Freckles are forever characterized as cute. A splattering of them across your nose and cheeks brings forth a sweet, innocent look that many people adore. A trend has even begun to spread where people use eyeliner or eyeshadow to draw faux freckles on their face to give a cutesy, sun kissed look.
That being said, some people dislike their freckles and wish to remove them. There are numerous methods, ranging from expensive medical procedures to DIY and at home formulations.
To understand how to remove freckles, it is important to first understand what exactly they are. Called “angel kisses” and a host of other sweet, grandma friendly nicknames, freckles are actually tiny brown spots on your skin caused by an overproduction of melanin.
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What are freckles?
Typically, freckles are harmless and just a sign of slight sun overexposure but on occasion, they can be an indicator of something more serious. It can be easy to overlook moles when you have a lot of freckles; moles can sometimes be cancerous, especially if they grow or appear asymmetrical or bordered.
If you ever have suspicions about any skin lesion, definitely have a dermatologist check the area out. It is always better to be safe than sorry!
There are specific demographics of people who are more prone to freckle formation. Of the two types of freckles, one has genetic ties. The common type of freckles that everyone thinks of is called ephelides.
These dots form due to sun exposure and sunburns; people with red hair and blue eyes with light skin or those who are Caucasian or Asian are more prone to these types of freckles.
The second type, called solar lentigines, are dark patches that appear later in life. Sometimes called “sun spots” or “age spots”, these pigmented patches are more common in those with dark skin, the ability to tan, and those who are on birth control.
There is a lot left to be learned about freckles and their formation but these little quips give you a general idea of what you are dealing with while attempting to lighten freckles and sun spots.
Many people swear by natural remedies to help lighten freckles.
Natural Remedies to Freckles Removal
Apple cider vinegar is a popular treatment due to its malic acid content. Many people simply mix it with honey to make a mask, which is then left on for around twenty minutes before being rinsed off and repeated as many times as desired until results are achieved.
Similarly, aloe vera helps to lighten skin and contains aloesin which is known to slow the development of hyperpigmentation. Exfoliating with baking soda can help increase your cell turnover rate which can aid in permanently lightening stubborn dark spots, too.
There are countless natural options available, all of which are effective for different reasons.
Do your research and you will certainly find one that suits your skin type.
Medical Remedies to Eliminate Freckles
If you wish to go the medical route, there are many different types of therapies currently available. Laser treatment is especially popular due to its effectiveness. Freezing the area via cryotherapy or using chemical peels to deeply exfoliate the freckles away have also gained popularity, as well.
In general, a doctor will consult with you and help you decide which treatment option will best suit your face based upon the condition of your skin and how dark your freckles are. They will also consider the placement and amount and offer you the treatment program that they feel will produce the best possible outcome.
These types of treatments can be quite expensive but are certainly the most effective and efficient ones; if you are on a time crunch to get rid of your freckles before a big event or have exhausted all other means, this is the way to go.
Over the Counter Freckles Removal Products
If you wish to go for the commercial lightening product route, the Porcelain Skin Whitening Serum is an excellent contender for the best possible product. A serum to be used with your normal skin care routine, the liquid is over ninety seven percent natural and does not contain any parabens, fragrances, and sulfates.
Ingredients like kojic acid and Hydroquinone work to reduce the melanin content in your skin and prevent the formation of new freckles while glycolic acid deeply exfoliates your skin.
This product has incredibly positive reviews; users do warn that you may experience some mild peeling due to the intense exfoliation and that you should do an allergy patch test before applying the serum to your whole face to make sure no irritation will occur.
Another amazing choice is the Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum. A trusted, well established brand, Murad creates products to help treat a host of skin care woes and enhance natural facial beauty.
The Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum contains two percent Hydroquinone to help aid in preventing further hyperpigmentation by interrupting melanin production while Hexapeptide-2 encourages collagen production to help skin look younger and fuller.
Glycolic acid aids in exfoliating the skin deeply; some peeling should be expected and a patch test is necessary before application to the entire face.
Final Thoughts
Freckles are adored by many, so much so that a lot of people draw them onto their face or even get them tattooed. They are certainly something to embrace but if you wish to remove yours there is absolutely no shame in that decision.
There are countless methods ranging from do it yourself masks to packaged products and medical treatments. There is literally something for everyone; do your research and make an educated decision on what is right for you.
Good luck!