Freckles are one of the hyperpigmentation disorders that manifest as small, brown spots on the facial skin. It is a common cosmetic skin concern, typically harmless, that may run in families. Mostly freckles appear in areas of the skin exposed to the sun, like the face and back of the hands. As per dermatologist in Bangalore, Dr. Rasya Dixit, their appearance can get more prominent when the condition gets severe due to direct sun exposure over time. Also when there is no use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing while outdoors during the daytime.
Freckles treatment is not medically necessary but some people want to get rid of freckles for cosmetic reasons. Thankfully, there are some treatment options available for freckles removal in Bangalore. To keep the appearance of the freckles at a minimum, avoiding sun exposure and having a proper skincare routine is also essential.
If you suspect you have freckles and want to know about their causes, types, treatment, and prevention, keep reading this informative blog.
What causes freckles?
Freckles are caused due to over melanin production in the skin exposed to the sun. Melanin is a coloured pigment that gives skin its natural colour. It is produced by specialised cells called melanocytes. UV radiation from the sun stimulates the development of freckles on the skin.
How to know that I have freckles?
Freckles is a lay term for solar lentigines and ephelides- the two categories of freckles. They may look similar but they differ in their development and appearance.
- Ephelides- These are flat, red to light brown spots in clusters of 1-2 mm in size with irregular, well-defined borders. They are the result of over-sun exposure and sunburn and affect people who do not keep their skin UV protected.Ephelides are mainly genetically determined but caused by UV radiation stimulation. Their first appearance is at 2-3 years of age following sun exposure and with advancing age, they can fade. Mostly, they appear in summer and fade during winter. They usually affect the face, upper body, and back of the hands. Mostly, they are seen in light-skinned people who are of Caucasian and Asian descent.
- Solar lentigines- These are flat, light yellow to dark brown spots in clusters of size 2mm or larger with well-defined borders that commonly affect the sun-exposed skin of the face, forearms, chest, back, shins, and hands. They are primarily the result of sun exposure and the resulting photodamage of the skin. They tend to be seen in people aged above 40 years and those who have Caucasian descent. Change in seasons does not influence their appearance.
What increases the chances of freckles?
Freckles are more likely to develop in individuals with more pheomelanin rather than eumelanin. Pheomelanin does not protect the skin from the sun’s UV radiation. Therefore, people with more pheomelanin tend to have fair complexion, red or blonde hair, skin that poorly tans, and freckles.
Solar lentigines are most probably seen in people who have dark skin, tanning capacity, a history of freckles, oral birth control pills, and sun exposure.
How to get rid of freckles?
There are multiple freckles removal treatments in Bangalore available at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic for fading freckles or getting rid of them. Every treatment has its own set of pros and cons that should be considered with your specific needs kept in mind.
Generally, the best friend for freckles removal is the application of broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever stepping out in the sun.
- Vitamin A derivative
Another option is the use of a vitamin A derivative product or chemical peel containing an alpha-hydroxy acid solution. Using vitamin A derivatives with hydroquinone can help lighten the pigmented skin, but it is a long treatment course. Alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic acid and glycolic acid work to gently exfoliate the skin up to the level of the skin epidermis and so may help fade out freckle appearance. They even have a skin rejuvenating effect and may help prevent certain types of skin cancer.
- Cryotherapy
In some cases, freckle removal in Bangalore is even possible with cryotherapy where the pigmented spots are frozen using liquid nitrogen, and affected skin is allowed to shed. This option is beneficial for the removal of a single freckle.
- Q-switched Nd YAG Laser
However, the best solution for freckles recommended by a dermatologist in Bangalore is laser treatment, preferably the use of a Q-switched Nd YAG laser. Lasers are very effective in fading clusters of brown spots or freckles without leaving scars or pigmentation irregularities on the treated skin.
In a Q-switched Nd: YAG laser therapy, the dermatologist directs laser light on the freckles. This laser light generates heat that causes a controlled skin injury and blasting of extra melanin pigment present in the areas of the skin affected with freckles.
It helps significantly reduce the freckle's appearance by targeting melanin breakdown and removal. Simultaneously, the laser light reaches the skin dermis to boost fresh collagen and elastin formation, thereby improving skin firmness and elasticity and leaving the skin youthful without causing any harm to the surrounding skin. The desired skin improvement and freckles clearance is noticeable in 3-4 treatment sessions.
All most effective treatments for freckles require consulting a cosmetic dermatologist at a reputed skin clinic. Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic is one of the best skin clinic in Bangalore where best skin experts offer affordable and best freckles removal. Visit the clinic and schedule a consultation today to set on the journey of clearer, smoother skin.
Can freckles be avoided from appearing?
Yes, freckles are preventable. Their further appearance can be avoided while facilitating the clearance of existing freckles from the skin. The preventive measures that are suggested by a dermatologist include:
- Apply a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 above on the skin before going outdoors, every 2 hours, if sweating and it's sunny outside. After applying sunscreen, wait for 15 minutes and then go outside to get skin full sun protection.
- Wear sun-protective clothing whenever going outside in daytime hours.
- Use chemical products that are known to be effective in skin exfoliation and lightening of freckles. Over-the-counter chemical peels are available like alpha-hydroxy acids, phenol, trichloroacetic acid, and phenol that can work to lighten pigmented skin.
- Go for laser skin resurfacing using a fractionated laser which targets the water within the skin’s layers. The heat generated from the laser reaches the dermis to expel the old or damaged, pigmented skin cells and cause collagen remodelling and fresh collagen synthesis.
For more details on freckles removal treatment in Bangalore and its cost, you can get in touch with skin doctors at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic.
You can also watch this video for more details-
