Freckles are tiny dark brown spots on the skin. Some people, especially women, love freckles on their faces and believe it enhances their beauty. However, some find it more of a nuisance and prefer flawless skin.
For those who adore their natural freckles, more power to you. You're beautiful. To those who don't like them and want to know how to get rid of freckles permanently, this blog is here to help you.
Fake freckles are trending nowadays. Not long ago, these fake freckles had gone viral on TikTok and Instagram. What’s more, fake freckle products have even been introduced that let people without freckles dot their faces for effect. How cool is that?
Freckles are the result of sun damage to your skin. Most of them are harmless, but it's acceptable if you want to hide your freckles. And luckily, they can be removed using various at-home and in-clinic treatments.
Read on as we explain different ways to get rid of freckles fast and some useful tips to prevent them.
What Are Freckles, Anyway?
Freckles are usually brown-colored dots or spots on the skin and are made of melanin. To be more precise, accumulated melanin.
As a result of overexposure to the sun, melanocytes are encouraged to produce even more melanin. This then gets deposited to create clusters, leading to the formation of freckles.
Freckles can appear anywhere on the body but are mostly found on the face, neck, shoulders, and arms. People with fair skin are generally affected the most.
Freckles can fade as the winter arises. The keratinocytes that store the melanin (that makes up the freckles) get replaced with new skin cells.
Yes, sun exposure is the only culprit. But there are some people who are born with it. Meaning they are genetics.
Generally, there are two types of freckles, namely:
- Ephelides – These types of freckles come in summer and fade away in winter. Some at-home remedies (which we will discuss later) will help you get rid of them.
- Solar lentigines – This type of freckle is called a sunspot. It does not fade over time and can be permanent. In some people, it fades with age. In such cases, clinical treatments are required to remove them.
Even though they both look similar, they have different causes.
What Causes Freckles?
Human skin is very sensitive. It reacts quickly when exposed to sun or UV rays. As you may know, the melanocytes in our bodies produce melanin, which gives our skin its color. It also protects our skin against harmful UV rays.
When your skin is exposed to sunlight, UV B radiation prompts melanocytes to produce more melanin to protect your skin.
The melanin then accumulates in a confined spot and spreads into the surrounding skin cells, known as keratinocytes, forming a freckle.
Removing these freckles is possible with many home remedies and clinical treatments. However, you don't have to worry about its appearance since most of them go away on their own. Let's head to the main part of our blog.
How To Get Rid Of Freckles Permanently? – Treatments
Here are some clinically proven treatments to remove your freckles fast:
i) Sunscreen
You must use sunscreen as protection against UV rays. As you may know, your skin fully absorbs UV rays from the sun. If absorbed, these UV rays in intense light would promote melanin production, leading to pigmentation and freckles.
So, try to reapply sunscreen in between a 2-hour gap and avoid direct sunlight.
ii) Chemical peel
The best and most recommended way to remove freckles is chemical peeling. Since it's quite risky to do, it's usually performed in a skin clinic by a dermatologist or esthetician.
Peels of ingredients like glycolic acid are used to remove the top layers of skin. A new skin that will form in place of the damaged skin will be healthy and spotless.
One clinical study showed that 70% Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) and 80% Phenol are best for removing freckles.
It will take two to three days to heal from the procedure. Getting chemical peels often is not recommended as they can be too harsh on your skin.
iii) Topical retinoid creams
Retinoid, a vitamin A molecule, can help fix sun-damaged skin and remove freckles slightly. According to a 2014 review, retinoids may also help protect your skin from UV rays and prevent more freckles from developing in the future.
Keep in mind that retinoids can leave your skin more prone to sun damage, so make sure to apply lots of sunscreen when using them.
iv) Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is another popular and safe treatment for getting rid of freckles. Here, liquid nitrogen is used to remove the freckles and dark spots. Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold (−196 °C) and can destroy skin cells merely by contact.
When liquid nitrogen is kept in contact with freckles, it freezes the melanocytes and destroys them. This means no more melanin, no more freckles. This painless method is considered safe.
Be aware that scars can sometimes linger after cryosurgery, so you may need to get used to having new types of marks in place of your freckles. Nonetheless, most of the time, cryosurgery has no long-term negative effects.
v) IPL treatment (Intense Pulsed Light )
IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light treatment, is similar to Laser treatment, where it emits light across the wavelength spectrum. Here, light is converted into heat, which is absorbed by the skin's pigment cells. Unwanted pigment is removed, which eliminates freckles and other types of spots.
