Handy Tips For: Freckles (How to Care for Sun-Kissed Skin Safely)

Nina
January 21, 2026

Freckles can look wonderfully sun-kissed and playful – but if you have them, you’ve probably also wondered whether they’re “damaged”, if they’ll get darker over time, or what (if anything) you should do about them.

At Lovoir Day Spa in Christchurch, we see a lot of freckled skin thanks to New Zealand’s strong UV levels. Many of our guests want to keep their freckles but prevent them from darkening or turning into stubborn sunspots, while others would like to soften their appearance altogether.

In this article, we’ll walk through:

What freckles are – and whether they’re harmful
Why you get them (and why they’re more common in our sunny climate)
How they differ from sunspots and other pigmentation
Practical, everyday tips to care for freckled skin
Professional treatments – and how our facials Christchurch guests love can help

What Are Freckles & Are They Harmful?

Freckles are small, flat, tan-to-light-brown spots that appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin, most commonly the nose, cheeks, shoulders and arms. Dermatologists call the classic childhood freckles – ephelides. They’re caused by clusters of pigment (melanin) produced by skin cells in response to UV exposure.

Key points:

Freckles are usually 1–2 mm in size, flat, and not raised.
They often appear in childhood, become more noticeable after sun exposure and may fade or lighten in winter.
They’re especially common in people with lighter complexions, red or blonde hair, and certain genetic backgrounds.

The good news?

Freckles are benign. They are NOT skin cancer.

BUT, they are a SIGN that your skin is more reactive to UV radiation, which goes hand-in-hand with a higher risk of sun damage and, over a lifetime, a higher risk of skin cancers.

That’s why, at Lovoir, we treat freckles as a friendly reminder to get serious about sun protection and regular skin checks – not something you need to be afraid of, but something worth taking seriously.

Why You Get Freckles: Genetics, Sun & Skin Type

Freckles are the result of a mix of genetics and sunlight.

Genetics: Certain variants in the MC1R gene are strongly associated with freckling, fair skin and red or blonde hair. If your parents freckle easily, you’re more likely to as well.
UV Exposure: Freckles appear or darken after sun exposure because UV light stimulates melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to make more melanin. Instead of spreading evenly, that pigment clusters into tiny spots.
Skin Type: People with lighter skin (Fitzpatrick types I–II) have less melanin protection overall, so their skin “shows” sun response as freckles more quickly than deeper skin tones.

You’ll also notice that:

Ephelides (childhood freckles) often lighten in winter and with consistent sun protection.
Sun-induced brown marks that persist year-round and slowly increase with age are more likely to be solar lentigines (“sunspots” / “age spots”), not classic freckles.

🇳🇿 In New Zealand specifically: With some of the highest UV levels in the world, we see freckling develop and deepen rapidly, especially over spring and summer. Even short bursts of unprotected sun can be enough to bring freckles out or make existing ones more noticeable.

Freckles vs Sunspots vs Other Pigmentation

Not all brown marks are the same – and understanding the difference is important when deciding what to do next.

Freckles (Ephelides)

Small, flat, light brown or tan
Appear in childhood or teens
Darken with sun exposure and often fade in winter
Strong genetic component

Sunspots / Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)

Larger, more “ink-blot” looking patches
Develop gradually over years of UV exposure
Tend not to fade in winter and are more common after age 30
Represent more permanent sun damage than classic freckles

Other Pigmentation (e.g. Melasma, Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation)

May appear as symmetrical patches on the cheeks, upper lip or forehead (melasma), or as dark marks after acne or injury
Often linked to hormones, inflammation, and UV.

🔗 Read:Handy Tips For: Pigmentation & Dark Spotsto learn more about how lifestyle, hormones, and sun exposure combine to create deeper, more persistent pigmentation, and why diligent UV protection and targeted skincare are so important.

👩🏻‍⚕️ When to see a doctor: If a freckle or brown spot looks very different from your others, changes rapidly, becomes asymmetrical, has an irregular border, multiple colours, or bleeds/itches, it should be checked by a GP or dermatologist promptly. These are some of the warning signs for skin cancer that dermatologists use for screening.

