Healthy skin means better results and smoother healing. Here’s how to prep for your freckles appointment:

• 4–6 weeks prior: Discontinue use of retinol, tretinoin, or other harsh skincare products. Avoid Botox, filler, or abrasive facials during this time.

• 2–3 weeks prior: Stop using skincare with AHAs or BHAs, and minimize sun exposure to prevent irritation or sensitivity.

• 72 hours prior: Avoid blood-thinning supplements.

• 24 hours prior: Skip alcohol, caffeine, ibuprofen/aspirin, and heavy exercise — these can increase sensitivity and bleeding.

✦ A little prep goes a long way toward freckles that heal soft, natural, and long-lasting.

Here’s what you can expect during your freckles session:

• Consultation: We’ll begin by going over your goals, answering any questions, and making sure you feel comfortable with the process.

• Mapping: Using a fine-tip pen, we’ll map out about 20–30 freckles in a custom, natural pattern. If you have reference photos or a freckle style you love, bring them along! You’ll review and approve the placement before we begin.

• Application: Each freckle is tattooed individually, built up carefully until we achieve the desired look. This allows us to keep every freckle soft, natural, and unique.

• Reveal & Aftercare: Immediately after, your freckles will look darker, larger, and more defined than they will once healed. Over the next weeks, they’ll shrink slightly, soften, and fade about 50% for a realistic, sun-kissed finish. Before you leave, we’ll review aftercare and send you home with a kit (and a few goodies ) to support smooth healing.

✦ We’ll guide you through every step so your new freckles look as natural as possible from start to finish.

Caring for your freckles properly during healing is the key to soft, natural results. Here’s what to expect:

• What You’ll Do: Starting the night of your appointment, cleanse your freckles twice daily (morning and night, outside of the shower). Pat dry with a clean paper towel — avoid hand towels, as they can harbor bacteria. With clean hands, place a rice-sized amount of ointment on the back of your hand, rub your fingertip into it, and lightly tap over your freckles. They should look hydrated, never glossy or goopy. Continue this routine for 5–7 days.

• What You’ll See:

  • Immediately after: Freckles look darker, larger, and more defined than they will once healed.

  • Days 1–3: They darken further as a thin film forms over them.

  • Days 4–5: Light peeling begins, similar to a sunburn flaking.

  • After peeling: Freckles may look much lighter or even seem “gone” during the ghosting phase — this happens as new skin temporarily hides the pigment. Around weeks 6–8, your freckles will “bloom” back through for their final, natural finish.

• What to Avoid: Until your freckles are fully healed and flake-free, avoid getting them wet (besides gentle washing), saunas, steam, heavy sweating, swimming, makeup or skincare in the area, and of course picking or scratching.

✦ Following aftercare closely is vital for freckles that heal soft, subtle, and realistic.

Faux freckles are low-maintenance, but not no maintenance. A little care will help them stay looking soft and natural for as long as possible.

• The biggest fading factor is sun exposure — always protect your freckles with a high-SPF when you’ll be outdoors for long periods of time.

• Keep retinols, acids, and other aggressive skincare products at least an inch away from your freckles to prevent premature fading.

• Freckles are often built up gradually over sessions. This layering approach creates the most natural result. Many clients come in until they reach their desired density, then allow time for fading before booking again.

• On average, faux freckles last 1–3 years, softening naturally over time.

✦ With proper care, your freckles will maintain that effortless, sun-kissed look for years to come.