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Freckles are a completely natural part of many people's complexion. They can appear on the face, neck, and body. But if they bother you, achieving an even skin tone is entirely possible with today's advanced treatments.
Modern freckle removal options range from treatments that virtually eliminate freckles to those that dramatically fade them for a more subtle effect.
If you’ve ever thought about getting rid of your freckles, this guide covers the most effective removal techniques and technologies on offer. We’ll also go through the best ways to prevent new freckles from forming without having to hide indoors or wait for seasonal changes.
What are freckles, and why do they form?
Freckles, or superficial hyperpigmentation, are small brown spots that develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin, including the face, hands, arms, and shoulders. They're most common in people with fair skin and appear as the skin's natural response to UV light stimulation.
Human skin reacts quickly to sun exposure—even just a few minutes outside on a high UV day can trigger sunburn in some people, and the same applies to freckling. Even brief UV exposure can result in new freckles forming.
Are freckles sun damage?
Freckles are largely an inherited trait. While they occur as a direct result of sun exposure, they're not considered sun damage in the same way age spots are. Unlike moles, freckles very rarely pose any health risks, and whether you view them positively or negatively is entirely a matter of personal preference.
You can find out more information in our blog: Freckles vs sun damage.
Types of freckles
There are two kinds of spots that people refer to as freckles, ephelides and solar lentigines.
Ephelides
These are ordinary freckles that should fade away with time (although sometimes that doesn't happen as quickly as people would like). When they do fade, it can happen within months. It's not uncommon for some people to have a face full of freckles in the sunny summer, and freckle-free skin in the wintertime.
Solar lentigines
Also known as sun spots or liver spots. They will not go away over time. Even with limited UV exposure, wide-brimmed hats, and copious amounts of sunscreen, the freckles stick around! In these cases, the only tried and tested solution for removing sunspots is a freckle removal treatment by a trained professional.
How to reduce the appearance of freckles at home
Prevention
The best approach to managing freckles is to prevent new ones from forming. This means diligent sun protection: wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, seeking shade during peak UV hours, and covering up with protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
Still, some people are so prone to freckling that even with conscientious sun-smart precautions like sunscreen, some freckling is practically unavoidable.
Products to use
Vitamin C
Vitamin C serum can help lighten freckles, but some freckles are more persistent than others. As well as having a host of other benefits, the serum will suppress melanin cells and rejuvenate your skin. Vitamin C can help with discolouration and, over time, it will lead to brighter and healthier skin. It also protects skin from free radical damage.
Our clinicians recommend: Effica C by Synergie and Light Ceutic by Dermaceutic
Retinol
Retinol is a Vitamin A serum, and it can lighten your freckles. It's a great solution for freckle removal, because the serum is suitable for any skin type, even sensitive skin. And it doesn't just help with freckle reduction. Retinol improves skin tone and texture in general and can fight the onset of the signs of premature ageing.
Our clinicians recommend: Activ Retinol by Dermaceutic and Mela Cream by Dermaceutic
Sunscreen
The right sunscreen, properly applied, can prevent the appearance of freckles. For better protection from UV rays, choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF rating, and make sure that you reapply, reapply, reapply!
Our clinicians recommend: Mesoprotech Melan 130 Pigment Control by Mesoestetic
Professional freckle removal treatments
When products aren’t enough, there are several treatment options that dramatically reduce the appearance of freckles, including laser, chemical peels, and more. It's worth noting that treatments will address existing pigmentation, but won't necessarily prevent new freckles from forming – this is why ongoing skincare and sun protection remain so important!
Laser therapy
Laser treatment is one of the most effective ways of removing freckles. Many freckles are often removed after just one session, and even persistent freckles can fade into obscurity after repeated sessions.
Picoway
Picoway laser technology uses ultra-short pulses to break down pigmentation with minimal heat damage to surrounding skin. This advanced approach often requires fewer sessions and offers faster healing times for effective freckle removal.
Clear + Brilliant
Clear + Brilliant is a gentle fractional laser that creates microscopic treatment zones to refresh skin tone and reduce light pigmentation. It's ideal for those seeking gradual freckle fading with minimal downtime.
Fraxel
Fraxel is a resurfacing laser that's particularly effective for treating superficial freckles. It uses non-ablative technology to create controlled thermal zones within the skin, promoting natural skin renewal and targeting surface-level pigmentation for clearer, more even-toned skin.
Chemical peels
A chemical peel is a process by which chemicals are applied to the skin, resulting in exfoliation and the peeling off of old and damaged skin. There are many benefits to having a chemical peel, like younger-looking and rejuvenated skin, but a chemical peel can also have the added benefit of removing or significantly lightening freckles.
Cosmelan peel
Cosmelan is a professional depigmentation treatment that combines in-clinic application with at-home maintenance. It's particularly effective for stubborn freckles and age spots, delivering gradual but dramatic lightening results.
Dermamelan peel
A step up from Cosmelan, Dermamelan offers intensive pigmentation correction through a two-phase system. This powerful treatment targets deep-seated freckles and provides long-lasting results for those seeking comprehensive pigmentation removal.
TCA peel
A medium-depth exfoliation to effectively target freckled skin. TCA peels are stronger than lighter peels but not as intensive as Dermamelan, offering a middle-ground option for those wanting noticeable results.
Book a skin consultation with Victorian Dermal Group
If you’re thinking about getting rid of your freckles, a trained clinician at Victorian Dermal Group can provide you with a personalised treatment plan. We'll give you a rundown on what’s best suited to your skin type so you can start your journey to productive skin health.
Freckle removal: FAQs
Can freckles fade permanently?
Laser treatment will mostly remove your freckles, but long-term, new freckles can appear if you're not careful in the sun. While laser treatment is effective and a very popular choice, it's important to still be sun-safe with shade, hats, and sunscreen if you want to keep freckles away for the long haul.
Can you use a combination of treatments to remove freckles?
You certainly can, and often, that would be the advice of a skin care professional. Our team at VDG have helped lots of people remove and lighten freckles, and they'll be able to recommend the right products and procedures to suit your skin and preferences.
How expensive is it to remove freckles?
Freckle removal costs vary significantly depending on the treatment type, number of sessions needed, and the extent of pigmentation being addressed. Laser treatments typically range from moderate to higher investment levels, while chemical peels can offer more budget-friendly options, particularly lighter peels that may require multiple sessions.
