Freckles

• Definition of Freckles
• Causes of Freckles
• Types of Freckles
• Prevention of Freckles

Available freckle treatments:

Since freckles are considered to be hereditary, it is not medically important to seek for treatment procedures. However, there are those who aspire for clearer skin. In order to satisfy their needs, possible treatments were developed while researches and studies about this skin condition are continuously conducted in order to attain maximum patient or customer comfort. The following are the most common freckle treatments up to this time:

• Topical bleaching creams - Most bleaching creams contain hydroquinone and kojic acid which have lightening properties, when applied to the skin consistently help fade away the skin's dark pigmentation over a period of time.Bleaching creams can be purchased without prescription. However preparations containing over 2% of hydroquinone require a prescription.When using bleaching creams, it is advised to use lotions or creams with SPF at the same time to further protect the skin against sun damage.
  
• Topical retinoids - Constant application of products containing retinoids, is also a great way in ligtening freckles after a period of several months.
  
• Chemical peeling - Also known as chemical resurfing, chemical peeling is a type of skin treatment which is aimed to improve the skin's appearance. This treatment peels off the upper layer of the skin to give way to new and healthier skin cells to grow. People with freckles, after going through this process will notice that the freckles are a lot lighter and are minimized.
  
• Herbal green peel - Another skin peeling method which promotes lightening of freckles is the herbal green peel procedure. (further discussed on this link)
  
• Laser treatment - Laser treatment is another common procedure these days in treating and minimizing the presence of freckles on the skin. It effectively and safely decreases the appearance of dark spots by rejuvenating the skin surface.
  
• Cryosurgery - Is a procedure which involves freezing or burning of skin growths and lesions using liquid nitrogen. This procedure is rarely performed on individuals having freckles with very small sizes. Therefore, this process is mostly performed on patients having the lentigo type of freckle since the spots are much larger, more visible and easier to detect.
  
• Intensed Pulsed Light therapy (IPL) - Also known as photofacials is another possible way of minimizing and lightening freckles. The beam of light is contributed on the dermis layer of the skin (the sensitive connective tissue layer of the skin located below the epidermis) while leaving the epidermis (outmost layer of the skin) untouched. The beam targets the melanocytes and reduces its production of melanin.