Want to know how to fade freckles? These brownish gold flecks are caused by clusters of melanin, a pigment that occurs naturally in the skin’s cells following sun exposure. Although this type of skin blemish is painless and harmless, some people simply prefer the look of a more consistent complexion.
If that sounds like you, we’ve got some good news. While it may not be possible to get rid of freckles completely, you can lighten their appearance with a variety of safe treatments.
Below, we explain how to fade freckles, what causes this skin pigmentation and tips for its prevention moving forward. Read on to understand your options and take the first step towards fewer freckles.
What are freckles?
Freckles are flat brown spots of hyperpigmentation that appear after sun exposure, and therefore usually from a young age. Generally uniform in colour and a few millimetres in diameter, each freckle is a cluster of skin cells that contain melanin.
Although freckles are typically harmless and not an indicator of skin cancer, they are a sign of sun damage. These skin blemishes can appear on the face, shoulders, chest, hands, and any other part of the body that has been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Freckles are most common in individuals with fair skin tones, and those with a genetic predisposition to their formation.
What causes freckles?
Before you learn how to fade freckles, it’s important to understand their cause – which is a combination of sunlight and genetics.
Skin cells known as melanocytes produce a dark pigment called melanin, which protects the skin from sun damage by reflecting and absorbing UV light. Therefore, the more sun exposure, the more melanin is made.
Genetics are also considered to play a part in the development of freckles, as opposed to an even tan. Fair skin tends to be more susceptible to freckles as it has less melanocytes. As a result, sun exposure elicits clusters of hyperpigmentation instead of an all-over deepening in skin tone.
That said, anyone and everyone can get freckles.
Do freckles go away with age?
Whether or not freckles go away with age depends on the type.
Ephelides are freckles that fade on their own over time. This process can happen quickly over the course of a season – many people will notice a sprinkle of freckles during the summer, which gradually disappear as winter rolls around. Other times, the freckles may fade gradually over a few years, resulting in less of this pigmentation with age.
In contrast, solar lentigines are here to stay if left alone. Also called liver spots or sun spots, these freckles are permanent no matter how much sunscreen you use or hats you wear. The only way to fade these freckles is through one of the techniques outlined below.
How to fade freckles: 5 ways to reduce their appearance
There are several options available when it comes to how to get rid of freckles, or at least reduce these skin blemishes for a noticeably clearer complexion.
1. Laser treatment
‘Can you get freckles lasered off?’ is a question we hear all the time. The short answer is yes. Laser treatment is one of the gold standards for safe aesthetic freckle treatment. The laser relies on pulses of extremely-focused intense light to brighten and ultimately fade the freckles.
There are several types of lasers, but the Q-Switched Nd YAG laser is one of the best options followed by the K-laser. In one study carried out using the Nd YAG, it was found that 50% of participants experienced acceptable lightening of freckles.
The laser targets and destroys the melanin in the skin without harming surrounding tissue. You might feel a slight sting from the laser during this process, but rest assured this discomfort is minimal.
Following treatment, freckles will darken and scab over several weeks before eventually falling off. In most cases there is no scarring but on occasion, the area of the freckle might appear slightly lighter than the surrounding skin.
Several treatments may be needed to fade your freckles. At Laser Skin And Vein, your aesthetic professional will discuss the number of laser sessions required during the initial consultation.
2. Chemical peel
Chemical peels exfoliate the top layers of sun-damaged skin with chemical solutions such as glycolic and lactic acid. In the days following this treatment, the old skin gradually peels away and a clear new layer emerges. Over time, the appearance of freckles can diminish with repeated chemical peels.
Glycolic peels are often considered the most suitable option for moderate to severe freckles. Note that these more powerful peels can cause some mild swelling and redness in the days after application.
It’s also essential that you minimise sun exposure in the days following a chemical peel, as your skin will be extra sensitive to UV rays.
3. Microneedling
Microneedling is another in-clinic treatment that reduces hyperpigmentation like freckles. Suitable for all skin types, it involves inserting ultra-thin needles into the skin to stimulate the headline process and encourage collagen and elastin production.
This cell renewal works to replace damaged skin with a fresh, even-toned layer. With multiple sessions, your skin can look not only brighter, but also firmer and more youthful.
4. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a hydrating and exfoliating facial treatment that can help to fade freckles whilst rejuvenating your skin.
Your clinician will use advanced technology to remove dead and damaged cells from the skin’s surface before completing the session with a brightening infusion that targets hyperpigmentation.
This skin resurfacing treatment will leave your complexion looking and feeling remarkably more even after just one session. Microdermabrasion is often utilised alongside other techniques like laser therapy to fade darker or larger freckles.
5. Vitamins C and A
Want to know how to fade freckles at home? Skincare products such as vitamin C serums and retinoids can help to lighten hyperpigmentation like freckles.
Vitamin C creams feature skin brightening properties that can lessen the look of freckles. When applied directly to the skin, vitamin C helps to regulate an enzyme called tyrosinase, which plays a role in controlling melanin production and therefore freckle formation.
Suitable for most skin types, retinol is a vitamin A serum that can also help to reduce the appearance of freckles. Plus, it enhances overall skin tone and texture, preventing the signs of premature ageing.
Importantly, at-home remedies that can help to fade freckles require consistent, long-term application. You’ll need to commit to a strict skincare routine if you want to see noticeable results!
How long does it take to fade freckles?
The length of time it takes to fade freckles depends on the type of treatment you choose to undergo.
For example, laser therapy and chemical peels can reduce the appearance of freckles instantly. However, depending on the degree of pigmentation and how your skin reacts to the treatment, it may take multiple sessions to achieve your desired results.
On the other hand, it tends to take far longer to notice the effects of topical products, which require an ongoing dedication to their application. Even still, your freckles may not fade quite as much as you would like.
If you are serious about fading freckles, you may find that the best approach is to combine laser therapy with a skincare routine that incorporates Vitamin C serum and/or retinoids.
How to prevent freckles moving forward
There’s little point in knowing how to fade freckles if new ones are going to take their place soon after. That’s why, upon treating freckles, it’s important to take measures that will protect your skin from subsequent sun damage.
Here are a few tips to help you shield your skin:
- Wear a hat and protective clothing to cover your face and body from direct sun exposure when outside;
- Use a sunscreen product with an SPF of 30 or higher;
- Apply the sunscreen to your skin at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun; and
- Reapply the sunscreen every couple of hours, after swimming, and if you sweat excessively.
These steps should be followed in any season, no matter the weather. Sunscreen is important year round, even during the winter months or when it’s cloudy because the sun’s UV light can still damage your skin and cause a darkening of the melanin.
Book a consultation to fade freckles in Adelaide
Even if you are militant about your SPF50 application, it’s tough to avoid a few new freckles after a summer of sunshine. While these sprinkles of pigmentation are much beloved by some, you may want to reduce or remove them for a more even skin tone.
Now that you know how to fade freckles, you are ready to start your journey towards beautiful skin – whatever that means to you. At Laser Skin And Vein, all treatments are tailored to fulfil your skin’s unique needs.
Please contact us to book a consultation for freckle removal in Adelaide. Our specialists will assess your freckles and guide you through your treatment options.
