10 Home Remedies For Freckles & Clear Skin

Introduction

Clear, even-toned skin is something many people strive for. However, it is common to experience concerns such as acne, scars, or rashes, which can affect the skin’s appearance. Freckles, much like acne, are also a common skin feature. While harmless, freckles form due to increased melanin production, often triggered by exposure to UV radiation. 

What are Freckles?

Freckles are small, brown marks on the skin. They usually appear in areas that are exposed to sun. The dark spots on the skin develop due to the clustering of cells that produce melanin within the skin. They are harmless and usually caused due to prolonged exposure to the sun or genetic factors. However, they differ from moles and other dark skin patches as freckles lay flat on the skin and do not appear raised like moles/skin patches¹. Freckles are common, especially in people with 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. While solar lentigines are freckles that are related to age and are larger and darker in colour. 

Home Remedies for Freckles and Clear Skin

 The different types of solutions one could consider for managing freckles are listed below: 

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) rejuvenation 
• Laser treatment 
• Chemical Peels 
• Topical retinoid creams 
• Natural remedies  

If you wish to try some simple home remedies instead of cosmetic procedure, here are certain kitchen ingredients that can be of help. 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is among one of the best options to lighten dark spots as well as freckles. It contains a compound which is known as malic acid that can exfoliate dark skin cells, which helps to lighten the appearance of freckles on the skin. Vinegar may help reduce hyper-pigmentation and also improve the overall appearance of the skin. 

How to use: 

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

2. Lemon 

Lemon juice is considered one of the most widely used natural ingredients for addressing freckles and other forms of skin pigmentation. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which may help reduce melanin production and gradually lighten areas affected by freckles². It has anti-pigmentary and photo-reactive properties that may be beneficial against harmful sun rays. 

How to use:

• Mix a couple of drops of lemon juice with honey. 
• Apply the mixture to skin that has freckles with a cotton pad.  
• Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off, follow up with a moisturiser and repeat twice a week for best results. 

3. Turmeric 

Turmeric is known for its various health benefits and has long been used in traditional skincare. It contains curcumin, a compound that may help inhibit melanogenesis, which is the process responsible for excessive melanin production in the skin, which can lead to freckles³. When combined with other natural ingredients, turmeric may support more noticeable results over time. However, it should be used with care, as it can stain the skin and may cause irritation in some individuals. 

How to use: 

• Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk. You can even add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to this mixture. 
• Mix these ingredients until it forms a paste and apply it on the face, leaving it on for 20 minutes. 
• Rinse your face with lukewarm water and apply moisturiser.  

4. Almond Oil 

Almond oil is a widely used natural oil known for its skin-nourishing properties. It is rich in vitamin A and vitamin E which can nourish the skin and may reduce pigmentations on the face⁴.  

How to use: 

• Take 2-3 drops of almond oil and apply it to the areas where you have freckles with the help of fingers.  
• Leave for about 1 hour 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 which may help to reduce skin pigmentation⁵. You can use aloe vera directly from the plant or it can be purchased as 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 help lighten freckles. 
• Wash off with lukewarm water after leaving it for 10 minutes. 

In rare cases, 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 skin¹¹.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

6. Honey 

Raw honey contains antioxidants that may help lighten pigmentation⁶. To incorporate honey into your skincare regime for reducing freckles here is method that you find beneficial. 

How to Use: 

• Combine honey with either sugar or salt to make a scrub.  
• Slowly exfoliate your face with the scrub.  
• Rinse off 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 freckles⁷. 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.  

8. Eucalyptus Oil 

Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that may have beneficial properties to prevent melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity⁸. 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 

Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is enjoyed in many dishes around the world—from eggplant fritters and the Greek classic moussaka to baked aubergine with parmesan and the well-loved baingan ka bharta. Beyond its culinary appeal, eggplant also contains beneficial compounds such as antioxidants, phenolic acids, and vitamins, which may help protect the skin from sun-related damage⁹. These compounds are believed to have photoprotective properties, meaning they may assist in repairing skin affected by exposure to harsh sunlight. Some evidence also suggests that eggplant may help reduce the appearance of freckles.⁹ 

How to Use: 

• Slice an eggplant into thin pieces. 
• Gently rub one of these slices onto the face in circular motions.  
• Allow the juice of the eggplant to sit on the skin for a few minutes. 
• Rinse off with water.  

