Freckles are flat, brown/ beige circular spots that appear on the skin mainly due to ultraviolet light exposure. They typically fade in winter and are common in low-pigmented, red-headed individuals (1). Most freckles are harmless but some unusual-looking freckles may become malignant skin cancer (2).
This article discusses freckles in depth and lists the ways you can reduce their appearance if you want to. Read on to learn how to get rid of freckles.
Did You Know?
There are two types of freckles. While ephelides are flat and light brown marks that tend to get darker during summers, lentigines, also known as age or liver spots, develop due to excess melanocytesi Cells located in the inner layers of the skin and hair that produce and contain melanin (natural skin pigment). in your skin.
The development of freckles is primarily attributed to exposure to sunlight and a possible genetic predisposition to developing freckles (3).
Our skin produces melanin on exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning lights. This then leads to the over-deposition of melanin in one spot, which causes freckles. Freckles occur mostly in people with blonde or red hair, fair skin, and light-colored eyes.
Note: Freckles do not form without exposure to sunlight. If you observe their appearance on parts of your body that are not exposed to sunlight, it may be a sign of malignant skin cancer. Seek medical help immediately in such cases. Any other part, like freckles on the wrist, face or hands, they may be normal.
There are several treatment options available to diminish the appearance of freckles, including skin-lightening creams, pigment lasers, and chemical peels. But if you want to try some home remedies to lighten freckles, you can read about them below.
Do note that the effectiveness of these remedies depends on your skin type and genetics. Also, always do a patch test before applying any of these ingredients to your face.
Note: These remedies are not scientifically proven to eliminate freckles directly. If you are sensitive to certain ingredients, do not go ahead with the recipe.
The malic acid in ACV exfoliates the darkened skin cells and promotes overall skin exfoliation (4). This helps in lightening freckles.
Apply this once every day on your freckles. If you are applying it on your entire face, repeat every alternate day.
Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C exhibits photoprotective and anti-pigmentary properties that help in sun protection. It reduces melanin production to decrease dark spots and pigmentation on your skin (5).
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
You can follow this two times a week.
Caution: Do not follow this remedy if you have sensitive skin as lemon juice may cause redness and irritation. Also, ensure you apply sunscreen before you step out in the sun as lemon juice makes your skin photosensitive.
The topical application of aloe vera gel triggers the production of metallothioneini Low molecular weight proteins that provide protection against DNA damage, oxidative stress, etc. in the skin, which prevents UV-induced damage (6). It can also inhibit tyrosinasei A copper-containing enzyme responsible for the first step in melanin production and the process of pigmentation. activity (7). Thus, it may decrease melanin deposition in the skin, leading to lesser freckles.
Fresh aloe vera gel
Repeat this every day.
Quick Tip
Use fresh aloe vera from your plant at home. Wash the leaf properly and trim the thorns. Take a knife and cut the leaf open. Allow the yellow sap (latex) to drip from the leaf. Take a spoon and scoop out the gel. Apply a cube of aloe vera to your freckles daily for quick removal and enhanced skin hydration.
Research shows that curcumin, the primary component of turmeric, inhibits melanogenesis (8). This means that it may reduce the excessive deposition of melanin in the skin that causes freckles.
Do this once every week.
Yogurt
contains lactic acid. Lactic acid inhibits tyrosinase activity, suppresses melanin formation, and reduces hyperpigmentation (9). These effects may help reduce the appearance of freckles.
2-3 tablespoons of yogurt
Honey contains phenolic and flavonoid compounds that may help inhibit tyrosinase activity (10). This controls the excess production of melanin in your skin, which, in turn, may reduce the occurrence of freckles.
Do this two times a week.
Caution: Do not follow this remedy if you have sensitive skin as lemon juice may cause redness and irritation. Also, apply sunscreen before you go out as lemon juice makes your skin photosensitive.
Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that is widely used for its pharmacological properties. Eucalyptus oil inhibits tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis, which helps reduce hyperpigmentation (11). Thus, it may help in reducing freckles.
Do this once every day before going to bed.
Note:Do not try this remedy if you have hypersensitive skin.
Pomelo oil is known to exhibit anti-melanogenic and antioxidant properties (12). This means that it decreases the synthesis of melanin and may reduce the appearance of freckles.
Repeat this daily before going to bed.
Cocoa butter contains bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, that offer photoprotection and can reverse the effects of UV-induced skin damage (13). Thus, it may prevent the development of brown spots caused by freckles.
1-2 teaspoons of cocoa butter
You can repeat this every night before going to bed for 2-3 weeks.
Shea kernels have been found to inhibit melanogenesis (14). Shea butter may help decrease melanin synthesis and reduce the occurrence of freckles.
1-2 teaspoons of shea butter
Repeat this every night for 3-4 weeks.
Eggplant
is rich in bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, phenolics, and antioxidants (15). These compounds exhibit photoprotective properties that may help prevent skin damage on exposure to UV rays of the sun (16). This may help reduce freckles.
1 fresh eggplant
Repeat this once every day.
Banana peel contains bioactive compounds that can inhibit melanogenesis and, thus, reduce freckles (17).
A ripe banana peel
Do this once every day.
Kiwi fruit contains flavonoids like quercetin that may inhibit tyrosinase activity (18). This may lead to a reduction in any skin pigmentation, including freckles.
Do this two times a week.
