Freckle Removal - How to remove your unwanted Freckles

Freckles, whether on the face or body, are something that most individuals experience, at least to some degree. Genetics and heredity play a large role in the outward appearance of our skin, but sun exposure and other harsh daily elements can also cause the pigment of our skin to change. While freckles are generally harmless, more and more men and women are looking for ways to remove unwanted freckles. There are several skin rejuvenation techniques for freckle removal currently available that can help you to restore clear, blemish free skin with lasting results.

Freckles are easily identifiable on the skin because they are small, flat and round, usually uniform in color and appear darker than the surrounding skin pigment. Freckle formation is due to cells called melanocytes—they generate an increased amount of melanin in the skin. When an increased amount of melanin exists, it collects abnormally in specific areas of the skin which leads to the formation of freckles. Freckles, for the most part, begin their development around the age of two, and while some individuals are genetically predisposed to freckles (many redheads will have overly freckly skin) it is repeated sun exposure that most often initiates and enhances their appearance. Freckles are not cancerous in nature and it is not medically necessary to remove them, but men and women often choose to remove unwanted freckles purely for aesthetic reasons.

When figuring out how to remove your unwanted freckles, it is important to take into consideration that there are two distinct types of freckles. The first type are called ephelides, the second type are called solar lentigines. Ephelides are also known as simple freckles; these are the freckles individuals are genetically inclined to get and therefore are harder (but not impossible) to remove. Solar lentigines are also known as sunburn freckles and because they are caused by sun exposure, they are more superficial and therefore easier to remove. While freckles most often appear on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, arms and hands, they can be seen anywhere; and can be removed from anywhere.

There are several treatments currently available designed to help remove unwanted freckles. These include:

Bleaching Agents: Bleaching agents specifically designed for freckle removal are not intended to bleach the skin; instead they work to inhibit the production of melanin which stops freckles from forming on the face and body. However, because the bleach is used on the entire skin area (not just the freckles) it sometimes tends to lighten the skin so it is not the most effective method.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels work on many different levels to rejuvenate the face by removing the outer layers of skin. By removing dead skin cells and rejuvenating the face, blemishes are lightened which allows the skin to take on a more uniform appearance.

Laser/IPL Treatments: Laser and light based treatments for freckle removal are the most advanced treatment methods for unwanted freckles. The laser light attracts to the melanin in the freckles; the light energy then transforms into heat which effectively fragments the melanin particles which are naturally re-absorbed and expelled by the body’s immune system. A series of laser treatments can drastically reduce the appearance of unwanted freckles.

If you find that freckles are starting to form on your face and body and are searching for ways to stop it, the best freckle removal technique will always be prevention; work hard to stop the freckles before they start. Freckle formation prevention is very simple, just wear sunscreen. By protecting your skin from sun exposure, you’ll surely slow down (or even stop all together) the formation of unwanted freckles. Wear SPF 30 or higher every single day, whether in direct sunlight or not, to help keep your skin clear and blemish free.

Whether you are interested in prevention or are interested in how to remove your unwanted freckles, consider all of your treatment alternatives so that you can find the freckle removal technique that works best for you.