What Are Freckles? Causes and Treatment Methods Explained
No one is born with freckles. Freckles typically begin to appear gradually during childhood. Sun exposure and genetics are the primary reasons for the development of freckles. While there are treatment options available that help fade freckles, none can eliminate them entirely. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of freckles and various treatment methods, including home remedies. Stay with us.
What Are Freckles and How Do They Develop?
Freckles are a type of skin pigmentation issue caused by the overproduction of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color). Melanin is a natural pigment that gives color to our hair, skin, and eyes. It also protects the skin from UV rays by absorbing and reflecting them. If you have light skin and hair, your body produces more melanin when exposed to sunlight, which increases the likelihood of developing freckles. These spots typically appear on areas most exposed to the sun such as the cheeks, nose, and forehead.
The color of freckles can range from red, light brown, dark brown, to bronze.
Types of Freckles
There are generally two types of freckles:
1) Ephelides
These are flat spots that appear red or bronze-brown. Sun exposure or sunburn is the main cause of ephelides. They usually develop on sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, upper chest, neck, and back. People with fair skin and light hair are more prone to ephelides. If children do not use sunscreen, ephelides may begin in early childhood and persist through adolescence, then gradually fade with age.
2) Solar Lentigines
Also known as sun spots, age spots, or liver spots, these are usually yellow, red, brown, or dark in color and typically occur in people over 40. Prolonged and repeated sun exposure is the main cause. They appear on areas most exposed to the sun like the face, arms, backs of hands, chest, lower legs, and back.
Comparison Table of Skin Lesions
| Feature | Freckles | Sun Spots | Moles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Flat, clustered over a large area | Flat, may be clustered | Flat or raised, single or grouped |
| Cause | Genetics and sun exposure | Sun exposure | Clustered skin cell growth |
| Age of Onset | Appears around age 2-3 | Common after age 40 | Present from birth or during childhood/adolescence |
| Location | Face, neck, chest, arms, back | Face, hands, shoulders, back | Various body parts |
| Shape | Irregular with defined borders | Defined borders | Round or oval with defined borders |
| Color | Bronze, brown, or red | Bronze, brown, or black | Light brown to dark brown or black |
| Size | 1–2 mm or larger | 2 mm or larger | Usually smaller than 6 mm |
Causes of Freckles
The main cause of freckles is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Other contributing factors include:
Sun exposure: The skin produces more melanin to protect itself from UV rays, which can cause freckles to appear.
Genetics: Multiple genes affect melanin production and determine an individual's tendency to develop freckles.
Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP): A rare genetic disorder causing extreme sensitivity to UV rays, increasing freckle development.
Do Freckles Require Treatment?
In most cases, freckles are harmless and don't need medical treatment. To prevent freckles, avoid sun exposure as much as possible. If you must be in the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Sunscreen is especially important for individuals with fair skin who are more prone to freckles and at a higher risk of skin cancer.
If you must be in the sun, use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent freckles.
Freckle treatments primarily aim to lighten the spots rather than remove them entirely.
1) Over-the-Counter Treatments
Studies have shown that products containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol can lighten freckles. These ingredients are commonly found in topical creams and exfoliants.
Some effective ingredients include:
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA)
Azelaic acid
Cysteamine
Vitamin C
Retinol
2) Laser Therapy
Modern laser devices offer high efficiency with minimal side effects compared to traditional treatments. Lasers work by removing the skin's surface layer. Studies have shown significant improvement in pigmentation and freckle reduction using laser treatments.
3) Cryotherapy
This treatment uses liquid nitrogen to freeze non-cancerous age or sun spots. After treatment, the area darkens and peels after a few days.
4) Home Remedies for Freckles
Though scientifically unproven, many home remedies are popular and generally safe when used moderately.
Examples include:
Lemon juice: Dab on skin with cotton, then rinse. Believed to lighten pigmentation.
Honey: May help fade freckles. Mix with sugar or salt for an exfoliant.
Buttermilk: Apply directly, leave for 10 minutes, rinse. Contains lactic acid which may lighten freckles. Can be used with oatmeal as a mask.
Aloe vera: Contains compounds that may fade freckles.
Sour cream: Like buttermilk, contains lactic acid. Apply and rinse after a few minutes.
Yogurt: Apply, leave briefly, and rinse.
Onion: Rub on skin and rinse with warm water. Believed to cleanse and lighten skin.
Note: If any of these remedies cause irritation, discontinue use immediately.
Additionally, for those interested in at-home skincare tools, the High-Frequency Electrotherapy Rod available on PivoStores can be a helpful addition to your skincare routine. This device is designed to promote skin rejuvenation, reduce pigmentation, and support overall skin clarity when used consistently and correctly.
Are Freckles Dangerous?
Freckles are very common and harmless, more visible in summer. Individuals with light skin and blonde or red hair are more likely to develop freckles. In people with darker skin, freckles may appear as darker brown spots.
When Should You Worry About Freckles?
If your freckles appear in summer and fade in winter, they’re usually not a concern. Typical freckles are light brown and flat. However, if you notice new, raised, bleeding, or very dark (blue/black) spots, consult a doctor. Freckles are usually 1–2 mm wide, so watch for those that grow larger.
How to Prevent Freckles
To prevent age spots and new freckles after treatment, follow these tips:
Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
Use sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen 15–30 minutes before going out. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Cover your skin: Wear long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats for better sun protection than baseball caps or visors.