The sun provides several benefits, including warmth, light, and some vitamin D. But what about freckles? We’d prefer not to have them! Many look for a way to have uniformly coloured skin, so freckle removal is a popular skincare treatment. Don’t get what we’re on about? Fret not. We’re here to give you all the facts.
What Are Freckles, Exactly?
Freckles, also known as ephelides, are more than just a symptom of sun exposure; they are clusters of concentrated cells. Freckles form when a type of cell known as a melanocyte generates more pigment than normal. This pigment protects the skin from UV rays of the sun, and when stimulated, it urges cells to produce more melanin, resulting in the occurrence of freckles.
It’s unclear why some parts of the skin freckle more than others. But we do know that they’re an indicator of how sensitive your skin is to the sun and that they work as natural sun protection. More and more reason to adore your freckled skin.
Here’s What Causes Freckles To Appear Suddenly On Skin
When exposed to the sun, the skin can react quite quickly. For some people, even a few minutes outside on a high UV day might result in sunburn. This also applies to freckles. Even brief bursts of exposure to UV light can cause freckling.
Lastly, while it’s a wonderful thing that our skin can react so quickly to changing conditions—it’s an evolutionary function designed to shield us from the sun—the occurrence of freckles may be very distressing for those who want clear, blemish and freckle-free skin.
Sunscreen Is The Only Answer To Prevent Freckles
Ultimately, the simplest way to control your freckles is to prevent new ones from forming. Thankfully, freckle prevention is simple. The first measure is to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight without sun protection. And, if you’re going to be out in the sun, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it every couple of hours (or as directed).
You might also want to try to apply retinol cream to your freckled and/or sun-damaged skin. This vitamin A molecule offers further protection against damage and freckle production, and may even help to reduce freckles over time. That being said, while sunscreen can help prevent freckles, it cannot reverse or eliminate freckles that already exist on your skin.
Add these sunscreens to your cart to enjoy a day in the sun without a worry!
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