If readers had asked me about freckle removal when I started as a beauty editor, the answer would have been – you could try a fading cream – which in all honesty would not have given you the results you desire.

Luckily with the advancement of laser technology there are ways to not only fade but TOTALLY REMOVE your freckles. I had a CLEO reader recently road test Candela GentleLase at City Laser Clinic which is a treatment for Skin Pigmentation or removal of freckles, it’s a Medical grade Laser which can remove freckles in a couple of weeks

There are a few things you need to know before embarking on this procedure to I have outlined what I think you need to know and some commonly asked questions:

Facts about freckles:

Most brown spots are easily ignored but many are quite conspicuous and can detract from skin’s natural beauty making you feel self-conscious. The pigment can be near the surface - which is easier to remove or deeper in the skin - which is harder to remove.  Generally, the longer the freckle has been present the more difficult it is to remove, but satisfactory reduction can usually be achieved for most people.

What types of brown spots will laser remove?

The GentleLase laser is most commonly used for removing brown age spots, freckles and many types of brown birthmarks.  Your Therapist will identify your specific type of lesion and discuss the removal success rate associated with it. The laser cannot be used for the removal of lesions that are cancerous or suspected of being cancerous.  If there is any suspicion that the lesion may be cancerous, we will strongly recommend that you consult a Dermatologist without delay.

Is it safe?

Yes.  The laser is a controlled form of light and the CANDELA GentleLase machine is approved for use.  The laser light, although bright is not strong enough to penetrate the skin below a depth of 1mm so it cannot damage other organs.

Can Laser remove my normal skin pigment also?

The laser light was designed for its properties that selectively target dark concentrations of melanin.  If after removal of the abnormal concentrations of melanin treatment continued on normal skin; some whitening could occur.  However, your body’s natural regenerative processes would replace the normal melanin after a period of time, returning the skin to its natural colour.

Does it hurt?

The level of discomfort is different for every person depending on sensitivity; other considerations include the location and surface area to be treated.  Most clients do not request any pain control during treatment and relate the discomfort as comparable to mild sunburn.  Your therapist will discuss your options with you based upon your own tolerance and the body area to be treated.

How does it look afterwards?

                       

(Clockwise, from left to right) CLEO road-tester on day 1, 7, 14 and 21.

After the treatment, the area will feel hot, similar to a slight sunburn, sometimes for up to several hours.  Discomfort disappears over the next few hours, a scab or crust will develop over the area, and this looks darker than the original lesion.  This will last between 8-14 days depending on the size and site (longer on arms and legs).  When the scab comes off, the area will be pink for another couple of weeks and then will return to its final colour.