Everyone wants clean and clear skin without a single spot. Unfortunately, many of us are not have the luck to achieve clear skin naturally. We have acne, scars, rashes, and whatnot on our skin, and we are chasing them daily. 

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Freckles also, just like acne aren’t easy to get rid of if you don’t like them. They are harmless and formed because of melanin overproduction due to exposure to UV radiation. 

What are freckles?

Freckles are small, brown spots on your skin, often in areas that get sun exposure. The dark spots on the skin develop due to the clustering of melanin-producing cells within the skin. They are harmless and usually caused due to excessive sun exposure or genetic inheritance. They differ from moles and other dark skin patches in that they lay flat on the skin and do not appear raised. They are very common, especially in lighter skin tones, and are more of a cosmetic concern than a medical one. 

There are two types of freckles – ephelides and solar lentigines. Ephelides are most common, reddish, and small in size and can be genetic or sun-exposure freckles. Solar lentigines are age-related freckles that are larger and darker in color.

In rare scenarios, green tea and its primary active component, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), may help change the pigmentation of the skin. According to a review in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, EGCG is an antioxidant that may be able to stop the cellular processes that result in excessive pigmentation. Gallic acid and ellagic acid are also present in the leaves of green tea themselves, which may benefit the skin.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Treatment for Freckles 

 The different types of solutions you could consider for fading freckles are as follows:

1. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) rejuvenation
2. Laser treatment
3. Chemical Peels
4. Topical retinoid creams
5. Natural remedies 

If you wish to ditch costly chemical and beauty procedures to get rid of freckles and want to try some home remedies, here are certain kitchen ingredients that can be of good help – 

1: Apple cider vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar is one of the best options to get rid of dark spots and freckles. It contains malic acid that exfoliates dark skin cells and lightens the freckle. Vinegar reduces the hyper-pigmentation of any type and also improves the overall appearance of your skin.

How to use – 

• Mix the honey and vinegar, and apply on the freckles. 
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

The extract and leaf components of the Mulberry fruit are believed to be used as all-natural pigmentation remedies. According to a review in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, the mulberry leaf’s active component may inhibit the production of pigment-causing substances and disperse melanin. This may lead to lightening of skin over a period of time.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

2: Lemon 

It is the most effective and organic component which aids in lighting the freckles and other skin pigmentations. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that reduce melanin production and lighten the freckles-affected area. It has anti-pigmentary and photo-reactive properties that protect against harmful sun rays.

How to use –

• Mix a couple of drops of lemon juice with honey and apply on freckled skin with a cotton pad. 
• Leave for 15 minutes and rinse off, follow up with a moisturizer and repeat twice a week for best results.

3: Turmeric 

A pinch of turmeric can do various things for your health. It contains a curcumin compound that inhibits melanogenesis. Melanogenesis means it reduces the excessive deposition of melanin in the skin that causes freckles. You can combine turmeric with other resources to get fast results. 

How to use –

• Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1-2 teaspoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
• Mix these until it forms a paste. Leave this on for 20 minutes.
• Rinse your face with lukewarm water, and don’t forget to apply moisturizer. 

4: Almond oil 

Almond oil is an essential and excellent oil for the skin. It is rich in vitamin A and vitamin E that nourishes the skin and reduces pigmentations. Almond oil works as a tonic for your skin that softens and brightens your skin. 

How to use –

• Take 2-3 drops of almond oil and apply it on the affected part with the help of fingers. 
• Leave for about 1 hour or until the skin fully absorbs the oil and rinse it with lukewarm water. 
• You can also keep the oil overnight on your face. 

5: Aloe Vera 

Aloe vera contains aloesin that works effectively to reduce skin pigmentation. You can use aloe vera straight from the plant or can purchase aloe vera gel from the market. It stimulates the production of metallothionein in the skin that can prevent damage by sunlight. 

How to use – 

• Massage your face with aloe vera gel for 5 minutes daily to get rid of freckles.
• Wash off with lukewarm water after leaving it for 10 minutes.

Also Read: 8 Beauty Benefits of Using Ice Cubes On The Skin

6. Honey 

Raw honey contains bleaching properties that help to lighten pigmentation. To incorporate honey into your skincare regime for reducing freckles here is what you need to do.

How to Use:

• Combine honey with either sugar or salt to make a scrub. 
• Slowly exfoliate your face and freckles with the scrub. 
• Wash with water. 

7. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is another common kitchen ingredient that can be effectively utilised to reduce the appearance of freckles. Buttermilk contains lactic acid that helps to lighten the freckles. Additionally, buttermilk makes your face soft and supple. 

How to Use:

• You can apply buttermilk directly onto your skin. 
• Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes and then wash off with warm water.
• You can also combine buttermilk with oatmeal and make a mask. 

Also Read: What Causes Dimples: Exploring the Science Behind This Cute Trait

8. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that has been proven to prevent melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity. It decreases hyperpigmentation on the skin, minimising the development of freckles. 

How to Use:

• Combine a few drops of eucalyptus oil with any carrier oil. 
• Apply this oil blend to your face and wait around 15-20 minutes. 
• Wipe off with a wet cloth
• Follow this skincare routine every night before you go to sleep.

9. Eggplant

People love to eat eggplant, whether it is eggplant fritters, in the greek dish moussaka or baked eggplant with parmesan or our desi baingan ka bharta, eggplant is versatile and beloved. But did you know that eggplant contains antioxidants, phenolic acids and vitamins that have a photoprotective response? Meaning that it can reverse the damage caused to your skin by harsh sunlight. Additionally, eggplant has been found to be quite effective in reducing the appearance of freckles. 

How to Use:

• Slice an eggplant
• Rub one of these slices onto your face in circular motions very gently
• Allow the juice of the eggplant to work on your skin for a couple of minutes
• Wash off
• Do this every day

10. Cocoa Butter

Skincare enthusiasts love to use cocoa butter based products during harsh winters to make their skin soft and supple. But aside from deep moisturising did you know that cocoa butter also has the capability to reduce freckles?

It is enriched in bioactive compounds and offers considerable photoprotection, similar to eggplant. It balances melanin, treats hyperpigmentation and reverses sun damage. 

How to Use:

• Take a coin-sized amount of cocoa butter and apply it gently to your freckles.
• Massage the cocoa butter and leave it overnight on your face like a sleeping mask.
• Wash off the next morning.
• Do this routine for at least a month for the best results.

Still, there are many home remedies that you can try. However, before using anything, know your skin thoroughly; then only you can heal it. 

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Hyperpigmentation

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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