🪷 At Lovoir Day Spa, our role is to help you understand which marks are cosmetic and which need medical review – and then build a customised skin plan around that.

Everyday Tips to Care for Freckled Skin

Just like in your articles on sensitive skin, redness and pigmentation, the foundation of managing freckles is everyday skin care and smart sun habits.

1. Make Sun Protection Non-Negotiable

You’ve heard us say this before (and we’ll keep saying it!): daily sunscreen is essential, especially in New Zealand.

Aim for:

A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, even in winter or on cloudy days
Reapplication every 2 hours if you’re outdoors or after swimming/sweating
Protective extras: wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, seeking shade between 10 am and 4 pm, and UV-protective clothing

Choosing products that combine UV filters with iron oxides (tinted sunscreens or mineral powders) can also help protect against visible light, which plays a role in some types of pigmentation.

🪷 Lovoir Tip: We stock a curated selection of skincare products like facial sunscreens and mineral powders that pair beautifully with our facial treatments and are suitable for sensitive or freckled skin. Ask your therapist to recommend the best SPF for you at your next visit.

2. Build a Gentle, Brightening Skincare Routine

Freckled skin often leans towards fair and, sometimes, sensitive – so everything you learnt in “Handy Tips For: Sensitive Skin” applies here as well.

Look for:

A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser – no harsh scrubs or aggressive exfoliation
A hydrating, barrier-supporting moisturiser (think ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter)
Carefully chosen brightening ingredients that help even skin tone over time, such as:
- Vitamin C – supports collagen, defends against UV damage and helps brighten dark spots
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – reduces uneven tone, supports the skin barrier, and calms redness
- Arbutin and licorice root – help reduce the look of pigmentation and post-sun darkening

🪷 Lovoir Tip: We often recommend professional-strength brightening serums such as DP Dermaceuticals Brite Liteor Inskin.co Arbutin & B3 serums, which are specifically formulated to address freckles, sunspots and uneven tone as part of a tailored skincare plan.

🗓️ Not sure which ingredients are right for your skin?Book a skin consultationwith one of our therapists – we’ll analyse your skin and create a home-care plan that supports your freckles and protects against future sun damage.

3. Support Your Skin From Within

Your existing acne and pigmentation articles already highlight how diet and lifestyle can influence skin health – including inflammation and healing.

Helpful habits include:

Eating a colourful, antioxidant-rich diet (berries, leafy greens, brightly coloured vegetables)
Staying hydrated to support overall skin function
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol, both of which can accelerate skin ageing and impair repair mechanisms

These won’t erase freckles, but they support the overall resilience and glow of your skin.

4. Keep an Eye on Your Spots

Make a habit of scanning your skin regularly:

Note the usual pattern and colour of your freckles
Keep an eye out for any new, unusual or rapidly changing spots
See your GP or dermatologist promptly if anything concerns you

Salon Treatments That Can Soften Freckles & Sun Damage

Freckles themselves are mostly genetic, so no treatment can permanently “switch off” your tendency to freckle. However, professional treatments can:

Brighten the overall complexion
Soften the appearance of freckles and sunspots
Improve texture and radiance
Address other concerns like fine lines, dehydration or congestion at the same time

If you don’t know where to begin with professional facials, not to worry! At Lovoir Day Spa, we always begin with a skin consultation and tailor any treatment to your skin type, depth of pigment and lifestyle.

Here are some of our top recommended facials Christchurch locals trust:

1. Brightening & Hydrating Facials

Our customised facials combine professional-grade exfoliation, brightening masks and targeted serums to gently even out tone while keeping the skin comfortable and hydrated. Examples include:

Vitamin Infusion Facial – great for guests with early sun damage or dullness who want to boost radiance and refine pigmentation without downtime.
Holistic Janesce Organic Facials – perfect if your freckled skin is also sensitive; plant-based formulations hydrate and calm while supporting the skin barrier.

