Why Do I Have Freckles?

Freckles are small tan or light brown spots that usually appear on the face and other skin areas exposed to the sun (like the neck and shoulders). They are generally harmless and not a sign of any health problem, but many people with freckles, especially those that cover a significant part of the skin, want to get rid of them.

What causes freckles?

Freckles form due to the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for giving the hair, eyes, and skin their color. Excessive sun exposure causes an increase in production of melanin, which can then make the freckles and other types of pigmentation darker than originally were.

While many freckles are caused by genetics (common in people with fair skin and red or light hair), sun exposure and UV radiation can also trigger and stimulate their formation. This only means that anyone who is not adequately protected from the UV rays can have freckles.

Who are more likely to have freckles?

People with fair complexions (or light hair and eye color) are more likely to have freckles and tend to have more of them than those with darker skin tones. Sun exposure causes their skin to produce more melanin, which often leads to freckles (instead of a suntan like those with darker complexions). Darker-skinned individuals can also develop freckles, although this is less common.

How can I keep them from appearing?

You can prevent the appearance of new freckles by applying a sunscreen daily. It is best to choose an oil-free, water-resistant and broad-spectrum product with an SPF of at least 45 and above.  Be sure to wear sunscreen regardless of the weather and wait at least 15 minutes before heading outside.

We recommend Clear Defense SPF 45 or Sheer Defense Tinted SPF 46 from Dr. Sylvia Skin Care. Both products are lightweight, oil-free, and fast absorbing, and can help reduce redness and blotchiness.

How can I remove or lighten freckles?

If you’re concerned with your freckles and want to remove them, there are safe skin lightening treatments that are worth considering. Here’s a look at some of them:

Limelight IPL

Limelight in Singapore is a non-invasive skin lightening procedure that uses an US FDA-cleared intense pulsed light (IPL) to target skin surface problems like freckles and brown spots. It can also be used on any part of the face, neck, and décolleté with dark spots, skin redness, and tiny facial veins.

It works by delivering pulses of light at the skin to draw spots and patches on the top layers. This will then scab and fall off after five to seven days. The spots may also turn darker after the procedure, but this is completely normal. They will soon get better after a few days, revealing brighter skin.

When undergoing Limelight, be sure to avoid any artificial tanning or any sun exposure without sun protection at least two weeks before and after the treatment.

Pearl Laser Resurfacing

Cutera Pearl Laser Resurfacing is another US FDA-cleared laser skin procedure that safely treats sun damaged and aging skin. It can also deal with other skin problems such as hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and uneven skin pigmentation.

Pearl Resurfacing works by treating the top layer of skin with pulses of light in a pre-selected pattern. This simultaneously sends heat to the deeper layers, causing the skin to form a protective dressing, which will peel off after five to seven days. This then reveals new, healthier skin.

While there is a downtime of five to seven days, you can see noticeable improvements after one treatment. However, it is advisable to get another session to maintain optimal results, as the sun can continuously damage our skin over the years.

VI Peel

VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel that can reduce or eliminate freckles, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. It can also treat sun damage, soften lines and wrinkles, and deal with acne marks on the face, neck, and chest.

The treatment involves the application of a solution directly on the face, which needs to stay in your skin for at least 4 hours. This means that you will go home with the solution on their face and wash it off at home. You don’t have to worry, though as it is safe, dry, and not very obvious.

You should experience some peeling after two to three days and will continue up to seven days. You can see the full results of the treatment within four to six weeks.

The VI Peel procedure triggers the body’s natural elastin and collagen production. This helps improve the look of skin over a period of several months.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Remove freckles and achieve brighter and glowing skin with these non-invasive skin lightening treatments.

Contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, to find out if you’re a good candidate for any of the procedures.

Tags: Pearl Laser Resurfacing