Doctor warns against harmful method for 'whitening' freckles on face
What not to do with freckles on your face (photo: Freepik)
Many people have freckles on their faces from birth. In summer, they can appear even in those whose skin is not prone to freckles. There are methods for "whitening" freckles that can be harmful to the body, according to the Daily Express website.
How freckles appear
The main cause of freckles is melanin, the pigment found in skin cells. Freckles result from the interaction of this pigment with UV rays. They are most noticeable in people with light skin and less common in brunettes.
Freckles are a natural response to environmental factors and are generally harmless on their own. However, using unverified methods to remove them can lead to skin damage.
Harmful methods
On social media, you might find videos suggesting various home remedies for "whitening" freckles. Dr. Keyana Emamian, a specialist in aesthetics, skin, and hair, notes that freckles are small brown spots associated with sun exposure and are frequently seen in people with light skin.
She explains that the appearance of freckles is a natural and usually harmless side effect of sun exposure. While some people appreciate their freckles, others may seek ways to remove them.
"We’re seeing quite a few videos on social media highlighting supposed hacks to get rid of freckles, involving concoctions of household items such as lemon juice, turmeric or toothpaste," Dr. Emamian added.
These methods can harm the skin. The best course of action is to consult a qualified specialist and explore scientifically validated treatments.
Additionally, consider adjusting your diet. For example, starting in early spring, consume vitamin C-rich foods daily (apples, oranges, lemons, and carrots).
Freckles indicate that your skin has been exposed to sun damage. To prevent them:
- Wear a hat
- Don’t forget sunglasses
- Seek shade when possible
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods rich in antioxidants
- Use sunscreen with SPF 50
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
