What is the best method to get rid of freckles on my face?

There are several pigmentation disorders that look very much like each other yet require different methods to resolve them.

The most common type of pigmentation are associated with sun damage. These are called solar lentigines. These are usually darker and with very clear borders. Some of these can be treated with creams or serums alone.

I prefer to use a combination of the picolaser and creams or serums to treat pigmentation. Depending on the method or protocol used, you may have the pigmentation initially getting darker before flaking off in 1 to 2 weeks.

Other types of pigmentation tend to fade gradually over time. I often describe these pigmentation like cups of tea. Our goal is to empty out the cups without breaking them. If we break the cups, what is left will be a permanent white spot. Because we to not aim to destroy the cells that produce pigment, it also means that the pigmentation can come back.

Prevention is key. Use sunblock regularly. Perhaps consider going for maintenance treatment every so often.

The best way to remove freckles is with pigmentation lasers (eg Q-switched Nd Yag laser).

You can expect downtime of redness of 1 day followed by dry scabbing for 5-7 days, with a couple of laser sessions. This downtime can be readily concealed, so you can still resume your daily activities.

Sun protection measures before and after the laser sessions are equally important for sustainable results, otherwise the freckles may slowly recur.

As for the other pigmentations on your face, the treatments will really depend on type of pigmentations that you have. Other than freckles, common pigmentations occuring on the face, especially in Asian skin types, include solar lentigos, melasma, Hori's naevus, etc.

So I would recommend you to speak to an experienced doctor in treating pigmentations with lasers to discuss on the most suitable treatment options for you.

If you are keen for more detailed information on treatments of freckles (including photos of the expected downtime) and also other common types of pigmentations, you can find out more in my "Ultimate Guide to Pigmentation Treatment in Singapore".

Hope this helps!

Cheers!

Dr David Ng C H

You may want to consider a picosecond laser like PicoSure. Picosecond lasers deliver a strong pulse of energy over a very short picosecond interval to scatter pigmentation without heating up the skin significantly.

In my opinion, PicoSure is a good choice for treatment of pigmentation like freckles and it is the gold standard to effectively and safely treat facial pigmentation.

Cheers!

Dr. Terence Tan

Hi Christine.

Energy based devices (lasers in this case) are the mainstay for removal of pigmentation. IPL can also be used for such issues.

One would typically require several sessions over several months for best results, but this depends on the type of pigmentation present.

Maintenance with sunscreen and appropriate topical treatment with vitamin c serums, retins and such is especially important in the long run.

Cheers.

Shane

Hello Christine

Thank you for your question. In addition to what Dr Shane has mentioned, chemical peel can be used to treat pigmentations such as freckles and sun damaged skin.

The peel will help to remove the top layers of the pigmented/ sun damaged skin and stimulate collagen production.

Chemical peel can be done in combination with laser therapy to give you the best result. Speak to a doctor to find out more.

Regards,

Dr Jiwei Wu

The best method to get rid of Freckles is using a Picosecond Laser. This laser selectively targets melanin pigment and lightens pigmentation over a course of 2-3 sessions, 3-4 weeks apart.

In addition to Picosecond lasers, you can consider Chemical peels, Retinoic acid-based creams and Sun protection (minimum SPF 30). These complementary treatments enhance the results of laser treatments and prevent formation of new pigmentation.

I suggest that you consult a doctor regarding your pigmentation as there are several types of skin pigmentation.

A common type of facial pigmentation known as Melasma is a chronic hyper-pigmentary condition that is harder to treat and control than freckles.

Hope that this helps.

Best regards,

Dr Justin Boey

Thank you for your question. As my colleagues have expertly shared with you, allow me to summarise.

1. Freckles and pigmentation can be treated with lasers

2. You must combine with sunscreen and lightening agents for added benefit

3. Pigments do return with time unfortunately.

Hope this helps.

Dr Daniel Chang

I actually in my own practice believe that prevention is always better than cure. Sunscreen and oral supplements such as Estheshield/white are my favourite tools in pigmentation problems.

The treatments discussed such as energy-based treatments (IPL/Lasers) will take several sessions to help but however there remains a risk of recurrence. Chemical peels are also an option.

Consult your doctor and discuss the possible treatment plans.