Senile freckles are also known as age spots or solar lentigo. These spots usually appear black, brown, or gray in color and are flat, round, oval, or irregular in shape. Prolonged sun exposure is the main risk factor for senile freckles.
Tips for senile freckles:
The following are some tips to prevent skin damage leading to freckles.
- Avoid the sun at the extreme and apply sunscreen
Elders who are experiencing freckles or have a lighter skin tone should avoid sun exposure. The sun is intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so we should apply sunscreen while going out during these timings. However, sunscreen must have both UVA and UVB protection and it is recommended to apply it at least 20 minutes before going out.
- Protective clothes:
While going out, we should wear hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to save the skin from UV rays. Special clothing that hinder ultraviolet rays with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 40 -50 rating are also available now.
- Home remedies
- Aloe vera, red onion dried, and extract of orchid can lighten these spots.
- Do not use tanning beds.
- Use a lip balm with a SPF of 30 or more.
- Avoid gardening in open areas and if it is necessary, use gloves and hats.
- Over-the-counter creams:
Using over-the-counter medicines and creams, such as Glycolic acid, Kojic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, and deoxyarbutin can help treat the mild freckles. However, we should consult a dermatologist if the symptoms are moderate-to-severe.
- Prescribed medications:
A dermatologist may prescribe creams containing hydroquinone or retinoids, which can fade the spots. Still, it takes a few months to lighten the mark. Tretinoin or bleaching creams can make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so we must wear sunscreen during and after treatment and all day, even on cloudy days, to avoid damage.
- Supportive environment:
We should ensure a healthy environment around us in old age and keep the skin hydrated by drinking water or fluids to avoid dehydration. Moreover, we should also quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke as it can also increase the skin aging.
Conclusion:
Senile freckles are particular skin, which can be of any shape (round, flat, or irregular, or) any color (gray, black, or brown). Elders aged 40 years or above are at increased risk for senile freckles. Staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen of 30 SPF, using lip balm of 30 SPF, and clothes with 40-50 SPF can prevent the skin from freckles. Over-the-counter creams can also be helpful to some extent; however, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist to avoid further progression of freckles.