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Freckles (also known as ephelides) are small flat brown spots that appear on sun-exposed skin, especially the face and arms. Freckles are inherited and become darker with consistent sun exposure. Ultraviolet rays from the sun activate pigment producing skin cells (melanocytes) to produce pigment (melanin). Increased melanin is manifested as dark or brown spots on the skin. The color producing cells of the body, called melanocytes, become sensitive to sunlight and cause freckles. There is no permanent cure for freckles. Prevention is easier and should be adopted by anyone who freckles easily.

If you have understood about freckles, then you should be more careful in order to get a healthy skin. You can prevent your skin from freckles if you:

• Avoid sun when possible.

• Wear a good sunscreen lotion before you step out of the house. Even on a cloudy day, ultra violet rays of the sun reach earth and can harm your skin. Choose a sunscreen with spf of 20 or above.

• Wear large brimmed hats to avoid being hit by direct sunlight.

However, if you already have freckles in your skin, there are treatments you can take. They are:

1. Bleaching Creams

Bleaching agents usually contain hydroquinone, a chemical that fades skin color, and are available over-the-counter or in stronger prescription form. A bleaching skin cream, applied directly to freckles, can get rid of freckles by slowing the production of melanin and fading their color to that of the rest of your skin. Other bleaching agents being used today are Retin-A (tretinoin) or combinations of medications such as hydroquinone with tretinoin plus a cortisone cream.

Remember, topical creams do not work for everyone. Over the counter bleaching creams are safe and may show results with couple of months. They may, however, lighten the skin around the freckle rather than the freckle itself. Your physician can prescribe more effective medications although they have side effects like redness, drying and peeling. You need to discuss the available options and risks with your physician.

2. Chemical Peels

These can be superficial or deep peels, but in either case a physician needs to administer the treatment. Peels can lighten the freckles gradually and a superficial peel can be done in your lunch hour! A chemical peel will reduce the appearance and visibility of your freckles, and your skin should heal after a day two. Sensitive skin can take longer to heal.

If you wish to get an instant result, you can take deeper peels. If you choose superficial peels, it will take a little risk than deeper peels but take longer steps. A series of superficial peels can be an expensive affair.

3. Laser Resurfacing

Freckles are burned off with laser with this treatment. The treatment has to be carried out by a physician and is very effective, often in one treatment. Your skin will usually take 1-2 weeks to heal after laser resurfacing, and long-lasting results will be varied.

4. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)

This is a new treatment that uses intense broadband light that delivers energy to superficial and deep layers of the skin. The skin is, however, not damaged in the treatment making the recovery time zero! The treatment can last a year with good sun protection.

Safer than laser, IPL is also less painful but may require multiple treatments unlike laser. It is cheaper than laser but more expensive than peels.

Got the answer for your freckles? I think you still need to discuss the treatments and their risks with your physician before opting for one.

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