What Are Freckles?
Freckles are dark spots on the skin that are made up of clusters of pigment cells of the skin. Freckles are also called ephelides and are mostly seen in light-skinned people- especially those with red hair. It is caused by a gene called MC1R.
Freckles are not cancerous and might fade or disappear with age. You can prevent freckles from getting darker and you can also prevent more from reappearing. This article would explain everything you need to know about freckles to you.
How To Differentiate A Freckle From A Mole
A mole is a brown or black flat or slightly elevated bump on the skin. The type of cells that form the bump distinguishes the real nature of the mole. They occur in different sizes ranging from a fraction of an inch to an inch in diameter. Moles are quite common especially in people up to and above forty years.
Meanwhile, freckles develop as a result of genetic predisposition, or sun exposure. Theeffect of UV rays on unprotected skin (skin without sunscreen) amongst people that have blond or red hair, might lead to excess production of melanin that is very likely to develop into freckles. A freckle is just a heavy deposit of melanin on one spot on the skin.
How To Differentiate Freckles From Pigmentation
Spots caused by pigmentation are usually larger than freckles; pigmentations are mostly seen on the hands, face, shoulder, back, arms, and tops of feet while freckles are majorly on the face.
Pigmentation is usually large because multiple pigmented cells are lumped together. Freckles fade away with age but pigmentation sticks around for a long time except when we are treated. Neither freckles or pigmentation is harmful. Always use sunscreen to prevent pigmentation and to prevent an increase in freckles.
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What Causes Freckles On Dark Skin
Freckles on dark skin are not common, but it is caused by the excess production of melanin. It can also develop as a result of inflammation of the skin or it could be genetic.
Freckles on dark skin could be easily mistaken for pigmentation or blackheads. To prevent this, ensure to always wear sunscreen when you’re out.
How To Create Freckles On Dark Skin
You could use makeup to create fake freckles on dark skin. It can be a fun way to switch up your look.
While applying your make-up as normal, the freckles would be the last step in your makeup routine. If you wear foundation, concealer or blush do it as you would do on a normal day.
To create obvious freckles, apply blush to your face, then use your eyeliner to make dots on top of them for your freckles. For a less obvious and more natural look apply the blush after you have created your freckles with your eyeliner but be careful not to smear the freckles.
Easy Steps To Highlight Freckles On Dark Skin
These are a few suggestions to highlight the freckles on your dark skin if it is natural.
● Avoid concealer
Generally, concealers are used to hide dark spots on the face but since we want to highlight the freckles on dark skin the concealer isn’t necessary. Steer clear of cakey or dry concealers if you must use concealers, and use them sparingly.
Let your foundation shade match the color of the skin between your freckles so it would look very natural. You can also replace the foundation with a tinted moisturizer or BB cream for more coverage. Always look for formulas with at least SPF 15.
If you have acne or irritation-prone skin, use the CC cream instead of a liquid foundation. It will even out your skin tone without covering the freckles. If none of these suit you, go for a mineral powder that gives coverage while letting your freckles shine through.
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● Applying Complimentary Makeup
You could decide to add mascara to your makeup to draw attention to your face and make your freckles noticeable. You could also decide to wear or draw a cat eye with a nude lipstick or lip gloss. It would also draw attention to your freckles.
Using soft colors of blush for your cheeks to make your freckles noticeable is very important too.
● Getting a Dewy Glow
Apply small amounts of sheer bronzer on areas the sun hits like your cheekbones, forehead, and nose. Use the right amount so it won’t overshadow your bronzer.
Stay away from contouring this makeup as it will not be suitable for freckles. You can use an illuminator to make your skin glow.
How To Treat Freckles On Dark Skin
1. Sunscreen
Use sunscreen all year round, even when it is cloudy. Sunscreen won’t get rid of existing freckles but it would prevent more.
Ensure that the sunscreen you are using should have an SPF of at least 30 or higher. Also, make sure to reapply your sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating. Apply sunscreen on bare skin for fifteen minutes before stepping out.
2. Use of focused pulses of laser and intense light
The use of laser treatment is safe although there may be some side reactions like itching, redness, crustiness, peeling, etc. The use of laser treatment has shown a more than fifty percent decrease in freckles.
It takes about two weeks to recover. Multiple sessions are required to see desired results.
3. Cryosurgery
This is the use of the cold temperature of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells. This is a very safe method and requires no anesthesia.
It takes little recovery time and although it has some common reactions like hypopigmentation, bleeding, and blistering, it rarely causes scarring.
4. Topical Fading Cream
Use creams that contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, etc. They are likely to cause inflammation, dryness, burning, and skin discoloration. The ingredients in this cream suppress melanin production and lighten darkened areas.
5. Use of Retinoid
Retinoid is a vitamin A compound used to improve sun-damaged skin and lighten freckles. Using this treatment method comes with common side effects like redness, skin irritation, peeling, and sensitivity.
How To Prevent Freckles
There are only two ways to prevent freckles which are
- Sunscreen: invest in a good sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it religiously like it as stated earlier.
- Invest in skincare: invest in skincare products that aid the reduction of pigmentation in the skin.
Summary
Freckles are caused by genes and exposure to the sun and are mostly seen in fair-skinned persons. It can also be treated and reduced if it’s bothersome. It could also be applied artificially if the person desires to.
