Have you spotted facial skin? It could be freckles. Freckles on face or any noticeable area of the body impact one’s appearance and confidence. If you are wondering why freckles appear, how are they recognized, what treatments can address the concern, and when to see a dermatologist in Bangalore, good news, you have landed into the right place! Read on to learn about ways to prevent freckles and how to remove freckles with Dr. Rasya Dixit.
What are freckles?
Freckles is a hyperpigmentation disorder, a skin condition featuring flat, small circular spots of coloring (extra melanin) under the skin. The spots can be tan, red, light brown, or dark brown and are harmless. They usually appear in regular sun-exposed areas including the face, neck, upper chest, arms, and back of the hands.
Types of Freckles
There are two types of freckles: Ephelides and Solar lentigines. They are variable in a few ways and collectively known as sun freckles, as they mainly appear in sun-harmed or sunburnt areas.
- Ephelides (common)- Typically develop in sunlit months on individuals with fair complexion and lighter hair color. This type of freckles appear marginally red, tan, or light brown. The ephelides are 1-2 mm flat, circular spots with irregular, not well-defined borders. They show up in children, around 2-3 years old, with a genetic predisposition to UV from the sun and continue to develop in young adults, tending to fade with age and change in season.
- Solar lentigines- Also known as actinic lentigines, age spots, or liver spots. This type of freckles usually develop in adults aged above 40 and have a darker complexion with excessive sun exposure over the years. The solar lentigines are a few mm to cm in diameter with well-defined boundaries. They appear on sun-exposed, aging areas in color ranging from light yellow to dark brown. They remain to be noticed in every weather.
Causes of Freckles on Face
Wondering how freckles form on your face? Well, freckles form when excess melanin deposits under the skin at one spot. Melanin is a colored pigment produced by specialized skin cells called melanocytes. An individual’s genetic make-up and amount of sun exposure are considered to be the major causes of freckles.
Freckles And Genetics
Research studies suggest that freckles develop because of the inheritance of certain genes like MC1R, ASIP, TYR, IRF4, and BNC2 associated with freckling. The genes decide the type and amount of melanin- eumelanin and pheomelanin, produced by the body.
People with a dark complexion, hair, and eyes, naturally have more eumelanin to keep their skin UV-protected and so tend to not develop freckles. On the other hand, people with fairer complexion and light-colored eyes and hair, naturally have more pheomelanin. Pheomelanin does not help in sun protection and so such people are genetically predisposed to develop freckles.
Freckles And Sun Exposure
UV radiations from the sun or fluorescent tanning lights, when absorbed by the skin can increase the melanin pigment production by cutaneous melanocytes. That’s why freckles develop often on the skin of areas exposed to UV light such as the face, arms, upper chest and back, neck, and back of the hands.
Treatment Options for Freckles on Face
Treatment of freckles is usually not necessary as it does not indicate a medical skin condition. However, people with freckles seek the best treatment for freckles to improve their looks. A multimodal approach may be needed for optimal results.
Here are some most-elected freckle treatments:
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Chemical Peels-
Chemical peeling involves the application of acid solutions on the skin to chemically exfoliate it and stimulate new skin cell growth. Chemical peel for freckles is the product containing alpha-hydroxy acid like glycolic and lactic acid; beta-hydroxy acid like salicylic acid; or trichloroacetic acid to help fade freckles. An acid, when applied on the freckles, helps peel off the pigmented layers of the skin and reveals a refreshing, new clear skin from underneath. -
Laser Treatment-
A laser light when focused on the freckles, the extra melanin in the skin absorbs the heat generated by the laser and gets destroyed, thereby reducing the appearance of the freckles. There are two types of laser treatments: Ablative and Non-ablative. Ablative lasers are used to heat damage the freckles on the skin while boosting collagen growth whereas non-ablative lasers help stimulate collagen remodeling in the skin without harming the healthy skin.
Prevention of Freckles on the Face
One can avoid freckles by protecting the skin from direct UV exposure. Sun protection for freckles to prevent freckles in the future, can be done by:
- Avoiding getting sunburnt
- Avoiding the use of artificial tanners and tanning beds
- Seeking shade when outside in the daytime, especially during peak UV hours
- Always wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and sun-protective clothing, even when not sunny. If gone swimming or are profusely sweating, reapply sunblock every two hours.
When to Consult a Dermatologist?
Freckles may look similar to some kinds of skin cancer, in some cases. See a dermatologist for freckles in Bangalore immediately if noticing any changes in the freckled skin. Freckle skin checks by a dermatologist are a must if freckles itch; bleed; change in shape, size, and color; and appear different to others.
FAQs Around Freckles Treatment
Are Freckles Painful?
No freckles are not painful. Freckles are harmless, natural variations in skin coloration due to genetic predisposition and sun exposure.
Can Freckles Turn into Skin Cancer?
People with freckles can be at high risk for skin cancer. If having any unusual change in freckles appearance and feel, immediately contact a skin expert and get screened for skin cancer.
Can I Get Rid of Freckles Permanently?
Freckles can’t be permanently eliminated with any treatment. You can only get a skin doctor’s help in reducing the appearance of freckles.
Are Freckles a Sign of Sun Damage?
Freckles are not considered a sign of sun damage. They are just an inherited skin discoloration on the face caused by sun exposure.
How Long Do Freckle Treatments Last?
The effect or duration of freckle treatment depends on the treatment option chosen, the extent of freckles, and the patient’s age and response to the treatment.
Many people who live in Bangalore and especially in India suffer from freckles. If they are looking for effective treatments to manage them, they can get in touch with pigmentation and freckle specialist in Bangalore, Dr. Rasya Dixit. From lasers to peels, various freckle and pigmentation removal procedures are offered at her clinic. Book your visit to get the transformation you are looking for!
