Lentigo is a small, flat, pigmented spot on your skin, what many refer to as a freckle. Most have at least a freckle or two, and the appearance of a lentigo is not a health concern.
Skin freckles because of an uneven production of melanin. Melanin is produced by melanocytes to protect your skin from the sun. This is why skin tans in response to sun exposure.
However, light skinned folks tend to have fewer melanocytes and less melanin overall. When exposed to the sun, some of the melenocytes produce more melanin than others. And that is why skin freckles.
Also, your freckle producing melanin may increase due to hormonal changes, such as seen with:
Some skin freckles fade when the sun is weaker during the winter, while some lentigo spots stay dark year round.
As you age, freckles tend to fade. But age spots may appear if you’ve had a lot of sun exposure.
Freckle removal methods are available. Regular application of OTC fading creams might help remove your lentigo, such as those containing:
- retinoids
- vitamin C
- azelaic acid
- alpha hydroxy acids
Some of the more rapid, effective, yet costlier, freckle removal techniques include chemical peels, cryotherapy, intense pulsed light or certain pigment lasers.
Or you may find success in removing some of your freckles with the routine application of onion or lemon juice.