Freckles: My Journey to Fade Them and Keep Them at Bay
Freckles: My Journey to Fade Them and Keep Them at Bay Freckles: My Journey to Fade Them and Keep Them at Bay In the summer of 2022, I noticed 20 new freckles on my face after a week-long beach trip. At 30, I’d always had a few, but these freckles were bold, dotting my cheeks like a constellation. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to embrace them or fade them, but I dove into research and treatments. After 6 months of trial and error, I reduced their appearance by 70% and learned how to manage my skin to prevent more. Here’s my story, with numbers, tables, and practical tips to help you navigate your freckle journey. Why Freckles Appear: My Aha Moment Freckles, or ephelides, are small pigment spots triggered by sun exposure. My dermatologist explained that UV rays activate melanin in my skin, causing those 20 new freckles after 5 days of sunbathing with only SPF 15. I learned freckles are genetic (thanks, Mom!) and more common ...