Freckles, like any physical attribute or fashion statement, have gone in and out of style over the years. For ages, people used all kinds of methods to prevent and get rid of freckles. Today, we see people using makeup to apply false freckles across their cheeks and noses.
Whether popular or not, the reality is that freckles are typically nothing more than hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. Genetics can also play a role in whether or not someone develops freckles, most especially on the face, neck, and arms.
These days, while many people feel that freckles are an attractive physical accessory, they can still be a sign of sun damage. Skin that has suffered sun damage is more prone to wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and general signs of aging. While we all inevitably age, sun damage hastens the process in our skin.
If you are someone who freckles, either during summertime or year round, and you are looking for ways to avoid it, keep on reading for some preventative skin care tips.
How to Stop Getting Freckles – Prevention
The solutions to preventing freckles involve protecting your skin from the sun. Sun exposure causes melanin to build up under the skin, creating spots – or freckles, which may appear brown, red, or tan in color.
Freckles indicate someone has skin that is more sensitive to sunlight; therefore, it is important these people wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, with both UVA and UVB protection, every day, especially during the summertime.
Wearing protective clothing, avoiding tanning (especially tanning beds), and reapplying sunscreen regularly are all things that will help prevent freckles and protect against sun damage.
It should be noted that freckles themselves are harmless, however, skin cancer can sometimes be mistaken for them. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice any freckles/spots changing shape, bleeding, itching, developing ragged edges, or if it appears different from those surrounding it.
Laser Skin Resurfacing for Sun Damage
At the Center for Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, we offer non-invasive laser treatments which help repair sun damage. By creating changes in the skin tissue, treatments like BBL (Broad Band Light), Profractional Erbium Laser Therapy, and skin resurfacing vastly improve the appearance of wrinkles, skin texture, discoloration, dark spots, etc.
Laser skin resurfacing removes outer layers of damaged skin, allowing new, healthy skin to grow in its place. Profractional Erbium Laser Therapy is a minimally invasive therapy which triggers collagen production in the skin, improving skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. BBL is a non-invasive, no down time procedure that helps treat brown spots, uneven skin texture, and dilated blood vessels, all of which can be signs of sun damage. BBL is typically combined with a prescription level skincare regimen.
Cosmetic Surgery Center in Lisle, IL
If you have freckles and are concerned about sun damage, contact the Center for Cosmetic & Laser Surgery today. We offer numerous facial treatments and procedures that can improve the appearance of damaged or aging skin, as well as advise you on proper preventative measures. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
