They are predominantly common in people who have fair skin. They appear on upper-body skin areas like the cheeks, nose, arms, and upper shoulders and appear on people as young as 1 or 2 years of age.

Most freckles on a person's skin are generally uniform in colour. On different people, freckles may differ in colour, they are reddish, yellow, tan, light brown, brown, or black but they are mostly slightly darker than the surrounding skin. They are likely to become darker and more obvious after sun exposure and reduce in the winter months. Freckles are due to a rise in the amount of dark pigment called melanin.

Types of freckles

There are two types of freckles: simple freckles and sunburn freckles. Simple freckles are usually sun-tanned, round, and small about the size of a common construction nail head. Sunburn freckles are often darker, have uneven rough borders, and are larger. Sunburn freckles are more common on the upper back and shoulders where people often get their most severe sunburns.

Development of freckles

Freckles are thought to develop as a result of a combination of genetic inheritance and sun exposure. Two individuals getting the same sun exposure may not have an equivalent probability of developing freckles. Natural sunlight and artificial sun tanning lights release ultraviolet (UV) rays. After exposure to ultraviolet rays, the outer layer of the skin thickens and the pigment-producing cells produce the pigment melanin at a higher rate.

Preventive Measures Since there is little we can do about the genes, we can focus on the preventive measures to reduce freckles. Let us look at ways we can prevent freckles.

1. It is best that you defend yourself from the harmful rays of sun-protection from a young age. This means right from the tender age as a kid you need to protect yourself from the sun.

2. Opt for sunscreens with an SPF value that suits the environmental conditions around you. The more you expose yourself to the sun rays, higher should be the SPF. Apply sunscreen on all areas that are exposed to the sun, as freckles can appear anywhere. People who have sensitive skin can opt for Kaya’s Sensitive Skin Sunscreen provides effective protection against harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. It is light weight and its non-greasy formula hydrates the skin. Visit: http://shop.kayaclinic.com/shop-online/sensitive-skin-sunscreen to know more.

3. Avoid stepping out in the sun between 10 am to 4 pm, as this is the time when the sun-rays are the harshest.

4. Make sure that you re-apply sunscreen after every few hours, while you are out in the sun. You can even opt for sweat-proof sunscreen as it stays longer. Kaya’s Sweat Proof Sunscreen SPF 30+ is water and sweat resistant. Sunscreen delivering up to 8 hour broad spectrum protection against harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. To know more:  http://shop.kayaclinic.com/shop-online/sweat-proof-sunscreen-spf30

5. Wear broad-brimmed hat and try to remain in shade as much as possible. This is particularly required in case of those having fair skin, as they are more likely to have genes that can cause freckles.

Treatment for freckles

If freckles are aggravated and you want to have a clear skin, they can be medically treated. Kaya provides treatments that are consulted and carried out under the care of skin care experts. Treatments involve:

• Chemical Peeling: If you are wondering how to remove freckles forever, this might just be the perfect solution. Intense Clarity Peel, Kaya’s unique sequential combination peel system combines efficacious derma peels with natural skin lightening and depigmentation actives gives you even tone and visibly lighter skin.   Visit: http://www.kayaclinic.com/fairness-and-pigmentation/services?tab=2

• Laser Treatment: It can be successfully used to reduce the appearance of freckles on the skin. When done by an expert, laser treatment is a safe and simple procedure. Kaya’s Insta Clarity Laser is a revolutionary service that uses a FDA approved Q-Switched laser that is highly safe for Indian skin to treat unwanted pigmentation on your skin. Visit: http://www.kayaclinic.com/fairness-and-pigmentation/services?tab=2