The freckles filter on Instagram may be fun for some, but real freckles, which are more permanent, are anything but.

What are Freckles and How do They Form?

Freckles usually appear on the face and arms – areas regularly exposed to the sun. They often emerge as tiny, dark spots on the skin, and are a type of hyperpigmentation. While the appearance of freckles is often due to two factors: genetics and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light; they can also come and go with age or the seasons. For example, freckles can diminish in appearance come winter, when there are lower levels of sunlight. Unfortunately, living in tropical Singapore does mean that your freckles removal is trickier as they are more likely to be darker because of constant direct exposure to the sun.

What are Other Types of Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of melanin – the pigment that gives our eyes, skin and hair color. Other than freckles, common skin hyperpigmentation in fair skin includes melasma and sunspots.

Melasma

Also known as the mask of pregnancy, melasma is a common skin problem that causes dark, brown skin discoloration that occurs on the forehead, cheeks and chin. Hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy as well as UV exposure are two leading causes of melasma. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 90 percent of people who develop melasma are women. While the discolored patches will go away naturally for most mothers, some pregnant women have melasma that never goes away, and instead enlarges in size or spreads to other parts of the face. Interestingly, Asian skin is more prone to developing melasma.

Sunspots

As the name suggests, sunspots appear after years of exposure to the sun. Due to prolonged UV exposure throughout the years, melanin production may be more concentrated in certain areas of the exposed skin, causing sunspots to appear. These unsightly dark spots are more permanent hyperpigmentation that requires specialized skin pigmentation treatment. Living in Singapore constantly exposes your skin to the sun, increasing the probability of you developing these sunspots.

How to Get Rid of Freckles and Other Hyperpigmentation

Skin Products

Fortunately, freckles can be controlled by using products that help reduce the production levels of melanin in the skin. New York Skin Solutions carries a range of products that help to prevent the effects of aging and UV exposure. We also carry products that will reduce the visible effects of aging such as wrinkles and eye bags, and renew skin.

Facial Treatment in Singapore

Freckles and other forms of hyperpigmentation are more effectively treated with facial treatments. The HydroCollagen+ Skin Treatment is an anti-aging facial treatment by New York Skin Solutions that provides three tiers of skin rejuvenation. The pigmentation treatment lightens dark spots due to melanin overproduction and brightens skin tone, perfect for getting rid of freckles and discolored spots.

On the other hand, the Age-ReverZ Skin Treatment is an anti-aging treatment that counters the effects of time. The treatment encourages the growth of new skin cells and stimulates the production of collagen for firmer and younger-looking skin. This will help reduce the appearance of age-related hyperpigmentation like sunspots and liver spots.

Caring for Your Skin Under the Sun

Being a sunny country almost all year round, Singaporeans should take active steps to prevent overexposure to harmful UV rays. Prevention and treatment should both be considered to prevent hyperpigmentation on your exposed skin, especially your face. Using products from New York Skin Solutions, as well as using hats and sunblock will help prevent severe hyperpigmentation such as freckles. Ideally, you should apply an SPF 50 sunblock, which is enough to protect you from most of the UV radiation. You should always apply it whenever you leave home and try to keep away from prolonged periods of direct sunlight.