Freckles, also known as ephelides, are small pigmented spots, between 1 and 5 mm in size, but their coalescence can form larger spots.
These small macules appear on photo-exposed areas during childhood and adolescence. Mucous membranes are never affected. Lighter skin types are the most affected, especially redheads.
These pigmentations are quite pale, light brown or ochre, darkening with the sun and returning to their original colour after exposure to the sun.
Freckles are not a health problem and do not degenerate into melanoma.
The freckles are small spots on the skin that appear during childhood. Their quantity varies, with some people having a few on their nose and cheeks, while others are covered in them.
These small natural pigment spots can be a charming asset
but also a source of aesthetic concern for some. Thanks to modern techniques such as pigment laserthe microdermabrasion and gentle peelsBy applying the skin care product, it is possible to even out the complexion and reduce hyperpigmentation, leaving the skin harmonious and radiant.
Freckles are caused by a very superficial deposit of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.
There are two types of melanin:
- Eumelanin, a brown pigment, which increases during tanning.
- Pheomelanin, a red pigment, whose production increases in the case of freckles.
These small macules are absent at birth, appearing between the ages of 5 and 15.
Freckles are mainly caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The main causes are:
- Genetic factors: a predisposition to freckles is often hereditary. People with fair skin and red hair are more likely to have them because of a genetic mutation affecting the regulation of melanin production, and they are transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion.
- Sun exposure: exposure to UV rays stimulates the production of melanin in skin cells. Freckles appear as a result of this localised overproduction of melanin. This is why they are often more visible in summer, after prolonged exposure to the sun.
- UV-sensitive skin: people whose skin is more reactive to UV rays, particularly phototypes I and II, have an increased risk of developing freckles after even brief exposure to the sun.
Over the last few years, freckles have become the latest trend on social networks. Stars and influencers alike, Kendall JennerCaroline Receveur, Nabilla... have fallen for fake freckles.
Many women and teenagers want them. This is made possible by make-up and dermopigmentation.
Bear in mind that this is a fashion phenomenon and that it is better to opt for make-up that is easy to remove.
To prevent the appearance of freckles, sun protection is essential. Exposure to UV rays is the main trigger for freckles, so we recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days or in winter. Wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and protective clothing can also help limit direct exposure to the sun in summer.
Freckles can be a complex. Medical techniques can be used to reduce them.
The appearance and worsening of these macules can be slowed by the use of sun protection. In genetically predisposed individuals (phototype 1 and redheads), it is impossible to prevent their appearance.
The treatment of freckles depends mainly on the aesthetic discomfort they cause. Their treatment is therefore a personal decision.
However, it is recommended that you consult a doctor if you notice :
- A sudden increase in the number or size of spots.
- Changes in colour or texture.
- Spots that become painful, irritated or raised.
Some freckles can be mistaken for more serious lesions.
Two types of laser improve freckles:
- The ablative laser which eliminates the pigment.
- The Qswitch laser, which bursts the pigment.
In both cases, two to three sessions spaced two months apart are needed to achieve a visible improvement.
Dr Romano prefers the first option, the laser peel. The advantage of this type of laser is that it exfoliates the skin, not just removes freckles. The skin is brighter and regenerated by the removal of dead surface cells.
This technique is the most effective and, if carried out by an experienced doctor, does not cause post-inflammatory pigmentation, which is common with the Qswitch laser.
The peels are often considered a solution for treating freckles, but their effectiveness remains limited. This is because superficial peels only act on the upper layers of the skin, which means that the deeper pigment cannot be treated.
Medium peels and deep peels, which penetrate deeper into the skin, give more visible results.
However, these treatments carry the risk of side-effects such as redness, prolonged irritation and even scarring, making their use questionable.
The potential complications associated with these more aggressive peels often do not justify them for a minor aesthetic problem such as freckles.
Microdermabrasion is sometimes proposed as an option for treating freckles, but its effectiveness remains very limited. This technique involves exfoliating the superficial layers of the skin using microcrystals or an abrasive head, which removes dead cells and slightly smoothes the surface of the skin.
The pigment in freckles lies deeper down, so this treatment is not very suitable.
| Type of consultation | General rates |
|---|---|
Peeling |
From CHF 200 per session |
Laser |
From CHF 300 per session |
Microdermabrasion |
CHF 250 per session |
The results of freckle treatments depend on the type of treatment and the depth of the freckles.
After a laser session, there is a noticeable reduction in the quantity and intensity of freckles.
It's important to remember that even after a successful treatment, freckles can reappear, particularly if the skin is exposed to the sun again. It is therefore essential to protect yourself from the sun to maintain the results.
The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.
Contact details
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
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