Is it Possible to Remove Freckles Naturally?
Is it possible to remove freckles naturally or do you need to go to the dermatologist for it? This is a question that many people often ask themselves when they aren’t aware of how to properly approach their skin care.
Freckles or ephelides are benign skin lesions. They usually appear in the most exposed areas of the body, such as the face, neck, and arms. They’re usually more common (and noticeable) in people with fair skin. Although they don’t pose a health risk, some people consider them unsightly. For this reason, they seek to eliminate them and even out their skin tone.
There are different specialized treatments to eliminate freckles, such as peels and lasers. We should note that, fortunately, more effective and less aggressive techniques are being developed.
What are freckles?
Freckles are melanin spots of varying brown colors that appear on your skin is exposed to sunlight without the proper protection.
When you tan, more freckles can appear. Over time, these freckles can get larger and darker the more sun your skin gets. However, according to a study, freckles aren’t only due to sunlight exposure. They also have a genetic component that you should take into account. This means that, although freckles can be prevented using sunscreen, you can’t avoid them entirely if you’re genetically predisposed to developing them.
Freckled skin requires specific care. Therefore, if you want to eliminate freckles, you must always do it with the help of a dermatologist.
Can freckles be removed?
To eliminate freckles, you can resort to depigmenting creams and peels. There are also laser and other light source treatments, which dermatologists apply in a controlled way.
Experts from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology point out the following regarding treatment options:
“Generally, the treatment is complex and requires combined treatments. In this sense, we should note that “any” peeling or laser isn’t valid, since many can be counterproductive. Photoprotection is the basic foundation”.
As we mentioned above, in order to take care of your skin and give it the most appropriate treatment for its needs, it’s best to consult a professional.
Natural remedies (homemade scrubs, application of lightening substances, etc.) aren’t good options, since they can worsen the problem and cause others (which would later complicate the treatment options).
So what can you do at home? The best thing to do is to maintain a beauty and care routine according to your dermatologist‘s recommendations and, above all, always use sunscreen.
The use of sunscreen doesn’t only allow you to prevent the appearance of more freckles but you can reduce the appearance of those that already exist.
Always protect yourself from the sun
You shouldn’t only use sunscreen during the summer, when there seems to be the most need for it. Actually, you must proect your skin from the sun year round.
If you don’t protect your skin at other times of the year, it’ll be very hard to remove freckles or even reduce their appearance. Keep in mind that, even when the sky is cloudy, there’s always sunlight.
- Depending on your skin type, you must protect it adequately, as this study indicates.
- You don’t need to avoid sunlight entirely but rather learn how to enjoy it safely. Since sunbathing is beneficial for the body, as it allows it to assimilate vitamins, we recommend doing it 10 minutes a day, first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon, which are the hours of less radiation.
No need for surgery
Recently, a topical formula that could remove freckles, lentigos, and melasma was created.
Elisa Suñer, pharmacist and member of the Professional Association of Pharmaceutical Formulators, commented to the following to Correo Farmacéutico: “Some topical formulas can make certain skin pigmentations disappear without the need for surgery”.
