When the sun comes out, so do freckles. Sun-induced freckles, also known as solar lentigines, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light either from the sun or a tanning bed, according to Skinsight.com. Children and older adults who burn but don't tan are more at risk for sun freckles. Although freckles aren't cancerous in of themselves, if you notice this type of hyperpigmentation on your skin, you're more at risk for skin cancer, says the Mayo Clinic. Get rid of sun freckles by developing a comprehensive strategy that includes ways to prevent them in the future.
Step 1
Exercise thorough sun protection. No matter the method you choose to fade freckles away, your efforts will be lost if you don't address the cause of freckling, says Paula Begoun, skincare guru. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of at least 30 before going outdoors, advises Skinsight.com. Wear protective clothing on exposed areas of your body. Don a hat. Avoid going outdoors when ultraviolet rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Step 2
Use fading/bleaching creams with care. Most nonprescription skin lightening creams contain a bleaching ingredient called hydroquinone. Concentrations of 2 percent hydroquinone can be purchased over the counter, while those of up to 4 percent may be prescribed by a doctor. According to the "The Patient's Guide to Freckles," freckle creams bleach both the freckle and the rest of your skin, resulting in the same color variance between the two. Therefore, this treatment, although widely used, may not be successful.
Step 3
Choose skincare products that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs, the most commonly researched being lactic acid and glycolic acid, won't prevent melanin production or lighten the skin in the same way bleaching creams do, says Begoun. However, they can reach into the skin's surface and promote cell turnover. The overall effect is a gentle exfoliation of the top layer of your skin where pigment accumulates, she says.
Step 4
See a dermatologist. The most effective way to get rid of sun-induced freckles requires expert guidance. According to "The Patient's Guide to Freckles," a topical prescription retinoid may be helpful to banish solar lentigines. Also, certain types of lasers, specifically green-light lasers, are effective in removing freckles and other types of hyperpigmentation.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- Hydroquinone cream (optional)
- Skincare with alpha hydroxy acids
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