Freckles have been shunned and then embraced again as the latest beauty trend. Thanks to Duchess of Sussex Megan Markle’s wedding look, where she wore light make-up and allowed her freckles to peek through, everyone wants to rock them too. For those who are not graced with them naturally, there are thousands of makeup tutorials online on how to achieve the freckled look. There are even fake freckle makeup products on the shelves and freckle tattoo procedures which can be done.
Freckles are a form of hyperpigmentation which is a common skin issue that many people suffer from. Others include melasma, sun spots and acne marks which can be frustrating to deal with and may negatively impact your self-confidence. The term hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening and discolouration of the skin caused by melanin.
It can appear as spots, clusters or streaks in brown, red, or pink on the surface of the skin. Hyperpigmented areas will also appear darker than the rest of the skin. Factors like excessive sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, and acne can play a major role in hyperpigmentation. It is possible for some mild discolouration to disappear or fade over time, but others may require more intensive treatments to improve the skin complexion.
Cosmelan peel
While the trend of freckles has skyrocketed recently, other forms of pigmentation are not seen in the same light. Sun spots are perceived as a sign of ageing and acne marks generally lower one’s self-esteem in how they look. How could we reduce and fade these unwanted pigmented spots?
Enter the Cosmelan peel, a topical depigmentation and brightening method that uses a two-phase approach to restore the skin to its optimal condition and maintain the results. The first step is carried out in the clinic by the doctor, followed by the second step which is a simple home care protocol.
Treatment steps
You will receive consultation in the clinic before the skin is cleansed and prepared for the application of the Cosmelan 1 mask. The mask is then left on for a specified duration that is tailored according to your skin type and pigmentation level. Thereafter, it will be washed off.
The next phase involves the home care kit to maintain results. You will be advised by your doctor on the daily routine of applying the Cosmelan 2 cream to reduce pigmentation and prevent new spots from appearing. For the next several days, it is normal to experience mild redness or peeling of the skin post-treatment. Continue to practise this routine diligently and your skin will continue to even out, brighten and grow more luminous with faded pigmentation spots.
Other benefits
Besides offering effective depigmenting action, the treatment also removes damaged cells to increase skin luminosity and equalises the skin tone for a more balanced complexion. Cosmelan treatment also works great to complement the Q-switched ND:YAG laser, a popular choice for hyperpigmentation and acne scar removal in Singapore. Q-switch uses high-energy laser pulse that is directed at a specific wavelength on the targeted skin area without being invasive. Unwanted melanin pigments are broken up into smaller fragments before being eliminated naturally by the body. Q-switch laser can certainly be used in conjunction with Cosmelan treatment to remove any stubborn pigmentation that remains.
So while you may wish to honour your freckles and rock them for your next selfie, don’t forget to practise safe sun exposure as they may grow into different skin conditions such as solar lentigo, which may be seen as less aesthetically-pleasing.
The above-mentioned treatments are available in our clinic. If you wish to seek more details on them or other treatments available such acne treatment in Singapore, contact our concierge at +65 62218221 or +65 97268856.