Freckles are small, flat brown spots often seen on skin frequently exposed to the sun. This skin condition commonly occurs in people with European or North and East Asian ancestry. However, many people who have freckles feel self-conscious about them and look for ways to fade or remove them for a more even skin tone. Whether caused by genetics or excessive sun exposure, effective treatments are available to help manage freckles and improve overall skin health.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about freckles. If you’re wondering what they are, why they appear and the right ways to get rid of freckles while protecting your skin from further sun damage, then this article is for you. Let’s get started.
What Are Freckles?
Freckles are flat spots on the skin caused by melanin, the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes their colour. Unlike moles, freckles are not raised, and they are not usually dangerous.
Freckles usually appear on areas of the body exposed to ultraviolet light, such as the face, arms, shoulders and neck. While they’re more common in people with fair skin, freckles can also appear on individuals with darker skin types, especially with frequent sun exposure.
Types of Freckles
There are two main types of freckles:
| Type | Cause | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Ephelides | Genetics; worsened by sun exposure | Small, light brown spots that usually fade in winter |
| Solar Lentigines | Long-term UV exposure | Larger, darker spots; persist year-round |
Ephelides are what most people think of when they hear ‘freckles.’ They often appear in childhood and may fade over time or in the absence of frequent exposure to direct sunlight. Solar lentigines, often called sun spots or age spots, are more common in adults and tend to stick around unless treated.
Where Do Freckles Appear?
Freckles typically show up in areas of the skin that get the most sun, including:
- Face
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Back of the hands
Freckles form when your skin produces extra melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour, in response to sun exposure. This happens because ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun activate melanin-producing cells called melanocytes.
What Causes Freckles?
Here are some factors that cause freckles:
Genetic Factors
Some people are more likely to develop freckles because of their genes. The MC1R gene, in particular, plays a key role in how your skin reacts to sunlight. You’re more prone to freckles if you have lighter skin or red or blonde hair.
Environmental Factors
Frequent and excessive sun exposure is one of the biggest reasons freckles develop. When you’re exposed to UV rays, your melanocytes (skin cells that produce melanin) go into overdrive, leading to freckles or other types of pigmentation, like sun spots.
Hormonal Influences
Shifts in hormones during puberty, pregnancy or menopause can cause the skin to produce more melanin, making freckles appear darker or more numerous.
6 Methods To Remove Freckles
You can consider several treatment options if you want to reduce the appearance of freckles. These range from laser treatments to chemical peels – all of which target pigmentation to even out your skin tone.
1. Laser Treatments
This treatment uses intense light to target freckled areas. The advanced technology allows the laser energy to reach deep into the skin and break the pigmentation into smaller fragments. Different types of laser treatments are available to remove freckles from the face.
This uses a high-powered device that can target severe cases such as freckles, tattoos, and melasma. Professionals can easily switch between wavelengths and pulse durations depending on the patient’s needs. Lutronic PicoPlus works in nanoseconds, which means it can fracture pigments at a faster rate. This minimises heat exposure, making it safe for the face’s delicate skin.
Pico Plus Laser + Brightening Peel Price starts from $150
Ruvy Touch uses a wavelength of 660nm, which is safer than other laser treatments due to the lower absorption of melanin. Even after just a few sessions, you can notice a reduction in skin pigmentation. With its lower wavelength, Ruvy Touch safely removes freckles on the face.
Price starts from $280
Pro Yellow reduces the appearance of freckles on the face and other types of pigmentation safely and effectively – targeting and fragmenting affected areas without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. The Pro Yellow emits laser energy that is absorbed by the melanin and underlying blood vessels.
Price starts from $180
2. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels contain acids that influence melanocytes, leading to improved skin texture and reduced appearance of pigmentation. A superficial or deep chemical peel can help you eliminate freckles on your face. Superficial chemical peels only target the outer layers of the skin but may require several repeated sessions before seeing drastic results. Deep chemical peels are highly concentrated and can penetrate deeper into the skin to completely remove freckles – this may require fewer sessions but more extended downtime.
Price from $120 per session
3. Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and eliminate pigmented skin cells in freckles. It’s a quick, minimally invasive procedure and is effective for isolated freckles. Adverse reactions like redness or blistering may occur, and it’s not ideal for darker skin tones due to the risk of hypopigmentation. Healing occurs as the skin regenerates, leaving lighter, freckle-free skin.
4. Topical Creams
Topical pigmentation creams can be bought over the counter or through a prescription from a dermatologist. Different ingredients work in different ways. Kojic acid targets melanocytes and stops the production of melanin. Ascorbic acid is rich in antioxidants, which makes it an effective solution for depigmentation of brown spots. Azelaic Acid targets active melanocytes and can make the skin paler naturally. However, there are two effective depigmenting and whitening agents widely used when it comes to pigmentations.
Cysteamine contains active ingredients that quickly reach deep into the skin to heal damaged cells. It helps reduce melanin from the outer layers of the skin, leading to lighter pigmentations.
Cysteamine (Cyspera) in Singapore costs from SGD$250 to 300.
Hydroquinone is found in some skin care products, like topical creams. This acts as a bleaching agent on the skin, which helps lighten pigmented spots. Hydroquinone reduces the number of melanocytes that are responsible for producing melanin. Tri-Luma is a topical cream containing 4% of hydroquinone, making it an effective pigmentation treatment for freckles.
Hydroquinone/ Tri-Luma in Singapore costs from $150 to $250 per tube (15g)
5. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion gently exfoliates the skin’s outer layer using a fine abrasive device, promoting new skin cell growth to lighten freckles and improve skin texture. It is non-invasive, has no downtime and is effective for mild pigmentation. Multiple treatment sessions are usually needed for optimal results, but they are less effective for deeper pigmentation, like sun spots.
6. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL therapy uses light pulses to target and break down melanin in freckles without harming the surrounding skin. It’s effective for lightening freckles and improving skin tone, particularly in fair-skinned individuals. Several sessions are often needed for noticeable results, and the treatment may cause temporary redness or mild swelling. It also boosts collagen production, enhancing skin texture and health.
How to Prevent Freckles
Here are some tips to prevent freckles:
1. Apply adequate sun protection
- Apply sunscreen gel or lotion with at least SPF 30 daily, even in winter.
- Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outside or sweating.
2. Wear protective clothing
- Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and UV-resistant clothing can shield your skin from harmful rays.
3. Seek shade
- Limit time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
4. Use sun-protective cosmetics
- Use skincare products and makeup containing SPF for extra protection.
5. Avoid tanning beds
- Tanning beds emit UV radiation, increasing your risk of developing freckles and sun-damaged skin.
Can freckles be removed permanently?
Yes, freckles can be lightened or removed with treatments like laser freckle removal or chemical peels. However, without proper sun protection, new freckles may develop, so maintaining a daily routine of sunscreen and protective measures is essential.
Do freckles increase with age?
Ephelides often fade with age, especially if sun exposure is limited. However, solar lentigines, or sun spots, tend to increase over time due to cumulative UV exposure.
Conclusion
Freckles are a natural part of the skin that many people embrace, while others look for ways to remove them. Whether you prefer laser therapy, chemical peels or topical treatments, there are plenty of effective treatments available to help fade freckles and improve skin tone. Remember, prevention is just as important as treatment – protect your skin from UV rays to keep freckles and sun damage at bay.
