Darkening of freckles and moles after Laser Hair Removal

Bruce Katz, MD answers: Is it normal for freckles to turn darker after Laser Hair Removal?

I had my first treatment of Laser hair removal on my upper lip and chin yesterday. I have noticed that the freckles on above my lip and chin have gone much darker, and now are a very dark brown. Is this normal, and will it fade?


Bruce Katz, MD
24 days ago

This sometimes happens, but it is temporary. The laser is attracted to pigment (color), so it sometimes goes after freckles and moles. This is why we don’t want any sun exposure or anything that changes the pigment of your skin. You may want to use a hydroquinone “lightening cream” on the area or triluma cream. Please consult with your physician regarding the creams, most of the time you need to stop using it prior to your next laser treatment.

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