Some of us would instantly notice small spots of colour on the skin as soon as we are exposed to sunshine. Suntan or darkening of the skin can actually occur anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly seen on the face and arms.
So, what are these spots, and how can they be removed through laser treatment for freckles?
Freckles: What Are They?
If you see small spots of colour on your skin, they’re freckles. These spots can be of a few distinguishing colours: brown, black, tan, red, and sometimes yellow. They form as a result of the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair and skin colour.
While these spots often come from ultraviolet or UV radiation stimulation, they’re harmless. They start to occur at a very young age and most commonly occur in people with lighter or fairer skin types. These spots are also likely to occur in those who have a genetic predisposition to developing sunspots.
Freckle Removal
Having large patches of freckles covering the skin can make one self-conscious. Many are not confident about how freckles make them look. Fortunately, there are effective ways to remove these spots on the skin.
Removal treatments are tailored to the needs of an individual. They are also based on many factors such as ethnicity, the cause of the pigmentation, and the desired outcome.
Here are the different ways to remove freckles:
1. Natural remedies
- Honey -- Simply combine honey with sugar to make a scrub. Salt may also be used. This honey and sugar/salt combo may help lighten pigmentation.
- Lemon Juice -- Lemon juice is rich in citric acid and is thought to lighten skin. Squeeze lemon juice and moisten a cotton ball with it and apply directly to the skin. Wash it off after a few minutes.
- Yogurt – As it contains lactic acid, yogurt may help lighten freckles. Apply it directly to the skin and leave it on for a few minutes before washing it off.
2. Topical retinoid cream
Retinoid Cream is a vitamin A compound generally used to improve sun-damaged skin. It may also be used to lighten freckles. Topical retinoid cream absorbs ultraviolet B radiation and may offer photoprotection, which helps prevent new freckles from forming.
It can be bought at drugstores with or without a prescription. Upon applying retinoids on the skin, a person may experience common side effects like redness, dryness, peeling, skin irritation, or sensitivity.
3. Laser treatment
Laser treatment for freckles uses pulses of focused and intense light to target damaged areas of skin on the face. There are different lasers for different skin conditions. The Nd YAG laser is effective for treating freckles.
The number of treatments needed varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the pigmentation. To achieve desired results, multiple sessions are required. Recovery time may take up to two weeks, with side effects ranging from itching and swelling to redness and infection.
Laser Treatment for Freckles at Erina Skin Cancer Clinic
Lighten skin pigmentation with laser genesis at Erina Skin Cancer Clinic. To get started on your journey to spotless, freckle-free skin, consult our skin doctors here at our skin clinic in Erina.
