Why Freckles Keep Increasing

Human Dermatology Clinic Seoul National University Branch

Sometimes, when you suddenly notice

small brown spots dotted around your nose or cheeks,

they catch your eye.

You may have had the surprised feeling of thinking,

"When did they get so many?"

Freckles that once looked cute as a child

can become something you pay attention to as an adult,

and many people feel stressed because

even makeup does not completely cover them.

Freckles are not a condition that causes major health problems,

but because they can make the skin tone look uneven

and change the way your face appears,

more and more people are taking an interest in care.

In particular, during times when UV rays become stronger,

they can look darker,

which makes the concern grow.

So today, let's talk about why freckles appear

and how they can be managed at a dermatology clinic.

Why do freckles appear?

Freckles are a pigmentary lesion that appears

when melanin pigment in the skin

is produced intensively in certain areas.

They usually appear as small brown spots,

and are mainly found on areas that receive a lot of sunlight,

such as the nose, cheeks, and around the eyes.

Unlike moles, their borders are relatively vague,

and they often appear scattered in groups.

Their biggest characteristic is that they respond to UV rays.

The more sunlight you receive,

the more active melanin becomes,

the darker the color can get,

and the number of spots can increase.

That is why many people feel that freckles

stand out more after summer passes.

There is also a genetic influence

Freckles are also fairly strongly influenced by genetics.

If even one of your parents has freckles,

there is a higher chance they will appear in their children as well.

In fact, freckles are often visible from a young age,

and this is related to an inborn skin characteristic.

People with lighter skin and

a greater sensitivity to sunlight

tend to develop freckles more easily.

Just as some people tan quickly under the same sunlight,

while others develop pigment instead.

So some people ask,

"Why do they appear even when I use sunscreen?"

but constitutional factors cannot be ignored.

Lifestyle habits also have an effect

Neglecting sun protection,

or having a lifestyle that involves a lot of outdoor activity,

can also be a cause of freckles becoming darker.

If you are exposed to sunlight for long periods

without applying sunscreen,

melanin continues to be stimulated,

making it easier for pigment to increase.

Habits that frequently irritate the skin are also not good.

Excessive exfoliation,

greasy cleansing, vigorous rubbing,

and the use of irritating cosmetics

can make the skin more sensitive

and may lead to hyperpigmentation.

Skin is more delicate than you might think,

so even small irritations, if repeated,

can lead to pigment problems.

How are they managed at a dermatology clinic?

Freckles that have already appeared are often difficult

to remove completely with home care alone.

In such cases, dermatology clinics use pigment laser treatment

to selectively reduce melanin pigment.

The equipment and method are applied differently

depending on the individual's skin condition

and the depth of the pigment.

Treatment is usually not completed in a single session

and is often carried out over several sessions,

and after the procedure,

sunscreen and moisturizing care are very important.

If care is done properly,

you can expect a relatively clear skin tone.

Above all, it is safest to establish a plan

that suits your skin through consultation with a specialist.

Freckles are a natural pigment change

that can occur in anyone.

Rather than worrying too much,

it is better to understand your skin's characteristics

and provide the care it needs.

Even just consistently protecting your skin from UV rays

can make a big difference in prevention.

If your freckles seem to be increasing,

or if they are becoming a source of stress,

it is also a good choice to get a dermatology consultation

instead of worrying about it alone.

If you find a method that suits your skin,

you may feel much more at ease.

Starting today, remember to apply sunscreen once more,

and have a day where you take a little better care of your skin.

Human Dermatology Clinic Seoul National University Branch

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