IPL is less effective on people with darker skin tones but can help with rosacea, sun damage, unwanted hair, and other skin issues.
These treatments are often less intense than traditional lasers, which means there may be less pain, redness, inflammation, and downtime afterward.
vi) Laser Freckle removal
In this freckle treatment, short energy pulses of laser are projected at the skin, which are then absorbed by the freckles. The heat of the energy emitted by lasers then destroys melanin, which in turn removes the freckles.
But before the treatment, your skin will be pre-treated with a cool spray so that the heat doesn't cause any pain.
Multiple types of lasers are available for freckle removal, such as blue or red light, as well as different wavelengths. But which type will suit you best depends upon the type of freckles you have as well as on your skin type.
You don't have to worry, as your dermatologist or esthetician will tell you beforehand.
Also, note that laser freckle removal can be painful and takes multiple sessions lasting 10 to 15 minutes each. Following treatment, you may have peeling, swelling, or itching on your skin. You'll also need to avoid the sun for a few weeks.
How To Get Rid Of Freckles At Home?
If you want to ditch chemicals or expensive treatments to remove your freckles, you can opt for home remedies that can be of good help.
i). Aloe vera
You might be aware of the hundreds of benefits that aloe vera offers. It contains aloesin, which helps reduce dark spots, acne, melasma, and other skin pigmentation.
It is also known to promote the production of metallothionein in your skin, which can prevent damage caused by sunlight. You can use it to get rid of your freckles, too.
You’ll find many aloe vera on the market. But it's better if you use the aloe vera gel extracted from the plant itself.
How to use:
- Take a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract the gel part.
- Apply all over the affected area and massage gently for 5 minutes.
- Keep it as it is for another 30 minutes.
- Wash it with normal water and pat dry.
2. Apple cider vinegar –
Apple cider vinegar is a great way to get rid of dark spots and freckles. It contains malic acid, which exfoliates dark skin cells and lightens your freckles.
In addition, apple cider vinegar lowers hyperpigmentation of all types while improving your skin's general appearance.
How to use:
- Dilute a small amount of apple cider vinegar with water.
- Apply directly on the freckles and dark spots.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes, and wash it off.
3. Lemon juice –
Another great at-home remedy for removing freckles is lemon juice. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, due to which it has a rejuvenating effect on your skin.
Not just that, lemon juice also acts as a bleaching agent and is perfect for removing dark spots because of its acidic nature, just like apple cider vinegar.
It's true that some people are sensitive to lemon. So, make sure to do a patch test or try other alternatives discussed in our list.
How to use:
- Squeeze a lemon into a clean bowl.
- Spread the lemon juice over your freckles using a cotton ball.
- Keep it for 10-15 minutes. Wash it off with normal water.
- Do this every day, and you'll notice your freckles disappear.
4. Turmeric powder –
You might have used turmeric at least once on your face. Yes, it's a miracle traditional spice. Just a pinch of turmeric powder can give plenty of skin benefits.
It contains curcumin as an active component, which can inhibit melanogenesis. This means it reduces the excessive deposition of melanin in your skin, which causes freckles.
How to use:
- Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a bowl of milk.
- Mix well until it forms a paste.
- Apply over your freckles and leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash it with water and apply moisturizer.
5. Yogurt –
Applying dairy products on your is the best natural way to remove any spots or pigmentation. They have lactic acid, which is known for its exfoliating and skin-brightening effects.
In particular, yogurt has been widely used by many. When mixed with lemon and honey, it becomes a powerful concoction that can successfully diminish your freckles.
How to use:
- Mix one tablespoon of yogurt and one tablespoon of honey. (You can also add lemon juice for maximum effect.)
- Apply onto the affected area.
- Let it soak in your skin for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash it off with normal water and pat dry.
6. Eucalyptus oil –
Essential oils are one of the best home remedies for skin-related problems. Eucalyptus is a widely popular oil used for pharmacological purposes.
It inhibits the properties of tyrosinase, which helps minimize the signs of hyperpigmentation of your skin. Eucalyptus also maintains melanin synthesis.
How to use:
- Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with almond oil or any carrier oil.
