Freckles are a genetic trait most comonly found in individuals with lighter complexions and /or fair or red hair. They are clusters of melanin (skin pigment) found in concentrated spots on the skin. Though most commonly found on the face, freckles may appear on any part of the body, especially if exposed to sun.
Freckles are caused by the pigment melanin, whose production is triggered by exposure to sunlight. In particular, it is the UVB ray component of sulight that activates the pgiment producing cells, melanocytes, to increase the production of melanin. This results in darker, more numerous freckles.
The key to preventing freckles is to avoid sun exposure or use a good sunscreen such as Anthelios. Since individuals with freckles tend to have less protective melanin in their skin, this is a good idea for any fair skinned individual regardless of whether or not you have freckles.
Freckle treatments
Individuals may have luck with bleaching or fading creams to help diminish the appearance of freckles. Some are available over the counter and others, only by prescription. As well, you may be a candidate for laser therapy, which has been successful in some individuals. Check with your dermatologist to see if you might be a good candidate for this procedure.
If you want to try over the counter products to remove or fade your freckles, here are some freckle treatments with effective ingredients to consider:
- Hydroquinone –a tyrosinase inhibitor, which blocks the production of melanin. Considered by many skin specialists to be the gold standard for skin lightening, some individuals cannot tolerate hydroquinone and it does come with some serious side effects if not used as directed. Hydroquinone should not be used during pregnancy or when lactating.
Opt for a 4% preparations if you can. - Gigawhite – a botanical extract of alpine plants with skin lightening properties. Gigawhite may be found in Neostrata Spot Lightener.
- Arbutin (found in Bearberry) – another inhibitor of tyrosinase, it works in a similar manner to hydroquinone, but without the side effects.
- Kojic acid – a mushroom extract used widely throughout Asia for its skin lightening properties. Kojic acid along with Vitamin C and LHA (an exfoliant) may be found in La Roche Posay Mela D Bright.
- Vitamin C – in addition to all the other benefits of Vitamin C it has also been shown to reduce melanin formation. You get the added bonus of its antioxidant effect as well.�
Vitamin C may be found in a range of skin care preparations including UltimaSkin Alpha Lipoic Acid Serum and La Roche Posay Active C. - Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – include glycolic acid, mandelic acid, malic acid, lactic acid. AHAs are exfoliating agents, which remove the top layer of dead skin and are used by some individuals as a freckle treatment.
MaMa Lotion, with mandelic and malic acids, has been used effectively to fade freckles.
Any other effective treatments you may have tried?
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