Where Do Freckles Come From And Can They Be Dangerous

The trend for artificial freckles appeared last summer, but still does not give up its positions. Brown specks scattered across the face seem to many to be a very cute addition to the beauty image. But what is actually hidden behind them? And are real freckles really that safe, or are they a real skin hazard? We answer these and other questions together with Venera Vostryakova, a cosmetologist at the Austrian health center VerbMayr.

Freckles are small age spots that are mostly found on exposed areas of the body (face, shoulders, arms, back). As a rule, the first freckles appear in childhood. By the period of puberty, their number reaches a maximum, and with age begins to gradually decrease. True, under the influence of the sun, their number can increase many times, especially in people with light and red hair. So, let's take a closer look at freckles.

Why do freckles occur?

In the appearance of freckles, a decisive role is played by a hereditary factor associated with a change in the structure of cells that synthesize the pigment melanin. So, in people with light or red hair, the skin does not contain a sufficient amount of this component, therefore, after a long stay in the sun, they do not have an even tan, but numerous freckles. In a sense, they play the role of defenders: they signal the skin's reaction to a large amount of ultraviolet radiation, which saves it from burns.

In addition to heredity, many other factors can influence the occurrence of freckles. These include hormonal imbalances, stress, liver disease, hypovitaminosis, etc. Some cosmetic procedures, for example, frequent peels or other aggressive procedures, can also contribute to their appearance. Therefore, if you are sure that freckles on the body are not due to heredity, it is high time to revise your beauty routine and find out the main culprit that caused pigmentation (see also: "How to get rid of age spots on the face").

Preventing freckles

So, if you do not want your skin to become covered with freckles with the onset of sunny days, you should remember a few simple but effective steps. To begin with, it is worth replenishing the amount of elements and vitamins in the body, the lack of which enhances skin pigmentation. Here we are primarily talking about vitamins D, C and PP. It is also worth including in the diet foods rich in nicotinic and ascorbic acids.

Remember not to dramatically increase the amount of time in the sun - the addiction should be gradual. Dermatologists advise against being in the sun at its peak (from 12 to 15 hours) and strongly recommend not to forget about sunscreen. From March to autumn, before going outside, apply a cream with an SPF of 30 to 50 - it will help reduce the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin. Also in the spring you should pay attention to cosmetics with antioxidants, vitamin C, and in the fall and winter - to whitening cosmetics (read also: "13 tips on how to protect your face, body and hair from ultraviolet radiation").

Can freckles be removed?

You always have the opportunity to get rid of age spots, but this can only be done with the simultaneous removal of the surface layer of the skin. Most often, for this they resort to a chemical method - that is, using an acid peel to help whiten the skin. An effective option is also removal during laser peeling or skin resurfacing. In this case, alexandrite and erbium laser has proven itself well.

You can also remove freckles by injection using drugs with a whitening effect, and in combination with the hardware technique, you can achieve the desired result as quickly as possible. The most important thing is to go through a preliminary consultation with a specialist and listen to the recommendations of a beautician. Only in this case he will be able to choose the right freckle removal strategy that is right for you.