First things first, what are freckles, anyway? According to Dr. Kiran Sethi, MD, Celeb Skin and Wellness Expert, Isya Aesthetics, New Delhi, freckles are either genetic in nature, a result of sun exposure, or age-related pigmentation. The small brown spots usually pop up on the face and the arms and simply put, are tiny patches of skin with extra pigmentation spots on them. They differ from moles and other dark skin patches in that they lay flat on the skin and do not appear raised. They are very common, especially in lighter skin tones, and are more of a cosmetic concern than a medical (more on that later) one. If you're wondering how to get rid of freckles on your face, then keep reading.
01Types of freckles
As seen above, freckles are known to develop as a result of a combination of genetics (hereditary) and prolonged exposure to the sun. In fact, other photo-damaging sources, like fluorescent tanning lights, can emit the ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause freckles. The UV rays, when absorbed by the skin, put your melanin production into overdrive. This leads to concentrated patches of pigments that are deeper than an acne scar or other kinds of pigmentation. Combined with hereditary factors, freckles are more susceptible to lighter skin tones and are rarely seen in deeper, pigmented skin. So how to get rid of freckles? Well here are the different types of solutions you could consider for fading freckles:
02IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) rejuvenation
A type of light therapy, IPL is an in-office treatment used to treat skin concerns like age spots, sun damage, freckles, birthmarks, varicose veins and unwanted hair. On freckles especially, it works by releasing the light of many different wavelengths in a scattered way. The treatment is able to penetrate deep down to the second layer of the skin (dermis), without damaging the top layer (epidermis). Dr. Sethi suggests a total of 4-6 sessions for a clear and glowing complexion.
03Laser treatment
Similar to IPL therapy, laser treatments use pulses of intense light to target freckles rooted deep in your skin. The only difference is that the laser does it in a focused manner, as opposed to the scattered form of IPL therapy. Laser treatments are considered a highly effective form of skin solution for freckles with 50-60% fading noticed in patients. As for the frequency and type of laser, Dr. Sethi suggests Brilliance or Picosure and a minimum of 1 - 4 sessions depending on the pick. This is one of the most effective options if you're looking for how to remove freckles from face safely and efficiently.
04Chemical Peels
Working on medium-depth pigmentation concerns like freckles, compounds like TCA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinol, phenols are used as peels for visible exfoliation. They also help relieve superficial pigmentations like melasma, post-acne marks or post-inflammatory pigmentations, tanning and smooth out uneven skin tone, including fine lines and wrinkles. Depending on the condition being treated, usually, chemical peels can be done in 6-8 sessions with a two weeks gap between each session.
05Topical retinoid creams
Apart from aiding in cell turnover for faster skin rejuvenation, the vitamin A derivative retinoid can also fade freckles - and stop new ones from forming. Research suggests that retinoids can absorb UV rays and thus protect your skin from photo-damage in the long run. Since they are formulated in a potent concentration, it is recommended to add retinoids in your skincare slowly and upon proper instruction from your dermatologist. So, can you get rid of freckles? Yes, with consistent use of products like retinoids, along with sun protection and dermatologist-recommended treatments.
06Natural remedies
Full disclosure, there is no evidence that natural remedies can fade freckles completely, but some of them do help in managing them. So, how to get rid of freckles on the face naturally? After doing a patch test to make sure you are not allergic to these ingredients, these natural remedies can help get rid of freckles at home: 1. Lemon juice Mix a couple of drops of lemon juice with honey and apply to freckled skin with a cotton pad. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse off, follow up with a moisturiser and repeat twice a week for best results. 2. Aloe vera Take some fresh aloe vera gel in your palms and massage it on your freckles for two to three minutes. You can either leave it on or rinse it off, depending on your preference. You can also use it as an overnight treatment. 3. Turmeric Make a thick paste of fine turmeric powder, besan and milk. Apply it to your face and leave it to dry. While washing, first wet your face, wait for it to moisten and then wash it off. 4. Yogurt Take some fresh yogurt in a bowl and massage your freckles with your fingertips. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and wash it off. The antioxidants present in yogurt can help keep signs of ageing, like freckles, under control. 5. Eucalyptus oil Eucalyptus oil has been used in beauty rituals to inhibit tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis, which in turn fights hyperpigmentation. Mix a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil (like sweet almond) and apply it to your freckles. Keep it on for 20 minutes and gently wipe with a washcloth. 6. Pomelo essential oil Mix 2-3 drops of pomelo essential oil and mix with a carrier oil like jojoba or grapeseed oil. Apply on freckled areas, leave it on for 20 minutes and wash it off with water. 7. Banana peels Rub a ripe banana peel on your freckles and leave the juice on for 20 minutes. Wash with cold water and follow up with a moisturiser.
07Expert advice on dealing with freckles
According to Dr. Sethi, "If the freckles are changing in size, shape, depth and colour, get it checked out ASAP to rule out skin cancer. And do an annual skin check! Otherwise, typically they are benign," As far as preventive measures are concerned, she recommends, "Sunblock sunblock sunblock! You should also add antioxidants - vitamin C, vitamin e, ferulic acid - in your skincare routine. Also, start an anti-aging skincare routine early to keep these aging signs at bay." The bottom line is, freckles are mostly a cosmetic concern and if you need to get rid of them, talk to your dermatologist for the right option suitable for your skin type. While procedures like laser treatments require a long time for healing, natural remedies may or may not provide visible results. As such, getting a professional opinion is essential when dealing with freckles!
