Freckles are like little tan or light brown spots that some people have on their skin. They’re not dangerous or anything, but if you want, there are ways to make them lighter. You see, these happen when some of the skin cells in one place get more color in them. It’s not like moles that stick up; They are flat and don’t hurt. Nobody comes into the world with freckles, even though they can run in families. However, come out when you spend time in the sun.
Different Types of Freckles
- Ephelides: These are the most common type of freckles that many people have. They look like flat, dark brown spots on the skin. While they can be influenced by your genes, they often show up because of exposure to the sun(1).
- Solar Lentigines: These freckles are different; they appear as dark brown patches on the skin. They usually develop in adulthood because of spending time in the sun. People might call them aging spots or sunspots(2).
It’s also a good idea to understand what makes them more likely and when to get help. Keep reading to learn more.
What Causes Freckles?
Freckles mostly show up when your skin gets a lot of sunlight, and sometimes, it’s because your family might have had them too. When you’re out in the sun or use tanning machines, your skin starts making something called melanin. This melanin stuff can get piled up in one place, making freckles. People with light hair, fair skin, and light-colored eyes usually get freckles more. If you want to make your freckles less noticeable, you can try different things like special creams, lasers, or chemical peels. Or, you can even check out some home remedies to lighten the shades.
Home Remedies That May Help Lighten Freckles
1. Honey
Honey has some special things in it that can stop tyrosinase from working too much, which can help reduce freckles.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of fresh honey
How to Use It:
- Make a thick paste by mixing honey and lemon juice.
- Put this paste on your freckles.
- Leave it there for 15-20 minutes, then wash it off. Do this two times a week.
Note: Don’t try these remedies if your skin is very sensitive, as lemon juice might make it red and irritated. And always use sunscreen before going outside because lemon juice can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has something called malic acid, which helps get rid of darkened skin cells and makes your skin feel fresher.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of honey
How to Use It:
- Mix the honey and vinegar together and put it on your freckles. You can even use it on your whole face.
- Leave it there for about 15-20 minutes.
- Then, wash it off with lukewarm water.
Put this on your freckles once every day. If you’re using it on your whole face, try it every other day.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric has something called curcumin, which can stop your skin from making too much melanin, the stuff that causes freckles.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
How to Use It:
- Make a paste by mixing turmeric powder and lemon juice.
- Put this paste on your freckles and wait for it to dry.
- Wash it off with water.
- Do this once every week.
Do this once every week.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt has lactic acid in it, which can slow down the tyrosinase thing and stop too much melanin from forming in your skin, which can help reduce freckles(3).
Ingredients:
- 2-3 tablespoons of yogurt
How to Use It:
- Put yogurt on your freckles.
- Rub it in gently for about 15-20 minutes.
- Wash it off with water. Do this every day.
5.Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel can be good for your skin. It can stop your skin from getting hurt by the sun. It can also make it harder for a chemical called tyrosinase to work, which can help make freckles lighter.
Ingredients:
- Fresh aloe vera gel
How to Use It:
- Put some fresh aloe gel on your freckles and rub it for 2-3 minutes.
- Leave it there for 10 minutes, or you can even leave it on overnight.
- Do this every day.
6. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that can help reduce freckles by stopping tyrosinase from working and slowing down melanin production.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil
- A bit of another oil like sweet almond oil
How to Use It:
- Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with another oil like sweet almond oil.
- Put this mix on your freckles and leave it for about 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with a washcloth. Do this once every day before bedtime.
Don’t use this if you have very sensitive skin.
7. Lemon
Lemons have a lot ofvitamin C. This vitamin is good at protecting your skin from the sun and making dark spots like freckles less noticeable.
Ingredients:
- Lemon juice
- A cotton pad
How to Use It:
- Squeeze a lemon and get the juice in a bowl.
- Use a cotton pad to put the lemon juice on your freckles.
- Let it sit on your skin for 15-20 minutes, then wash it off.
Try this two times a week.
8. Pomelo Essential Oil
Pomelo oil can help reduce freckles by decreasing melanin production and having antioxidant properties.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 drops of pomelo essential oil
- A bit of another oil like sweet almond or jojoba oil
How to Use It:
- Mix a few drops of pomelo essential oil with another oil like sweet almond or jojoba oil.
- Put this mix on your freckles.
- Leave it for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with water.
Do this every day before bedtime.
9.Shea Butter
Shea butter comes from shea kernels and can stop your skin from making too much melanin, which can help reduce freckles.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons of shea butter
How to Use It:
- Warm up 1-2 teaspoons of shea butter.
- Gently massage it into the areas with freckles.
- Leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning.
Try this every night for 3-4 weeks.
10. Eggplant
Eggplants have good stuff like vitamins, phenolics, and antioxidants that can protect your skin from the sun and reduce freckles.
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh eggplant
How to Use It:
- Cut the eggplant into slices.
- Rub these slices on your freckles in a circular motion.
