Sure, freckles can be cute but only if you like to look like a Dalmatian taking human form with all the tan, brown and black spots scattered all over your body. These spots are naturally produced by the melanin often as a protection against the sun although you may also have a predisposition to it, no thanks to the wonders of genetics. Think fair skin and red hair. You can get rid of freckles, fortunately, so you can enjoy flawless skin in every sense of the word.
- Since tanning, either under the sun or in a tanning bed, can produce or darken existing freckles, we suggest avoiding the activity. Instead, you should consider bleaching agents in lotions and creams containing hydroquinone, which are applied directly to the freckles. In time, the bleaching agent fades the freckles’ darker color so that these blend in with the rest of the skin tone. Just be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions as hydroquinone can lead to moderate allergic reactions, even skin damage, when used improperly. If you are worried about appearing too pale because your skin missed the sun’s kiss, you always have cosmetic bronzers and tanning sprays on your side.
- You also have the benefit of retinoids, which are natural chemical compounds used in a variety of skin issues especially aging, to eliminate freckles. Go for branded retinoids like Retin-A as allergic reactions like dry skin can result from the use of fake products purportedly containing retinoids.
- For a more aggressive treatment, we suggest going for a chemical peel in a dermatologist’s clinic. Basically, your skin is subjected to harsh chemicals that exfoliate away the layers of your skin, which lessens the visible appearance of your freckles. You should expect at least 2 days before your skin returns to its normal state, longer if you have sensitive skin.
- Lasers are also effective in removing freckles in the same way as these are effective against facial hair, acne and stretch marks. You should have a qualified medical professional perform the procedure, of course, but no worries as to that pain since a local anesthetic is applied to the area being treated. It will take 1-2 weeks before the skin heals with the results varying from one individual to the next.
- Your dermatologist may also recommend using liquid nitrogen to get rid of your not-so-cute freckles. Your skin will be “frozen” by the direct application of the liquid nitrogen on your freckles, form blisters and then fall off taking the offending spots with them. It is painful, to say the least, so much so that it is considered the last resort. Plus, you cannot have liquid nitrogen applied on the same spot in the same week, which makes the procedure take longer than, say, laser resurfacing.
