Everyone desires clean, bright, freckle-free facial skin. However, some people who spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk of developing freckles, which are black or brownish spots caused by sun exposure.
How to remove freckles caused by sun exposure
Freckles are black or brownish spots on the face caused by sun exposure. Unlike moles, which are generally more visible, freckles are flush with the skin's surface. Freckels are also painless and harmless.
Freckles will only appear due to sun exposure. This means that newborn babies normally do not have freckles. Some freckles that appear can be treated with cosmetic procedures at clinics and hospitals.
Ways to deal with freckles include:
Home treatments
Some home remedies can help fade the appearance of freckles on the face, particularly if the case is mild. Treatment options include:
- Apple cider vinegar: Combine apple cider vinegar and honey, apply to freckles for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Apple vinegar contains malic acid, which is thought to exfoliate the skin and reduce freckles
- Lemon: Squeeze a lemon and mix it with honey. Apply the mixture to your face with a cotton pad. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then wash it off. Apply moisturizer afterward, and repeat twice a week for best results
- Turmeric powder: Combine 1 teaspoon turmeric latte, 1-2 teaspoons milk, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Mix until a paste forms, then apply to your face and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash your face thoroughly and apply moisturizer
The use of natural ingredients to treat freckles may result in irritation or redness. If your treatment causes allergic reactions or irritation, you should temporarily discontinue it.
Read more: Is It True That Apple Cuka Can Help Overcome Acne?
Chemical Peeling
Chemical peeling is a process that exfoliates damaged skin and removes freckles. Chemical peels can be used with products containing glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid, which penetrate the skin layer. Once the damaged layer of skin is eroded, a new, healthier layer forms.
Applying topical retinoid creams
Retinoid creams are vitamin A derivatives. They are used to treat sunburned skin and lighten freckles. According to a 2014 study, retinoids can provide photoprotection by absorbing ultraviolet B radiation, thereby preventing new freckles from developing. Topical retinoid creams should be used only after consulting with a doctor.
Read more: Facts About Retinol: Can You Really Thin Your Skin?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL therapy is also known as photofacial therapy, which is a non-surgical treatment to improve skin tone and texture. This therapy can be used to repair minor sun damage, such as freckles. You can get this treatment at a trusted beauty clinic.
IPL therapy uses powerful light waves to treat a variety of skin conditions simultaneously. Aside from freckles, IPL therapy can treat acne, fine wrinkles, unwanted hair, and other skin conditions.
Laser treatment
A study found that laser therapy can help fade freckles by more than 50%. If you want to use laser therapy to fade freckles, you should first consult with a doctor. Laser therapy can cause itchy, red, and peeling skin.
Sun exposure is what causes freckles. To prevent this, wear sunscreen, hats, and other protective gear when doing activities outside the home. If you have freckle issues, you should see a doctor.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Monica Salim
McDermott, A. (2022). Freckles: Remedies, Causes, and More. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-get-rid-of-freckles
Montell, A. (2022). How to Take Care of (Not Get Rid of) Your Summer Freckles. Available from: https://www.byrdie.com/freckles-summer-skincare-tips
Pharma Easy. (2023). 10 Home Remedies For Freckles & Clear Skin. Available from: https://pharmeasy.in/blog/10-home-remedies-for-freckles-clear-skin/
Wiginton, K. (2022). IPL Treatment. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/intense-pulsed-light-treatment-overview