Freckles are tiny, flat, pigmented spots found on the skin. It appears in cluster form and occurs due to genetic factors and exposure to the sun. Excess production of melanin causes freckles. Melanin is a pigment responsible for skin color. Freckles do not cause any disease or infection. When melanin absorbs UV light in various body parts such as the face, arms, and shoulders, it results in freckles. It is mostly found in light skin with light hair. Genetic variations can also lead to freckles. Freckles can be more noticeable in summer because of more sun exposure than in winter, shares Dermatologist in Bangalore, Dr. Rasya Dixit. They can be treated by topical creams, laser therapy, and chemical peels which are provided by dermatologists. It is suggested to avoid sun exposure as it is mainly the reason for freckles. Cosmetic treatments help in reducing freckles and enhancing aesthetic appearance. Read on to learn more about freckles causes and treatments that can help face them!

What Is The Main Cause Of Freckles?

• Genetic Factors: Genetic factors refer to a specific MC1R gene that affects melanin and causes freckles. It is inherited as it transfers from one generation to another generation or if one of the parents has the MC1R gene, then there is a chance that their children also have the freckle's gene. Sun exposure also activates the genes leading to the production of excess melanin. This excess melanin production causes freckles. People with light skin and light brown or red-colored hair have more chances of freckles. 
  
  
• Sun Exposure: Freckles are a group of melanin that becomes more pronounced when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It triggers the cells that produce melanin, allowing excessive melanin production. It darkens the existing freckles and forms new freckles. It happens mostly in summer due to maximum sun exposure despite winter where sun exposure is less. It is necessary to protect the skin from sun exposure. Dermatologists recommend sunscreen with high SPF, covering exposed skin with clothes, and avoiding excessive sun exposure. It prevents the skin and gives an aesthetic appearance.
  
  
• Hormonal Variations: Hormone variation also leads to freckles. Hormone changes at the time of puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or excess use of medicine cause freckles. During puberty, hormones like estrogen and testosterone cause excess oil production that affects the skin texture, leading to acne and freckle formation. Pregnancy stimulates certain hormones like estrogen and progesterone, affecting skin pigmentation. Menopause is due to a decrease in estrogen hormones that causes skin elasticity and moisture, resulting in freckles. 
  
  
• Skin Nature: The appearance of freckles also depends on the nature of the skin. People with fair skin and light or brown hair have less melanin and are more sensitive to UV exposure. This type of skin leads to the production of more melanin when the skin is exposed to the sun. Darker skin types have more melanin and are less sensitive to sun exposure, protecting against sun exposure. 

Do Freckles Go Away? What Are The Best Treatments For Freckles Removal?

Freckles are harmless and do not cause any health problems. A skilled Skin Specialist In Bangalore Dr. Rasya Dixit offered advanced treatments to reduce the noticeable freckles. 

Here are the different treatments used to treat freckles:

• Topical Treatment: Topical treatment is used to reduce the freckle appearance and maintain a uniform skin tone. It includes hydroquinone, retinoids, vitamin C, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). Hydroquinone is a topical serum that lightens the skin and gradually fades the freckles. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps in reducing freckles and brightening the skin. Retinoids are the derivatives of vitamin A that contain tretinoin and help in fading hyperpigmentation. AHAs include glycolic acids that discard freckled skin and rejuvenate new skin. 
  
  
• Laser Treatments: Laser treatment plays a crucial role in treating freckles. Therapy using lasers involves the use of concentrated beams of light that are absorbed by the pigment melanin present in the hair follicles, allowing the melanin to break down and helps in minimizing melancholic development. There are different types of laser techniques used for freckle treatment, such as Q-switched lasers, fractional lasers, and carbon laser peel.
  
  
• Carbon laser peel: Carbon laser peel is the most popular non-invasive procedure used to treat skin texture and enhance an individual's appearance. It improves the color by combining treatment with carbon solution and a laser. It is based on various skin types. In this process, a thin layer of liquid carbon is applied to the skin as small particles of carbon penetrate the pores and adhere to dead skin cells, oil, and impurities. As carbon enters the pore, a laser is used to target and remove the carbon particles along with skin impurities by rapidly heating. This vaporizes the particles and also leads to the formation of collagen. Collagen production improves skin texture, firmness, and appearance. 
  
  
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is the method to treat freckles. In this method, liquid nitrogen is applied to the affected areas. They freeze the melanocytes, and pigmented cells, and exfoliate them. It helps to minimize freckles and rejuvenate your skin. It targets the cells and destroys the area producing excess melanin. It requires several sessions for the best results.
  
  
• Microneedling Radiofrequency (MNRF): It is a technique where a combination of microneedling and radio frequency energy is used. This dual treatment improves skin texture, tone, and appearance. Microneedling is a process in which fine needles are used to make punctures in the skin. This stimulates the skin to produce collagen and heals the skin naturally. Radiofrequency energy along with microneedling shows a greater impact on the skin as it creates micro-injuries in deeper layers of the skin. This radiofrequency energy heats the cells and stimulates more collagen production that tightens the skin. 
  
  
• Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are one of the methods to exfoliate pigmented skin and enhance aesthetic appearance. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that discards the outer layer of pigmented skin and promotes the growth of new cells. Superficial peels and deeper peels are used based on the severity of freckles.

Freckles are becoming common skin pigmentation problems these days. If one wants clear skin consult Dr. Rasya Dixit today at her clinic