity, Chemical peeling
A chemical peel exfoliates and peels away damaged skin using a chemical solution. A mild skin peel containing glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid penetrates the skin’s middle layers to eradicate freckles. When damaged skin is removed, new skin is produced.
Chemical peels can temporarily result in:
- Stinging
- Peeling
- Redness
- Irritation
- Crusting
- Swelling
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), moderate skin peels might take two weeks to heal. Every day, bathe your skin and apply a topical ointment. You’ll also need to take antiviral medication for two weeks and avoid the sun until your skin heals.
6. Homeopathic treatments
There are various natural methods for freckle removal that individuals swear by. None have been confirmed scientifically. When used in moderation, most are unlikely to cause harm.
Among these natural therapies are:
- Lemon juice: Apply with a cotton ball and rinse. Lemon juice brightens skin.
- Honey: a scrub can be made by combining love with either salt or sugar. Honey has been shown to have the potential to reduce the appearance of pigmentation.
- Buttermilk: Apply buttermilk on your skin directly. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. A mask can also be made by blending buttermilk and oatmeal. Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which may help fade your freckles.
- Sour cream: Apply the sour cream to your skin and wash it off after a few minutes. Sour cream, like buttermilk, contains lactic acid.
- Yogurt: Apply yogurt to your skin and massage it for a few minutes. Lactic acid is also found in yogurt.
- Onion: Apply the onion to your skin and then rinse it with warm water. Onion has exfoliating properties and may help lighten stains.
If you suffer any irritation, discontinue the use of the treatment.
What gives rise to freckles?
Melanocytes are cells in your skin that create the colour melanin. Melanin protects your skin from UV radiation from the sun. Sunlight stimulates melanocytes to create more melanin. Melanin accumulation on the skin’s surface causes freckles.
Although anyone can get freckles, most people with a lot of them have pale skin. Even though fair-skinned persons create less melanin than those with darker skin, their melanocytes produce more melanin when exposed to sunlight.
Freckles may fade on their own
Some freckles are sticking around for the long term. Others are more visible in the summer because of greater sun exposure but disappear in the winter or avoid direct sunshine. Hereditary freckles may fade as you become older. Freckles induced by sun exposure tend to get worse as you get older.
When should you see a doctor?
Freckles are not malignant, yet they can be mistaken for skin cancer. Excessive sun exposure increases the risk of both freckles and melanomas. Melanoma is more common in people with pale skin or freckles than in people with a dark complexion.
Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you observe changes in a freckle’s size, color, or shape. They’ll be able to tell if there’s cause for alarm.
In Conclusion
Even though they are familiar and safe, many people want to get rid of their freckles to improve their appearance. Invasive treatments such as laser therapy and chemical peels are successful. Still, the recovery time for these procedures is pervasive, and they come with a host of potential side effects.
If you want to get rid of your freckles, consult with your dermatologist about the best procedure for you. Whatever treatment you pick, it’s critical to follow up with proper sun care to help avoid new freckles.