10. Cocoa Butter 

Cocoa butter is a popular choice among skincare enthusiasts, particularly during harsh winters, for its deep moisturising properties that help keep the skin soft and supple. In addition to hydration, cocoa butter is rich in bioactive compounds and is believed to offer some degree of photoprotection, similar to eggplant. It may help balance melanin levels, support the treatment of hyperpigmentation, and assist in reducing the visible effects of sun damage, including the appearance of freckles¹⁰. 

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. 

There are still many home remedies that may be worth trying. However, it is important to consult with a doctor to understand your skin type and condition thoroughly before using any treatment, as this will help ensure safe and effective care.  

Extracts from the mulberry fruit and its leaves are commonly used in natural remedies for pigmentation. 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 time¹².

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Conclusion

Freckles are harmless, often caused by sun exposure or genetics, and can be lightened with natural remedies. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar, lemon, turmeric, and aloe vera may help reduce pigmentation. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new skincare treatment. 

Also Read: Wonderful Home Remedies for Skin Tightening

References

1. Shirbeigi L, Zareie E, Ranjbar M. Evaluating the causes of freckle and nevus from the viewpoint of Iranian traditional medicine. Iran J Med Sci. 2016 May;41(3 Suppl):S67. PMID: 27840533; PMCID: PMC5103577. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5103577/
2. Leong EJ, Tan LF, Yap VL, Rajagopal M, Chandran R. Cosmetological applications of Citrus limon: a mini-review. Indian J Nat Prod Resour. 2024;15. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382741103_Cosmetological_applications_of_Citrus_limon_A_mini-review 
3. Tu CX, Lin M, Lu SS, Qi XY, Zhang RX, Zhang YY. Curcumin inhibits melanogenesis in human melanocytes. Phytother Res. 2012 Feb;26(2):174-9. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3517 
4. Rybak I, Carrington AE, Dhaliwal S, Hasan A, Wu H, Burney W, Maloh J, Sivamani RK. Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Almonds on Facial Wrinkles and Pigmentation. Nutrients. 2021 Feb 27;13(3):785. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/pmid/33673587/ 
5. Choi S, Lee SK, Kim JE, Chung MH, Park YI. Aloesin inhibits hyperpigmentation induced by UV radiation. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Sep;27(6):513–5. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2230.2002.01120.x. PMID: 12372097. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12372097/
6. Mandal MD, Mandal S. Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011 Apr;1(2):154-60. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3609166/ 
7. Sharquie KE, Al-Tikreety MM, Al-Mashhadani SA. Lactic acid as a new therapeutic peeling agent in melasma. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Feb;31(2):149-54; discussion 154. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15762205/ 
8. Huang HC, Ho YC, Lim JM, Chang TY, Ho CL, Chang TM. Investigation of the Anti-Melanogenic and Antioxidant Characteristics of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Flower Essential Oil and Determination of Its Chemical Composition. Int J Mol Sci. 2015 May 7;16(5):10470-90. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4463657/ 
9. Colak N, Kurt-Celebi A, Gruz J, Strnad M, Hayirlioglu-Ayaz S, Choung MG, Esatbeyoglu T, Ayaz FA. The Phenolics and Antioxidant Properties of Black and Purple versus White Eggplant Cultivars. Molecules. 2022 Apr 8;27(8):2410. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9030419/ 
10. Scapagnini G, Davinelli S, Di Renzo L, De Lorenzo A, Olarte HH, Micali G, Cicero AF, Gonzalez S. Cocoa bioactive compounds: significance and potential for the maintenance of skin health. Nutrients. 2014 Aug 11;6(8):3202-13. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4145303/ 
11. Sun J, Jiang Y, Fu J, He L, Guo X, Ye H, Yin C, Li H, Jiang H. Beneficial effects of epigallocatechin gallate in preventing skin photoaging: a review. Molecules. 2024 Nov 5;29(22):5226. doi: 10.3390/molecules29225226. PMID: 39598619; PMCID: PMC11596539. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11596539/
12. Binic I, Lazarevic V, Ljubenovic M, Mojsa J, Sokolovic D. Skin ageing: natural weapons and strategies. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:827248. doi: 10.1155/2013/827248. PMID: 23431351; PMCID: PMC3569896. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3569896/

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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