The brownish gold flecks known as freckles usually start to show up during childhood. Freckles appear on the skin because of sun exposure. They are caused by clusters of the pigment melanin which occur in the skin’s cells. Freckles have a flat appearance, are painless and cause no harm. However, some people simply don’t like their look or feel self-conscious, so they seek ways to remove the blemishes.
Using a Laser to Reduce the Appearance of Freckles
If you are plagued by freckles, you have options to reduce their appearance. One of the gold standards for aesthetic freckle treatments is to use a laser. The laser relies on pulses of extremely focused intense light to damage the freckles.
There are several types of lasers, but the Q-Switched Nd YAG laser is one of the best options followed by the copper bromide laser. When used, the lasers can reduce the appearance of the freckles by lightning the splotches.
In one study that was carried out using the Nd YAG, it was found that 50 percent of participants experienced acceptable lightning of the spots. Laser treatment is a safe aesthetic option to even your skin tone. One treatment might not be enough to render desired results, so you’ll need to discuss the number of laser sessions needed with your aesthetic professional at LSV.
How Does the Nd YAG Work?
The laser targets the melanin in the skin and destroys it without harming the surrounding tissue. Following the treatment, the freckles will darken but then eventually a scab will form. The scab lasts from one to two weeks and then falls away. The freckle can remain dark for up to four weeks before it starts to transition and disappear. In most cases, there is no scarring but on occasion, the area of the freckle might appear lighter than the surrounding skin.
During treatment with the LSV machine, you might feel a slight sting from the laser, but the discomfort is minimal. If there is a problem, be sure to tell your aesthetic technician.
Sunscreen to Prevent Future Freckles
Every time you go out into the sun you should wear sunscreen to prevent additional freckles from developing. 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.
● Use a sunscreen product with an SPF of 30 or higher.
● Apply the sunscreen to your skin’s surface at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
● Reapply the sunscreen every couple of hours, after swimming, or if you excessively sweat.
Laser skin rejuvenation is an ideal option to provide you with luminescent skin that is freckle free. At LSV, all skin treatments are tailored to fit your unique needs. Please contact us to schedule a consultation to learn more about the service. One of our specialists will assess your needs and advise you on your treatment options.