Note: Natural remedies may work differently for each skin type, and results can vary due to genetics. Always do a patch test to check for any adverse reactions, and reach out to a dermatologist if you have any concerns about trying these methods.
If you would like to take the medical route or want to lighten your freckles quickly, check out the medical treatment options listed below.
A blogger struggled with freckles on her shoulders and upper arms, having tried various creams without success. She consulted a dermatologist who recommended laser therapy. After 4 sessions, she found remarkable improvement. She shared in her blog, “There was a little redness for around 2 days and scabbing for around a week. The downtime was not too much for me to handle, I just wore blouses with sleeves and no one even noticed (i).” She is delighted with the outcome and recommends the laser for freckles and other skin issues.
Along with following these home remedies and medical treatments, it is also good to know what kind of freckles you have to treat them more effectively. Check them out below.
It is also a good idea to know the risk factors of freckles and when to seek medical attention. Scroll down to find out more.
Some studies show that a particular gene and frequent exposure to the sun work in tandem to develop freckles (26).
It also depends on the type of melanin:
The risk factors of solar lentigines are slightly different from those of the common freckles, and they include (26):
These simple remedies and prevention tips can help you tackle freckles. If you feel what you have does not fit the description of common freckles, consult your dermatologist and understand the cause of the pigmentation on your skin.
Freckles, by themselves, are harmless spots of melanin deposition. It could be that you have mistaken a mole for a freckle. Moles, however, pose the threat of skin cancer.
If you see any change in the size of the freckle or mole, consult your doctor immediately. Other signs include asymmetry in the shape, border, and diameter of the mole. If you see that the mole has different colors as opposed to a uniform shade, seek medical help immediately.
Freckles are a sign of beauty in some cultures and not really a cause of medical concern. But if you still want to reduce their appearance, you can try some of these home remedies. However, it is best to consult a doctor who will guide you on the most appropriate method to tackle freckles.
Many people tend to confuse age spots with freckles. Scroll down to know the difference between these two.
Age spots and freckles, though they may appear similar at times, the key distinctions lie in their development, appearance, and how they respond to age and sun exposure. Those small brown flat spots known as freckles often stand out more on lighter skin types.
Age spots, sometimes called sunspots, get their name because they appear later in life, typically in the mid-thirties or later. These spots are caused by years of continuous sun exposure, which causes skin cells to produce excess melanin. Age spots, unlike freckles, are more frequent in elderly people and have a longer lifespan, often requiring skin treatments for removal.
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can result in freckles on your face. While several medical treatments address this issue, you can opt for simple and affordable ingredients from your kitchen. We have compiled a list of home remedies you can use to improve the appearance of freckles on your face. Check them out here.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Excess sun exposure may cause freckles. Skin lightening creams, chemical peels, and pigment lasers are the common treatment options to manage freckles. In addition to these freckle treatments, natural remedies with turmeric, kiwi fruit, aloe vera, red onion juice, parsley, eucalyptus oil, shea butter, eggplant, cocoa butter, and apple cider vinegar work effectively in reducing the appearance of freckles.
There are other effective home remedies, such as tomato, coconut oil, chamomile tea with mint, oatmeal, orange peel extracts, almonds etc., that may help reduce freckles and improve skin texture (30).
You also may follow preventive tips like applying sunscreen before stepping out in the sun and wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed caps to help prevent freckles. However, perform a patch test before following these home remedies.
How long does it take to get rid of freckles?
The time taken to get rid of freckles depends on the treatment option chosen. If you opt for laser therapy, you can see results in one or two sessions. If you opt for natural methods, it might take a few weeks to see the results.
Can Asians have freckles?
Yes, they can. Freckles can occur if you have a genetic predisposition to them or stay out in the sun for long periods on a regular basis.
What are the differences between freckles, moles, and sunspots?
Freckles Vs. Sunspots Vs. Moles
Freckles occur in the form of small brown flat spots on your face. Sunspots are also known as age spots as that tend to show up much later in life. They occur due to regular exposure to sunlight on areas that are regularly exposed to sunlight. Moles are dark lesions that have a raised surface. They make their appearance at birth or soon after birth.
Are freckles permanent?
No, freckles are not permanent. They usually fade away if your skin is not regularly exposed to sunlight and through laser treatments.
What do cancerous freckles look like?
Cancerous freckles will not have a symmetric appearance, diameter, or border. They may also grow in size over time. In such cases, you must seek medical help immediately (29).
Can cucumbers remove freckles?
Yes. You may use shredded cucumbers to get rid of freckles and blemishes. Their anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe your skin (31).
Can Vaseline get rid of freckles?
No. Regular Vaseline doesn’t include any ingredients that would treat freckles; it is simply petroleum jelly that seals skin moisture.
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
If you want to know how to get clear skin, all you need is a good skin care routine and a healthy diet. Check out the video to learn 3 top natural home remedies to remove freckles on your face! Get rid of those pesky spots without harsh chemicals.
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
Was this article helpful?
Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker
Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was one of the beginners who introduced cutaneous lasers in India. He carries out dermato surgeries regularly, including hair grafting and vitiligo surgeries.
Read full bio of Dr. CP Thajudheen
Sucharita Mishra has a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and two years of experience in writing on topics related to Health and Wellness. She has worked on determining various heavy metals present in green tea for her Master’s dissertation at CSIR- CFTRI, Mysuru.
Read full bio of Sucharita Mishra
Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty