Freckles are quite common in people with lighter skin tone. They are brown/black spots that appear on the surface of the skin that has been exposed to the sun for long hours. Freckles are harmless and require no treatment. But people opt for various methods out of cosmetic concerns. Listed below are a few treatment options for freckle removal.
1. Bleaching Creams
Over-the-counter as well as prescription creams help in minimizing the appearance of freckles. Most popular over the counter bleaching creams contain 2 percent hydroquinone as the primary bleaching agent. Prescription creams may contain more than one bleaching agent. Creams containing a combination of Retin-A and hydroquinone are generally prescribed along with a cortisone cream. Depending on the severity of your freckles, your physician might as well suggest a treatment with liquid nitrogen freezing.
Risks involved
Freely available over the counter bleaching creams are normally mild formulations and suitable for all skin types and are not known to cause any major side effects. Regular use may lighten the appearance of freckles. On the other hand, prescription creams are relatively harsher and may cause some side effects like redness, drying, and peeling.
2. Chemical Peels
Chemical peeling is a procedure wherein a mixture of chemicals is applied topically over the affected area in order to erode the damaged surface of the skin and facilitate production of new skin cells. After a number of sittings, your skin looks younger, firmer and fresher with visibly lesser freckles. Superficial peels are best suited for people with busy lifestyle. There is virtually no pain throughout the procedure and recovery time is almost negligible. Deeper peels are recommended for people with more severe freckle conditions. It may cause some side effects like redness, swelling, burning sensation, etc and the recovery time is relatively longer but results are also superior.
Risks involved
Since peeling is a chemical based procedure, it comes with certain risks. While superficial peels are quite safe, deeper peels can be quite harsh on the skin. Moreover, a series of chemical peels is required before you could actually notice some improvement. It can thus be a costly affair.
3. Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is an effective and long term solution to skin problems like freckles, age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, melasma etc. The underlying principle of this treatment is that laser is used to heat and erode the outer damaged layer of the skin. Subsequently, the inner layer of the skin regenerates into healthier and younger looking skin. Recovery time is usually over a week and side effects like rashes, redness, burning, swelling, etc are normal during the healing period.
Risks involved
Though laser resurfacing is one of the most advanced and effective procedures known to treat freckles, it can be a risky affair. It is utmost important that you get this treatment done at a certified clinic under good supervision. There is some discomfort or pain involved and recovery time is longer. It is also an expensive procedure. A single treatment can cost anywhere between $1000 and $5000.
4. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
IPL is relatively a newer form of facial restoration. Lasers use intense focused light that removes the outer skin layer i.e epidermis, while IPL uses intense broadband light which provides energy to both epidermis and deep (dermis) layers of the skin without causing any damage to the epidermis. IPL is a mild procedure with virtually no recovery time. It also benefits in conditions like age spots, visible blood vessels, fine lines etc.
Risks involved
IPL is a safer therapy as it does not damage the epidermis. There is little pain and no recovery time. However, there are a number of sittings required before you can see positive results. Total cost is definitely more than chemical peels, creams etc but lesser than the cost of laser treatment.
5. Photofacial
Photofacial is probably one of the best minimally invasive procedures available to treat freckles. It is a safe and effective way to visibly reduce the appearance of freckles. The process involves applying a cooling gel and using a machine to administer broad-spectrum light so as to stimulate collagen production while removing the damaged layer of the skin. It is a gentle method that causes no side effects and has no recovery time.
Risks involved
The procedure might not be suitable for people with overly sensitive skin and the procedure must be carried under the supervision of a trained professional. Just like other options available, this method also needs multiple sittings before any improvement can be noticed.
It is advisable to consult a physician before you contemplate undertaking any of the above mentioned freckle treatment options. Depending on the condition and severity of your freckles, your physician will recommend the procedure that suits you the best.