- Leave the eggplant juice on your skin for 15 minutes, then wash it off.
Repeat this every day.
11.Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter has things in it that can protect your skin from the sun and even undo some of the damage it causes.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons of cocoa butter
How to Use It:
- Put some cocoa butter on your freckles and gently massage it in.
- Leave it on overnight and wash it off with a cleanser in the morning.
- You can do this every night before going to bed for 2-3 weeks.
12.Banana Peel
Banana peels have things that can stop melanin from forming and help reduce freckles.
Ingredients:
- A ripe banana peel
How to Use It:
- Rub the inside of a ripe banana peel on the freckled areas of your skin.
- Leave it there for 20 minutes, then wash it off.
Try this once every day.
13. Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi fruit has something called quercetin that can stop tyrosinase from working too much, which can help reduce freckles.
Ingredients:
- 1 kiwi fruit
- 2-3 strawberries
How to Use It:
- Blend the two fruits to make a thick paste.
- Put this fruit mixture on the areas with freckles.
- Leave it for about 20-25 minutes before rinsing it off.
Try this two times a week.
14. Almond Oil
Almond oil is great for your skin. It’s packed with vitamins A and vitamin E, which make your skin healthier and can make dark spots like freckles lighter. When you use almond oil on your skin, it becomes softer and more glowing.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 drops of almond oil
How to Use It:
- How Put 2-3 drops of almond oil on the area with freckles using your fingertips. After about an hour, or when your skin soaks up the oil, wash it off with lukewarm water.
- You can even leave the oil on your face overnight.
Risk Factors for Freckles
Some studies suggest that having a specific gene and spending a lot of time in the sun can lead to freckles. The type of melanin in your skin also matters:
- Pheomelanin: If you have this type of melanin, you likely have fair skin, red or blonde hair, and your skin doesn’t tan easily. Pheomelanin doesn’t protect your skin from the sun’s rays, making you more likely to get affected.
- Eumelanin: This melanin type is found in people with brown or black hair. They usually have darker skin that tans more easily and is better protected from sun damage.
The risk factors for solar lentigines, the darker patches, are a bit different from common freckles and include:
- Having a darker skin tone, which means you can tan more and develop solar lentigines.
- A history of getting freckles.
- Spending time in the sun.
- Taking oral contraceptives or progestogen treatments.
How Can I Prevent Freckles?
- Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin when you’re in the sun.
- Cover up with clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Use hats with wide brims or wear caps.
- Try to stay indoors when the sun is at its strongest.
These simple tips can help you prevent from getting affected. If you’re not sure if your skin condition is typical freckles, consult a dermatologist to understand what’s causing the skin pigmentation.
When to See a Doctor?
Freckles themselves are usually harmless, but it’s essential to keep an eye on them. Sometimes, what appears to be a freckle could be a mole, which might carry a risk of skin cancer. If you notice any changes in the size of a freckle or mole or if it becomes asymmetrical, has an irregular border, or different colors, you should see a doctor right away. These changes could be signs of skin cancer. While some people find them beautiful, if you still want to reduce their appearance, you can try home remedies. However, it’s wise to consult a doctor who can guide you on the best way to deal with freckles.
FAQ’s
1. Can cucumbers remove freckles?
Yes, shredded cucumbers can help reduce the spots and blemishes due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Can Vaseline get rid of freckles?
No, regular Vaseline doesn’t contain ingredients that treat freckles. It mainly acts as a moisturizer to retain skin moisture.
3. How long does it take to get rid of freckles?
The time it takes to remove freckles depends on the method you choose. Laser therapy can show results in just one or two sessions. Natural methods may take a few weeks to see changes.
4. Can Asians have freckles?
Yes, anyone, including Asians, can get affected. They can appear due to genetics or prolonged sun exposure.
5. What are the differences between freckles, moles, and sunspots?
Freckles are small, flat, brown spots. Sunspots, also known as age spots, appear later in life due to sun exposure. Moles are dark, raised lesions that can be present at birth or develop soon after.
6. Are freckles permanent?
No, they are not permanent. They tend to fade if your skin isn’t regularly exposed to the sun or through treatments like laser therapy.
7. What do cancerous freckles look like?
They may not have a symmetrical shape, border, or consistent size. If you notice these changes or growth in a freckle, seek medical attention immediately.
Some important points to remember:
- Use sunscreen: A sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher protects your skin from the sun.
- Citric acid in lemon juice: Lemon juice can gradually make freckles lighter due to citric acid.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a natural skin lightener that can help freckles disappear.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera can make them less noticeable and even out your skin tone.
- Potatoes: Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase that can even out your skin tone and lighten freckles.
- Sandalwood: Sandalwood naturally lightens the skin and can help freckles vanish.
- Honey: Honey can make shades less noticeable and works as a natural moisturizer.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can fade the spots.
- Papain in papayas: Papayas contain the enzyme papain, which can help fade freckles.
