Do you have small round brown spots on your forehead, nose
and cheeks? If your answer is yes, you are not alone experiencing this
condition. Many people around us have those small spots on skin – known as
freckles – that are harmless and annoying as well for those who are concerned
about their aesthetic appearance. Want to know how you can get rid of those
spots? Keep reading.
In this article, you will get information about causes of
freckles and blemishes and effective methods to treat them.
Freckles and blemishes
Freckles are small, flat round brown spots on the skin. Melanin
– produced by melanocyte cells in the body – is the pigment that gives color to
the skin. Freckles and blemishes appear on the skin when melanocytes start
producing more melanin because of various factors.
Causes of freckles and blemishes
There are many causes of freckles and blemishes. Have a look
on some of them:
·
Genetics
– freckles are hereditary. If one or both of your parents have freckles, you
may also experience this condition.
·
Certain
disorders – certain disorders such as xeroderma pigmentosum – a rare
hereditary defect – may also cause an increased sensitivity to UV rays that
cause freckles.
·
Prolonged
sun exposure – excessive exposure to the sun is one of the most important
causes of freckles and blemishes. Fair-skinned people are more prone to this
problem.
·
Hormonal
imbalance – hormonal imbalance is another cause behind freckles. Estrogen
and progesterone hormones trigger melanocytes to produce more melanin.
Treatments for freckles
and blemishes
Many treatments are available for treating freckles and
blemishes. Have a look on some effective ones.
Topical medications
Topical medications are the easiest and the least expensive
method to treat the condition. However, they are effective for mild freckles
only and may take time to give optimal results. Ingredients found in topical
creams may vary from one another but hydroquinone is mostly used to treat
freckles and blemishes. It is considered the most effective skin lightening
agent. Retinol is another topical agent that can be used to treat freckles and
blemishes. Avoid using any kind of topical medication for freckles and
blemishes without recommendation of an experienced practitioner.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels – also known as derma peels – are another
effective treatment for freckles and blemishes. This treatment involves
applying a chemical solution containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid and
lactic acid to the skin. These chemicals peel off the damaged layer of skin and
reveal new layer of fresh and healthy skin.
IPL treatment
IPL treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that effectively
treats sun spots and other damages to the skin. In case of freckles and
blemishes, about 4 to 6 sessions of IPL treatment are required for optimal
results.
Laser treatment
Laser therapy is another simple yet effective treatment for
freckles and blemishes and other pigmentation disorders. Lasers work by breaking
melanin in the skin resulting in lighter and freckle-free skin. Alexandrite and
ND: YAG lasers are usually used for freckles and blemishes.
