There are a number of methods that can be used to get rid of freckles from the body. BeautiSecrets tells you how freckles are formed, and the most popular ways to get rid of them, for a beautiful, unblemished body.
Freckles are tiny brown or red spots on the skin that appear in clutters. This is a skin problem that is common among men as well as women and can be quite embarrassing. These spots commonly appear on the face, neck, arms, back, and, at times, even on the neck.
Freckles on the skin are a result of overexposure to the sun, and are caused due to skin damage by the harmful UV rays of the sun. If freckles are not removed, they may also lead to the development of age spots on the body, which is also very embarrassing as far as a person’s appearance is concerned. Thankfully, today there are a number of methods that can be used to remove freckles from the skin.
How Freckles are Formed
As mentioned before, freckles are a result of skin damage by overexposure to the sun. The human skin consists of cells that produce the pigment known as melanin. This melanin is then fed to the skin cells forming the outer barrier of the skin known as keratinocytes. These skin cells perform the important function of protecting the skin from damage, but when melanocytes are damaged by the sun, the skin starts forming freckles. These freckles are basically a type of abnormal collection of melanin in the skin. Further tanning or exposure to the sun can make freckles worse.
Freckle Removal Methods
Laser Treatment
As per dermatologists, laser treatment is the best available method today. It is important that you visit a dermatologist before deciding to choose this method. This method basically works by passing a green laser light over the area to be treated. The laser then removes the abnormal accumulation of the melanin pigment, thus eliminating the freckles for a clearer looking skin. There may be some minor side effects of this treatment method, like bruising or crusting, but this would also heal in a few weeks time. The average number of treatment sittings that a person requires does not usually exceed 2, and the cost would depend on the specialist that you opt for.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peel treatment or chemexfoliation is the next best option. This is basically a method that is used to improve the appearance of the skin, and helps in lightening the freckles on the skin. This treatment is administered by a doctor, commonly at a surgery center and does not take much time. You will need to thoroughly discuss this option with your doctor before opting for it, making sure you also discuss the possible side effects of the treatment.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is a treatment or type of surgery method for freckle removal that works by freezing or burning the freckles. It is usually done by freezing the skin using liquid nitrogen, and is maybe useful in treating just a few types of freckles. Therefore, find out if this option is suitable for your type of freckles before you opt for it.
Skin Bleaching
Skin bleaching is probably the easiest method to get rid of freckles at home. The skin or face bleaching cream should contain hydroquinone and kojic acid for it to be effective. These creams are also a good option and work in the same manner as skin bleach.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
This is a fairly new treatment, and works by using intense broadband light that has the ability to deliver energy to the superficial layers of the skin to remove freckles. As the skin is not damaged, there is no recovery time as such for this method.
At times, these treatments may also be required to be used in conjunction with one another. However, since there are so many options available, it should no more be considered a problem.