Book our Facials here

2. Chemical Peels for Pigmentation & Freckles

Light to medium-depth chemical peels use carefully chosen acids to:

Speed up cell turnover
Lift superficial pigment
Improve texture and clarity

At Lovoir, our O Cosmedics Peels are tailored to your skin goals and may be recommended as a course if pigmentation or sun damage is a key concern.

Book our Chemical Peels here

3. Microneedling for Sun Damage & Pigmentation

Microneedling creates microscopic channels in the skin to stimulate collagen, improve texture and enhance penetration of brightening serums.

Studies and clinical experience show that it can help reduce the appearance of certain types of pigmentation, particularly sun damage and post-inflammatory marks, when combined with appropriate topicals and sun protection.

While we don’t specifically target classic ephelides alone, our Face & Body Microneedling treatments can be an excellent option for guests with a combination of freckles, sunspots, fine lines and texture concerns who want a more global rejuvenation.

Book our Microneedling here

4. IPL Skin Rejuvenation for Sunspots & Freckles

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Skin Rejuvenation is often used to treat sun-induced pigmentation and visible capillaries. IPL targets areas of excess melanin, which may include sunspots and some freckling, causing them to darken and then gradually flake off over the following days.

Our Lovoir team uses IPL within a comprehensive skin plan, making sure it’s suitable for your skin type and always paired with strict sun care.

Book our IPL Skin Rejuvenation here

Facials Christchurch: How Lovoir Can Help You Love Your Freckles

Lovoir is both a luxurious day spa and a results-driven skin clinic, which means you don’t have to choose between relaxation and real change – you get both.

If you’re searching online for facials Christchurch that can support freckled, sun-exposed skin, here’s how we typically work with you:

1. Skin Consultation & Goal Setting

We assess your skin type, freckling pattern, other pigmentation, sensitivities and lifestyle.
We discuss whether you want to keep your freckles but protect them, gently soften their appearance, or focus on surrounding sun damage.

Book a skin consultation here

2. Customised Treatment Plan

Relaxing facials for hydration and barrier support
Results-focused treatments like peels, microneedling, vitamin infusion, LED or IPL depending on your needs
A realistic timeline and plan – freckles often respond best to gradual, consistent care, not one-off quick fixes.

Browse our facial treatments here

3. Home-Care & Lifestyle Support

We recommend SPF, brightening serums and supportive products from brands we trust (O Cosmedics, Inskin.co, DP Dermaceuticals, Janesce and more).
You’ll leave knowing exactly how to look after your skin between treatments.

Browse our skincare products here

Ready to Treat Your Freckles with Care? Visit Our Day Spa Christchurch

Freckles are a natural, often beautiful part of how your skin responds to the sun. They don’t need to be “fixed” – but they do deserve thoughtful care, especially in New Zealand’s intense UV climate.

By:

Protecting your skin daily with high-quality SPF
Using gentle, brightening skincare
Keeping an eye on any changing or unusual spots
And, when you’re ready, exploring professional treatments

…you can enjoy your freckles while keeping your skin as healthy and radiant as possible.

At Lovoir Day Spa Christchurch, our therapists specialise in tailored skin journeys that combine indulgent relaxation with advanced results. If you’d like expert guidance on how to care for your freckled, sun-exposed skin, we’d love to meet you.

📅 Book your skin consultation or facial with us today and let our team design a personalised plan to protect, brighten and celebrate your unique complexion.’

Book your skin consultation

Book your facial treatment

Got Other Beauty Needs?

We’ve got it all for you! Check out our wide range of beauty treatments at Lovoir Day Spa:

Advanced skin treatments and facials, like dermaplaning, chemical peels, LED therapy, IPL skin rejuvenation, and more.
Massage & body treatments from aromatherapy and hot stone to reflexology, pregnancy, and couples massages.
Beauty salon essentials, like manicure & pedicure, makeup & spraytan, eyebrow & eyelash enhancements, waxing & hair removal, and more.
Curated spa packages & spa gift vouchers, best for me-time spa days, bridal preps, hens’ parties, or a relaxing escape

When in doubt, just consult our expert aestheticians, and we’ll help recommend the best treatment for your beauty goals. We hope to see you soon!

Visit our Beauty Salon & Day Spa at Lovoir The Crossing: