Let me introduce you to my freckle care routine.

When freckles start to appear, the first thing you want to do is cover them up with makeup. I used to rely solely on cover-up products, but over time, I've come to realize the importance of fundamental care. So now, I focus on proper care rather than just covering them up, and at the heart of that is a consistent freckle management routine. Ultimately, nothing changes overnight, so sticking to a freckle management routine that's been integrated into my daily routine is the most realistic approach.

The most basic thing is, of course, UV protection. I make it a habit to apply sunscreen even on days I don't go outside, and reapply it on days with strong sunlight. Wearing a hat or parasol is also helpful. I've learned time and again that without proper UV protection, no skincare routine is effective, so I never skip this step.

The next thing I focus on is my skin barrier. I once layered several irritating products in an attempt to lighten my blemishes, only to have my skin become more sensitive. So now, I prioritize moisturizing and soothing, and making sure my skin is comfortable, as the foundation of my blemish management routine. I feel that a healthy skin barrier allows for the stable absorption of whitening ingredients.

I don't get greedy when it comes to brightening products, but I add them slowly. My skincare routine focuses on relatively common ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide, monitoring my skin's reaction as I use them. I find it's less burdensome to apply them one at a time, consistently, rather than applying too much all at once.

I also don't forget to exfoliate. When dead skin cells build up, your skin tone looks duller and freckles appear more pronounced. That said, I don't resort to harsh exfoliation often; I incorporate gentle exfoliation with mild products into my freckle care routine. On days when I exfoliate, I pay extra attention to moisturizing to prevent any residual irritation.

Lifestyle habits are also important. I think drinking plenty of water and trying to get enough sleep are part of a skincare routine. If I don't get enough sleep, my skin tone definitely looks dull the next day. Small actions like taking a brisk walk to reduce stress or putting your phone away before bed can be helpful.

I've also changed my makeup routine a bit. Instead of applying thick coverage, I'm focusing on applying thin layers and brightening my overall skin tone. I believe reducing the burden on my skin is also part of a long-term skincare routine.

Lastly, I slowly observe my skin changes. By taking photos or keeping a record of the products I use, I notice even the smallest changes. I feel like my skincare routine isn't about expecting dramatic results in a short period of time, but rather a process that builds up over time. I'm trying to take pride in the fact that I stuck to my skincare routine today, and I'm trying to continue it consistently without getting impatient.