Can You Really Get Rid of Freckles?
If you want to learn how to get rid of freckles entirely, you might be out of luck. While it’s not possible to erase freckles from your face with just any treatment, drastically reducing their appearance is definitely feasible. Here’s what you need to know about getting rid of your freckles.
What to Know About Getting Rid of Freckles
What Are Freckles?
Before you start looking into all the ways you can remove freckles and dark spots, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what freckles actually are. For starters, freckles are harmless clusters of brown, tan, or reddish spots on the skin that frequently occur as a result of sun exposure. They can appear almost anywhere on the body, but they’re most commonly found on the face, neck, chest, arms, and back. For most people, freckles are only a seasonal occurrence. During the winter or during periods when there’s less sunlight, freckles tend to fade away. They may not disappear completely, but they’ll be much less visible. Of course, genetics can also play a role in the formation of freckles on the skin. For some people, freckles are a part of life every day. The most important thing to note about freckles is that they’re different from moles. While freckles appear due to sun exposure or genetics, moles only develop as a result of skin cells growing together in a cluster. All that said, how are you supposed to get rid of freckles?
Retinoid Creams
Topical retinoid creams are most often used to prevent and reduce signs of skin aging, but they can also be used to diminish the appearance of freckles. This is due to their high success rate of evening out skin tone. The same properties that help reduce signs of skin aging can help reduce the appearance of freckles. All that said, retinoids may cause redness and skin irritation if you have sensitive skin or apply them improperly. As with any new skincare product, you should always consult with your dermatologist before starting regular use, especially if your goal is to diminish the appearance of your freckles.
Bleaching Creams
Topical skin bleaching creams are a popular treatment option for people who want to learn how to remove freckles. That being said, these creams certainly aren’t for everyone and they should never be bought as over-the-counter products. If you really think a topical skin bleaching cream is a treatment you’d like to try, it’s crucial that you consult with your dermatologist first. These creams usually contain active ingredients like kojic acid of hydroquinone in them and can be irritating to the skin. Over time and with proper use, they can help reduce the appearance of freckles, but may not remove them completely.
Learning how to remove freckles might not be as straightforward as you think it is, but there are plenty of ways for you to reduce their appearance on your skin. If you have more questions about how to remove freckles, set up your consultation with our dermatologists today. We are here to help you achieve the complexion you want safely and effectively.