Freckle refers to the irregular deposition of dark brown pigment on the exposed areas of the face such as the forehead, nose, and cheekbones under the eyes. As one of the pigments commonly found in nature, melanin pigment, which is black or blackish-brown, plays a role in determining skin color. When exposed to sunlight, melanin pigment is generated in the dermis from ultraviolet rays penetrating deep into the skin and acts to protect the skin. will make it
Although freckle generation does not cause problems such as pain or itchiness, it is a factor that requires a lot of attention from a cosmetic point of view. If you combine treatment with lifestyle habits that help get rid of freckle, you can see a good effect in prevention and alleviation of symptoms. Now, let’s take a look at the various causes of freckle and some information that will help you get rid of freckle.
Why Freckles Occur
Although the cause of freckle is not yet known clearly, it is estimated that UV rays, hormones, and genetic factors have a major influence on the occurrence. When exposed to UV rays, it stimulates the cells that form melanin, the black pigment in the skin, and increases the production of melanin, and freckles occur a lot. In addition, these ultraviolet rays act not only as freckles, but also as the main causes of freckles and pigmented skin diseases, which are small tan spots on the skin. Due to this cause, freckle gets worse in the summer when the sunlight is strong, and it can be said that it improves and fades somewhat in the winter when the sunlight is weak.
In addition to these sunlight UV rays, freckle can also be caused by hormones. Female hormones such as progesterone, including estrogen, have a significant effect on the occurrence of freckle. It is said that 50-70% of pregnant women with severe hormonal changes have freckle. In addition, melanocyte-stimulating hormone secreted according to thyroid dysfunction is also one of the factors contributing to the increase in freckle production, and it is reported that uterine-related diseases such as ovarian tumors also affect the occurrence. In addition, it is known that genetic factors also influence the occurrence of freckle, and it is said that the occurrence of freckle increases when one of the parents has freckle.
How to get rid of freckles
1. UV protection
Protecting and blocking the skin from UV rays is the most effective way to relieve symptoms as well as prevent the formation of freckle. If you go out or do outdoor activities on a sunny day, it is recommended to apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher to exposed areas such as the face, neck and arms. In addition to sunny days with strong sunlight, it is recommended to apply sunscreen on overcast days as well. UV rays penetrate the clouds and affect the skin at a rate of about 60% compared to a sunny day, so it is recommended to apply sunscreen on a cloudy day just like on a sunny day. And, in the case of freckles that occurred during pregnancy, it may fade on its own when UV exposure is reduced, but if management is neglected, it can remain after childbirth, so more careful management is important.
2. Eat foods that are good for freckle removal
In preventing and removing freckle, it is important to consume foods rich in excellent antioxidants such as vitamin C regularly. Vitamin C not only promotes the regeneration of damaged skin, but also protects the skin from UV rays by inhibiting the increase of melanin pigment, and at the same time helps to alleviate skin pigment diseases such as freckle and freckles. In addition, vitamin C has a whitening effect that brightens the skin tone as well as helps the formation of collagen constituting the skin tissue, thereby increasing the elasticity of the skin. You could say it’s relevant. Vitamin C is abundantly contained in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, tangerines and grapefruit, as well as various fruits and vegetables such as kiwi, broccoli, spinach, strawberries, red pepper, paprika, acerola, kakadu plum, guava, and camu camu fruit. known to have been In addition, green tea, oolong tea, carrots, tomatoes, goji berries, licorice, adzuki beans, and red beans are also known to have an excellent effect on suppressing freckle, so if you consume them regularly, you can see good effects. On the other hand, it is known that excessive consumption of processed foods and processed meat containing artificial sweeteners or chemical seasonings can make skin vulnerable to UV rays and increase the occurrence of freckles.
3. Smoking cessation and alcohol consumption control
Smoking dries out the stratum corneum of the skin and reduces estrogen, the female hormone, resulting in similar results to skin damage caused by exposure to UV rays. This effect not only continues the pigmentation of melanin, but also increases the production of freckle.
In addition, as it is known that the effect of toxins accumulated in the liver causes pigmentation and further promotes the production of freckle, it is also recommended to improve excessive drinking habits that cause liver function deterioration. In addition, caffeine contained in coffee and other energy drinks stimulates cells that produce melanin and causes a lack of moisture in the body, which can cause dry skin, so it is a good way to control intake.
4. Hospital treatment
In order to remove and improve the freckle that has already formed, it is said that one way is to visit a hospital, undergo various diagnostic procedures, and then receive multiple treatments. Vitamin A preparations, depigmentation ointments, and hydroquinone preparations according to the prescription of a specialist can inhibit the activity of melanin pigment. In addition, methods such as chemical dermabrasion to help reduce freckle using chemicals, vitamin C electrophoresis to prevent damage to the skin by penetrating vitamin C with micro-current, and laser treatment using a pigment laser can be performed. For these procedures, the skin surface may peel off depending on the dermabrasion, and there are side effects such as pigmentation, so it is recommended to select a treatment method through a thorough consultation with a specialist.
