Certain obvious, physical features give people a unique appearance and one example of such feature is a freckle.
Some people naturally have freckles on their skin and while some may try to hide the obvious spots, others embrace the unique appearance it gives them and refers to their freckles as beautiful.
Freckles are usually found on people with pale complexions, but dark-skinned persons can have freckles too. Freckles are more evident when a person is out in the sun and they may fade or become less visible when that same person stays indoors or out of the sun for long periods of time.
So, what exactly are freckles? Are freckles permanent? Can people get rid of their freckles if they so desired?
Freckles are small, flat, round spots that appear on the skin. They are usually darker than the surrounding skin and can be red, tan, light brown, dark brown, black, or any color that is darker than the person’s natural skin color.
Freckles are generally uniform in color but some may have darker centers with lighter edges.
Freckles are usually found on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and arms but they can appear on any part of the body that is exposed to the sun. Freckles are more common in people with light skin color because they have less melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
Freckles are completely safe and result from an increase in melanin synthesis and they are not contagious.
Freckles are generally considered to be a beauty mark, but some people may want to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons.
Can Freckles be lighter Than Your Skin?
Freckles often describe spots that are darker than the person’s surrounding skin, but it is possible for freckles to be lighter in color. This can occur when a person has lighter-colored skin and they spend time in the sun.
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays cause the melanocytes in the skin to produce more melanin. The increased melanin will result in freckles that are darker than the person’s natural skin color.
A person with light-colored skin and freckles may find that their freckles become lighter in color when they stay out of the sun or if they use sunscreen with a high SPF. While it is possible for freckles to be lighter in color, it is more common for them to be darker.
Are Freckles Permanent?
Freckles are generally permanent but they may fade over time. This can occur naturally as a person ages or if a person stays out of the sun. Some people may also find that their freckles fade after they have had a pregnancy or if they have lost a significant amount of weight.
Freckles may also become lighter in color or disappear completely if a person uses certain skin products. These products work by reducing the amount of melanin in the skin and can be purchased over the counter or by prescription.
The appearance of freckles on one’s skin is a matter of personal preference. Some people may want to get rid of their freckles while others may like the unique appearance they give them.
There are a number of treatments available to people who want to lighten or remove their freckles. If you have freckles and want to get rid of them, talk to your doctor.
Can You Get Rid of Freckles?
There are a number of ways that people can get rid of their freckles if they so desired. Some people may choose to do nothing and let their freckles fade over time.
Others may use home remedies such as lemon juice, buttermilk, or cucumber slices. These home remedies may lighten the color of freckles but they will not remove them completely.
If you want to get rid of your freckles, you will need to see a doctor or dermatologist. There are a number of medical treatments that can be used to remove freckles.
These include laser therapy, cryotherapy, chemical peels, and dermabrasion. These treatments can be effective but they may also have side effects such as redness, swelling, and scarring. Before you decide to treat your freckles, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of each treatment.
Final Thoughts
With the understanding of what freckles are and how they appear on the skin, we know that it isn’t possible to have freckles lighter than one’s natural complexion.
However, it is possible for freckles to become lighter in color over time or with certain treatments. If you have freckles and want to get rid of them, talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
