How to Treat Freckles

Freckles are among the many signs of photo aging. Photo aging occurs when excessive sun exposure speeds the skin's natural aging process. Sunlight also causes freckles already present to become darker. Dark skin that appears during pregnancy or while on birth control pills is called melasma, or the mask of pregnancy. Sun exposure makes these patches and spots even darker. Sun exposure is also powerful enough to change certain skin cells into dangerous skin cancers, leading physicians to recommend protective sunscreen and clothing.

These actions can also help slow the appearance of both freckles and age spots. People with the fairest skin often do not produce enough melanin, and so freckles are present after puberty and into adulthood.

Conventional treatments for freckles include cosmetic cover-ups and bleaching creams, neither of which have garnered satisfactory results. Heavy cosmetics need frequent touchups, and are not a good fit for today's active lifestyles. Bleaching agents attempt to fade the freckles to a color approximating that of the surrounding skin. However, they can sometimes lighten or darken the skin surrounding the freckles, calling even more attention to the spots. Occassionally, bleaching agents cause rashes or chemical burns. Some people have had success using alpha hydroxy acids on a regular basis, combined with sun avoidance and the use of sunblock. Some dermatologists recommend prescription-strength retinoids for the treatment of freckles.

Having any laser treatment is a serious thing. Lasers are highly delicate devices which require experience to operate. While freckles are a highly treatable condition with lasers, it's very important that any brown spotting be looked at by a board-certified dermatologist first to determine if they may be skin cancer. If a dermatologist determines them to be merely freckles, then a laser surgeon may remove them.

Although it is not medically necessary to treat freckles, patients often seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Potential treatments include topical bleaching creams, topical retinoids, chemical peels, liquid nitrogen, and laser or pulsed light therapy. Although freckles themselves are harmless, it is important to distinguish between freckles and a type of skin cancer called melanoma. If you have freckles, you have a higher risk of melanoma. Also, if your freckles are growing or changing, it is important see your physician for a skin check.

Bleaching Creams - The use of hydroquinone and kojic acid are one of the beneficial treatment for freckles. They may help in lightning freckles if they are applied consistently over a period of months. Cryosurgery: A light freeze with liquid nitrogen can be used to treat freckles. Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are used to remove age spots, freckles, discoloration, wrinkles and fine lines. They generally help to make the skin smooth and firm and also help in curing freckles gradually.

The most effective freckle removal method is freckle laser removal. There are a number of available laser treatments that are safe. A laser projects an intense light on the area that is affected, causing the light to be absorbed by the oxyhemoglobin and melanin so that the darker cells are destroyed and the healthy cells are left in tact. Your will need to protect your eyes from the intense light by wearing goggles. The light is directed using a very thin piece of equipment.

Getting Rid of Unsightly Dark Spots

There are some unfortunate people who despite having an excellent skin regimen end up with dark spots on their skin. One of these causes is hyper-pigmentation or rather patches of discolored skin that remain long after pimples have cleared and gone.

Aging is another cause of dark spots on the skin. Yet another reason is an unhealthy diet or even an illness. People who regularly ingest a great deal of iron in the form of tablets can also have skin that tends to discolor. Hormones gone haywire during pregnancies is another reason for discolored skin. When your body lacks in Vitamins A, E or B, the end result could be hyper-pigmentation.

There are several ways in which you can get rid of the dark spots on your face. The first is to maintain a healthy diet. Make sure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients and that the food you are having is fresh and timely. Give your body and skin enough of hydration by drinking a lot of liquids and fruit juices.

When it comes to skin care, have your skin analyzed by dermatologists. Chart out a skin care regimen and follow it to the T. Certain simple tips to get rid of dark spots is to use a good sunscreen that will prevent your skin from being affected by the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 and above and of the water-proof variety would be great.

If you suffer from acne or regular outbursts of pimples, make sure that you do not pick the pimples. They have to run their course and die out naturally. Scars left from pimples can cause what is known as melesma. If you are prone to oily skin, go in for regular facials, use natural toners like lime juice on your skin and moisturizer that is oil-free. Washing your face three to four times a day will help control oiliness and thereby reduce the dark spots on your face.

There are several topical creams that you can use to get rid of dark spots. Of course you will have to do this under guidance of a dermatologist. Besides a good sunscreen you could use products that have hydroquinone in them. There alternatives like kojic acid and alpha-arbutin that are believed to be more natural. Of course the market is flooded with several products of various brands that claim to get rid of your dark spots and give you a flawless complexion.

If you want to use Nature to try and get rid of those dark spots then you could try using some tea tree oil on the blemish. Regular use of this oil can make dark spots fade away. Also when rinsing your face. Alternate with hot, then real cold and then hot water again. This will open your pores. Cleanse them and seal in the freshness. Use an appropriate moisturizer soon after.

Also you can go in for dermatologist-recommended treatments that include laser treatments of various kinds.