Freckles: What are they and should you remove them?

Personally we love freckles. We feel that it gives a face character, but being in the whitening-obsessed Asia, more often than not it is seen as a blemish that has to be removed or lightened.

However, due to the K-beauty trend, Asian girls – that do not have freckles – have begun to draw artificial freckles on their face to achieve a youthful and approachable look. What’s the saying? That the grass is always greener…

Freckles are brown spots on the skin that are caused by the sun. Pigment producing cells are responsible for melanocytes and when sun-damaged, they result in freckles. Freckles are essential abnormal clusters of melanin pigment. While usually harmless, too much sun-damage can result in pigmentation and sun spots.

TO REMOVE OR NOT

People prone to freckles are usually genetically predisposed to skin cancer as they are usually lighter skinned. If there is a particular spot you are concerned with you should have a dermatologist check it out.

But if you want to remove your freckles for cosmetic reasons, there are aestheticians that can remove or lighten your freckles with creams like hydroquinone or procedures like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment. Homeopathic treatments such as using lemon as a spot treatment, have been known to lighten freckles due to its vitamin C content.

Do consult a professional before going for any treatments, and perform a patch test at home before starting on any new creams or regimes.

SUNSCREEN ALL DAY

Whether you have freckles or not, sunscreen should always be a must in your beauty regime. Especially in Singapore. Sunscreen helps prevent the formation of freckles, darkening of the complexion and even fine lines and burns. Make sure you pick a sunscreen that says ‘broad spectrum SPF’ which protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.

Apply them on areas that seem to have more freckles as that is where you are susceptible to sun damage.

Whether you like your freckles or not, practicing good skincare habits including applying sunscreen religiously will save you larger problems in the long run.

Cheryl Lee