- Apply gently on your freckles.
- Let it stay for 20 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a wet cloth.
- Do it every night before bedtime.
7. Banana peels –
Banana peel is a rich source of several essential nutrients. It has a high content of vitamins B6, B12, potassium, and magnesium, which nourish and rejuvenate your skin. It also acts as a gentle exfoliator and effectively removes freckles.
How to use:
- Rub a ripe banana peel on your freckles
- Leave the juice on for 20 minutes.
- Wash with tap water
- Follow up with a moisturizer.
While trying at-home remedies such as lemon juice or turmeric powder to eliminate freckles may be enticing, it is recommended to stick to clinically proven skin pigmentation treatment procedures.
But what if these DIY methods take a long time, and you want to mask your freckles urgently? In that case, makeup can be a lifesaver.
How To Hide Your Freckles Using Makeup?
If you decide to hide your freckles instead of removing or lightening them, here's what you can do.
First off, apply sunscreen as a base so you don't get freckles anymore when you go out on a sunny day. Make sure to use a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum and has an SPF of at least 30.
Now, apply a concealer to cover your spots and freckles as you normally do when doing your makeup. Don't forget to use a concealer shade that matches your skin to make it even.
Now, top it up with your favorite mineral foundation. Again, make sure it complements your skin tone, and you'll notice your freckles are invisible.
If your freckles are still visible, add another layer of concealer. Also, it's better to use a tinted moisturizer or sunscreen to mask those dark spots properly.
How to Prevent Freckles from Forming?
As they say, prevention is always the key. When it comes to freckles, the first thing you should do is protect your skin from the sun as much as you can. Here are some tips:
- Avoid going out on sunny days, especially in peak hours.
- Apply sunscreen regularly whenever you're out, even if you're swimming. Use a good quality sunscreen with SPF 30 and above.
- If you've applied any active serums like kojic acid or vitamin C, make sure to cover it with sunscreen. Otherwise, you'll develop more dark spots.
- Wear protective gear and hats to protect your skin against sun exposure. But they are in addition to sunscreen and not in place of it.
- The last and most important thing is to develop a healthy skincare routine.
- Consume lots of Vitamin C-rich fruits and juices to nourish your skin.
- Eat healthy foods, stay hydrated, and sleep well.
When To See A Doctor?
Some skin cancers resemble freckles, so you must have them checked by a healthcare professional or a dermatologist. If you are someone with fair skin plus freckles, you're more likely to get melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer.
Freckles aren't usually a sign of concern, though. Still, if you notice any change in the size, shape, or color of your freckles, contact your healthcare specialist or doctor immediately. They will examine your skin and let you know if something's off with you.
Takeaway
So, we explored how to get rid of freckles, which are brown spots on your skin. UV rays stimulate melanin production, leading to the formation of these distinctive pigmented spots.
Even though they are not harmful, some people prefer to remove them as they wish to have clear and flawless skin.
While freckles are a part of who you are, having the choice to remove them can make you feel more confident. So you can try out the above home remedies to remove them or go for treatment if you prefer to get rid of them permanently.
Lastly, learn to accept your flaws. Everyone is beautiful in their way!
FAQs
1. How do you get rid of freckles naturally?
Ans: You can get rid of freckles using many home remedies like applying lemon juice, honey, banana peels, yogurt, and turmeric.
2. Are freckles permanent?
Ans: Ephelides freckles, which come during the warmer and summer times, usually fade in the winter. They are temporary. But, Lentigine freckles, which are darker, tend to be permanent, and they seem to be due to genetics or aging.
3. Does Vitamin C remove freckles?
Ans: Vitamin C serum suppresses melanin production, so it can be used to lighten freckles. However, some freckles can be darker and persistent. In such cases, other treatments may be required.
4. Will sunscreen prevent freckles?
Ans: Yes, sunscreen will prevent freckles, but it will not get rid of the existing freckles. It will just stop the UV rays from falling on your skin and prevent freckles from forming.
5. Can freckles go away on their own?
Ans: Some freckles may go away on their own. Freckles caused by sun exposure in summer are intense but diminish during winter. However, freckles that are hereditary may be permanent and disappear as you age.
6. Does Apple cider vinegar remove freckles?
Ans: Yes, apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which helps reduce hyper-pigmentation and lightens the freckles.
Read Also:
