When I was a little girl, I always wanted freckles -- lots of them, scattered across my nose and cheeks, just like Pippi Longstocking. I ended up with one freckle perfectly centered on the tip of my nose.
As usual, my childhood wishes did not represent the norm; lots of people want to get rid of their freckles, for asthetic reasons, or because of a perceived health risk (see the paragraph at the bottom of the page). If you want to get rid of your freckles, you need to understand what they are first: small, flat, tan, brown, or black spots on the skin caused by increased production and localized build-up of melanin in skin cells. Melanin is produced naturally as a skin pigment and protection against sunlight -- that's why prolonged sun exposure can produce or darken freckles, especially in people with fair skin. Predisposition to freckles can be genetic (like fair skin), and is even related to the presence of red hair (like Pippi's!). Read on for suggestions for getting rid of your freckles.
Freckle Treatments
Bleaching agents and creams are a common way to get rid of freckles. Bleaching agents usually contain hydroquinone, a chemical that fades skin color, and are available over-the-counter or in stronger prescription form. A bleaching skin cream, applied directly to freckles, can get rid of freckles by slowing the production of melanin and fading their color to that of the rest of your skin. Be careful, though: over-application or misuse of bleaching agents can cause serious skin irritation and damage.
Laser resurfacing is an effective way to get rid of freckles. Usually performed by a dermatologist, the doctor will numb the area around your freckles with a local anesthetic, then remove the top layer(s) of your skin with a laser. Your skin will usually take 1-2 weeks to heal after laser resurfacing, and long-lasting results will be varied.
Chemical peels can also get rid of freckles. Usually available through a dermatologist, a chemical peel is an intense exfoliation of your face that uses harsh chemicals to peel away several layers of skin. A chemical peel will reduce the appearance and visibility of your freckles, and your skin should heal after a day two. Sensitive skin can take longer to heal.
Liquid nitrogen treatment (cryotherapy) is often used to get rid of freckles. Also known as “freezing” (because it’s so cold—duh), liquid nitrogen is also a common treatment for warts. When applied directly to a freckle, the liquid nitrogen forms a blister that effectively lifts the freckle out of the skin then causes it to fall off. Cryotherapy can be painful and should not be used on the same area skin more than once a week.
Treatments containing retinoids can get rid of your freckles. Retinoids are a class of natural chemical compounds related to Vitamin A and used in the treatment of many dermatological conditions, including freckles. The brand-name Retin-A cream or gel contains the retinoid Tretinoin and is often used to treat acne, but can also help you get rid of your freckles. Side effects can include dry skin and increased risk of sunburn.Treating Serious Skin Conditions
Sometimes freckles, or what look like freckles, can turn into something more serious. Larger flat brown spots can be the result of aging (often called age or liver spots); rougher large brown marks can be sun damage (solar keratoses) or warts. If a freckle or mole grows quickly and becomes discolored you should see a doctor immediately to check for malignant melanoma, a common form of skin cancer.
