Freckles, those small, scattered sun-induced spots, are a completely natural feature of many skin types. While some people embrace them, others seek to reduce their visibility due to personal preference. Whether your goal is to celebrate them or soften their appearance, our focus is on protecting your skin, supporting healthy pigmentation and preventing long-term damage.
How We Can Help
Treatment Options
A Note From Dr Aleks
After studying pigmentation in medical school and working with so many different skin types in our practice, I’ve come to appreciate how beautifully complex our skin is. Freckles aren’t something to be “fixed.” But if you’re noticing more of them, or if their appearance has changed, it’s worth exploring why. Your skin is always talking to you, and we help you translate what it’s saying.
I look at your skin in context — your lifestyle, your environment, your skincare routine, your goals — and we work from there. No two people freckle in exactly the same way, and no two treatment plans should look the same either.
Common Characteristics
- Small, flat brown or tan spots
- Irregular shape and scattered pattern
- Typically on sun-exposed areas (face, shoulders, arms)
- More visible after sun exposure
- Often fade in winter and darken in summer
- Typically harmless, but can be mistaken for other pigmentary changes
Contributing Factors
- Genetic predisposition (more common in fair skin types)
- Sun exposure and UV radiation
- Inconsistent or inadequate sun protection
- Childhood sunburns or early UV damage
- Hormonal changes
- Ageing and accumulated sun exposure over time
Understanding Freckles
Freckles, or ephelides, are clusters of concentrated melanin that form in response to sun exposure. Unlike sunspots or melasma, freckles are not caused by pigment overproduction in deeper layers of the skin. Instead, they result from increased activity of melanocytes in the superficial epidermis. Freckles tend to darken with UV exposure and fade when protected from the sun.
Freckles themselves are benign. However, their presence is a visual cue that your skin is prone to sun damage. Long-term UV exposure may lead to structural changes in the dermis. Monitoring your freckles over time, and knowing when a spot is no longer a freckle, is essential for early detection of skin cancer and maintaining overall skin health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freckles
Request Your Private
Consultation at OLA Aesthetics
Whether you love your freckles or would like to reduce their appearance, we’re here to guide you with evidence-based care and personalised treatment plans.
