Freckles
Conditions
What are Freckles?
Freckles are small, circular, brown spots on the surface of the skin. These spots of hyperpigmentation are commonly found on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to sunlight like the nose, cheeks, chest, shoulders and arms. The amount, size and color of the freckles will vary for each person. For instance, people with fair skin are more prone to developing freckles.
What causes freckles?
Freckles are the result of increased melanin production. Melanin is the natural substance responsible for creating the pigment found on our skin, hair and eyes. Freckles are primarily caused by genetics, with lighter skin tones being more susceptible to their development. Sun exposure is the second most common reason you may develop freckles.
How can freckles be treated?
It is easier to prevent a problem than to treat it after it has become an issue. Prevention is key in protecting and maintaining your skin. To prevent freckles caused by sun exposure, it is important to apply sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, and to avoid direct contact with the sun’s harmful rays. Even if you already have freckles, it is still recommended that you follow these steps to avoid further damage to your skin.
The development of freckles is a harmless condition, but it can be an indicator of a more serious issue. If you are experiencing a constant influx of freckles due to sun exposure and/or sunburns, you could be putting yourself at risk for developing skin cancer. Therefore, before you explore treatment options, you should consult with your regular doctor to evaluate any suspicious freckles or moles.
Once you have received a clean bill of health from your doctor, you should set up a consultation with an accredited doctor in the field of aesthetic medicine. A highly qualified doctor will properly explain the realistic options available to you and develop a customized treatment plan that can give you optimal results.
There are many ways you can diminish the appearance of your freckles. In addition to applying sunscreen daily, a regular skin care regime can help to maintain or reverse the
Specifically, the use of bleaching creams and retinoic gels have proven to lighten the skin and improve clarity. You can also receive sporadic chemical peels to improve the appearance of overall hyperpigmentation.
For more aggressive treatments to correct your freckles, laser treatments like the Spectra laser and the FotoFacial RF have been proven to be extremely effective for hyperpigmentation. Both are also noninvasive and painless, with no downtime.
The Spectra is a Q-switched laser that specializes in breaking down hyperpigmentation through the use of selective photothermolysis. Selective photothermolysis targets a designated area with certain wavelengths of light and heat to destroy pigmentation.
The FotoFacial RF is an excellent treatment for skin discoloration. This procedure uses brightly pulsed light in combination with radiofrequency to reverse damage to the skin and stimulate the production of new, healthy cells.
