Freckles are in fashion and have been for much longer than you might think. helping handan ancient freehand tattooing technique, has been used for centuries in various parts of the world: from Egypt to Japan, to other cultures such as tribal cultures.
This technique, still used, has been modernized to the point of giving rise to fashions such as freckles: micropigmentation of freckles on the face to reproduce their natural appearance by inserting pigments into the skin.
Cristina Barriga, a micropigmentation specialist and director of the National Institute of Micropigmentation, clearly states that freckles are a trend for several reasons: “to reproduce the filters of social networks, because they give the face a youthful feeling and because of the influence of celebrities like Meghan Markle or Kendal Jenner, who have them naturally or have experimented with makeup.
Several experts help us learn a little more about this new technique: what it consists of, the care and precautions before and after its implementation, and the possible risks of carrying it out.
A little more about him freckles
He freckles It belongs to the field of semi-permanent makeup, made with techniques and pigments designed to fade naturally in a few years, so it is not a permanent tattoo and if we want to maintain it over time, periodic touch-ups will be necessary.
In fact, “the ink is deposited at the dermo-epidermal and papillary junction of the dermis, instead of being located in the middle and deep dermis, as occurs in true artistic or permanent tattoos,” explains Dr. Donís Muñoz Borrás, a dermatologist specialized in tattoos and semi-permanent makeup.
The areas of application on the face are varied: “nose, cheeks, cheekbones, forehead… And they can also be added to other parts of the body such as the neckline, arms or back, in a personalized way,” explains Barriga. One of the most used techniques to perform micropigmentation of freckles is the dermograph, “an electric device with vibrating needles that implants the pigment quickly and with a faster and more uniform procedure, although the mixed technique can also be performed, which combines the dermograph with the helping hand” he continues.
Care and precautions
Both experts agree that to achieve the freckles It is essential to look for qualified professionals with high quality pigments and strict hygiene standards to prevent infections and other complications. To know them, the Spanish Association of Micropigmentation compiles the legal requirements that must be met by all entities participating in the process.
In addition, if one decides to undergo this procedure, it is essential to ensure that before the treatment, certain assessments will be carried out. For example, after choosing the initial pattern of freckles, “skin tests must be carried out to ensure that there are no adverse effects, assess the tone and shade of the skin and carry out an assessment with medical approval if you suffer from autoimmune diseases. skin pathologies and other diseases,” emphasizes Barriga.
However, as Dr. Muñoz explains, “it should be kept in mind that prior allergy testing is relatively useful, since intolerance or rejection reactions to the ink can often occur months or years after it has been performed.”
Aftercare will also make a difference in the safety of the procedure and its outcome. To do this, in addition to following a professional’s instructions, Barriga recommends “keeping the area clean and dry, especially during the first 24 hours; do not touch, scratch or use exfoliants on the area; avoid wearing makeup for at least a week; and do not go to pools or gyms until they are completely healed to prevent the skin from being irritated by chlorine and sweat.
In addition, the dermatologist emphasizes that “the area must be well hydrated and protected from the sun, as it is one of the worst enemies of any type of tattoo due to its great capacity to degrade pigments.”
Contraindications of freckles
Although both experts agree that it is a safe technique as long as it is performed in authorized centers and in the hands of good professionals, there are some contraindications that we must take into account, especially if we suffer from certain types of diseases.
Muñoz recalls the importance of “paying special attention to people with a history of allergies in general, psoriasis, vitiligo or atopic dermatitis, emotional instability, immunocompromised people, people treated with immunosuppressants or autoimmune diseases.”
Additionally, Barriga recommends not performing freckles “during pregnancy and breastfeeding; in patients with keloids, hypertrophic scars or bleeding disorders; and in people with uncontrolled diabetes, as this may affect healing and increase the risk of infections.
It is also not recommended “in people with sensitive skin (who may experience greater irritation), in patients with HIV, hepatitis or bacterial or viral infections and in those who are undergoing steroid treatments,” the expert emphasizes. And you should never do a tattoo or semi-permanent makeup on a mole or freckle, “as this could hinder or delay the early diagnosis of any degenerative process that may occur in the future,” explains Muñoz.
Possible risks
The most risky cases generally concern the realization of freckles in patients with the contraindications mentioned above, without prior evaluation and without taking appropriate hygiene measures.
However, it is possible, as Muñoz says, that “the most frequent adverse effect that we encounter during the consultation arises from dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result obtained, considering that it does not correspond to the initial expectations.”
Regarding the possible risks when performed near the eye area, Muñoz and Barriga agree that, if proper procedures are followed, it is virtually impossible for our eye health to suffer any damage.
However, ophthalmologist Alberto Ollero, also consulted through this channel, states the following: “At first, I am against all these procedures, especially if they are not performed by dermatologists and if they involve the periocular area.” Although he emphasizes that he has not seen any direct consequences of the consultation freckles, Yes, you have experienced eye problems due to other types of semi-permanent tattoos done in unreliable centers and in areas close to the eyes.
