How To Get Rid Of Freckles

How To Get Rid Of Freckles - 15 Top Treatments, Home Remedies


Shalu B

Updated At  26 Sep 23


Are freckles coming in between you and your dream of a clear skin? Want to know how to get rid of freckles? Does ipl remove freckles? Can you remove freckles with laser? Which is the most effective freckles treatment?

Anyone with freckles understands the the issues involved with the same. But don’t worry, we got you. From what are freckles and what causes freckles to how to get rid of freckles, we have covered it all. Whether you have freckles on lips or freckles on face, we have just the right treatment for you.

     

We have covered various freckles treatment along with some frequently asked questions related to the same. Keep scrolling!

  • What Are Freckles And What Causes Freckles
  • How To Get Rid Of Freckles – 5 Treatment Options
  • How To Remove Freckles At Home – Top 10 Remedies
  • How To Remove Freckles Using Makeup
  • How To Prevent Freckles From Forming
  • FAQs On Freckles

      

      

 

What Are Freckles And What Causes Freckles?

Freckles are usually tan or brown colored spots on skin and are made up of melanin. Melanin is produced by our skin as a protection mechanism against the harmful UV rays of the sun. It is produced by cells called melanocytes. due to over exposure to the sun, melanocytes are encouraged to produce even more melanin which then gets deposited to form small clusters leading to the formation of freckles.

 

Sun exposure is the one and only culprit which causes the formation of freckles. They cannot be inherited. However, genetics can make a person more prone to getting freckles.

 

It is not necessary that everyone who is exposed to sun will get freckles. People with fair skin generally are affected the most. It is very less likely for dark skinned people to get freckles. However, it is not a complete impossibility.

Freckles can appear on any part of the body which was exposed to the sun. But they are most commonly found on the face, neck, shoulders, and hands.

Freckles are mainly of 2 types-

  • One which fades away in winters. These are mainly sun freckles which appear when skin is exposed to sun during summer. You would find them fade away or completely disapper during winters.
  • One which does not fade over time. These are the dark freckles which would need treatment for removal.

      

Freckles

 

How To Get Rid Of Freckles

Freckles are not painful and do not cause any health issue either. They are just markers of all the time spent in the sun. Some people like their freckles and some don’t. If you are one of those who don’t like them and want to know how to get rid of freckles, then keep reading the following freckle removal treatments.

As shown clearly in the freckle removal before and after images, it is definitely possible to get rid of freckles.

      

How To Get Rid Of Freckles Permanently – 5 Best Freckles Treatment Options

Following are some very popular and effective freckles treatment options.

   

1) Bleaching Or Fading Creams

The use of bleaching or fading creams for freckle removal is the most common freckles treatment. These creams mostly consist of active ingredients like hydroquinone which are known for treating melasma, freckles, and age spots. You can either buy one of these at your local drug store or ask your dermatologist to give you one.

Possible side effects include:

  • Burning
  • Blisters
  • Skin discoloration

     

retinoid

 

2) Retinoid

Retinoid is basically Vitamin A and is used for treating many skin ailments from ageing to dark spots to sun damage. It stimulates the production of collagen, evens out skin tone, fights signs of ageing and fades dark spots.

What makes it the best freckles treatment is the fact that it not only fades away freckles but also prevents the formation of new ones.

Possible side effects may include:

  • Redness
  • Peeling of skin
  • Irritation

   

Peels

 

3) Chemical Peels

This is a freckle removal method which gets rid of freckles through chemical exfoliation. Peels of ingredients like glycolic acid are used to remove the top layers of skin. The new skin which will grow in place of the damaged skin will be healthy and spot free.

Possible side effects may include:

  • Swelling
  • Irritation
  • Peeling of skin
  • Stinging

    

freckles-laser-removal

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4) Laser Removal

In this freckles treatment, short energy pulses of laser are thrown at 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. There are multiple types of lasers available for freckle removal. But which type will suit you best depends upon the type of freckles you have as well as on your skin type.

Possible side effects may include:

  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Peeling
  • Infection

       

5) Cryosurgery

In cryosurgery liquid nitrogen is used for freckle removal. Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold. It is so cold that it can destroy skin cells merely by contact. When liquid nitrogen is brought in contact with freckles, it freezes the melanocytes and destroys them. No more melanin, no more freckles. This method is considered safe.

However, it might cause the following side effects:

  • Blisters
  • Damage to nearby cells and blood vessels
  • Infection
  • Pain
  • Scarring
  • Hyperpigmentation

       

freckles-how-to-remove-using-home-remedies

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How To Remove Freckles At Home – Top 10 Remedies

     

Aloe-vera

 

1) Aloe Vera

Ingredients: Fresh aloe vera gel

How to: Take an aloe vera leaf and remove its thorny sides. Slice it in between and apply the gel on your skin. Massage on affected areas for 10 minutes. Let it sit for another 30 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Frequency: Twice daily

Why it works: Aloe Vera is known for its therapeutic properties. Its antioxidant rich composition rejuvenates skin. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It not only removes pigmentation and dark spots but also prevents them from happening. So, be it freckles on face or freckles on lips, aloe vera will effectively remove them while nourishing the skin at the same time.

    

Apple_cider_vinegar

 

2) Apple Cider Vinegar

Ingredients: 1 part ACV and 2 parts water

How to: Mix ACV well with water and apply directly on freckles. Wait for 10 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.

Frequency: Every other day

Why it works: Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective freckles treatment with its multiple benefits for skin. It is an excellent toner and will balance your skin’s pH levels. It removes dead skin cells and lightens dark spots to give you an even toned skin.

     

lemons

 

3) Lemon Juice

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons lemon juice

How to: Use a cotton ball to evenly spread lemon juice on your freckles. Keep it for 15minutes before washing it off. If you have sensitive skin, add honey as well.

Frequency: Every other day

Why it works: Lemon juice is a popular freckle removal treatment. It is rich in vitamin C due to which it has a rejuvenating effect on skin. Due to its acidic nature, lemon juice also acts as a bleaching agent and is highly effective in removing dark spots.

    

kiwifruit

 

4) Kiwi Fruit

Ingredients: 1 kiwi, 1 strawberry, 1 tablespoon honey

How to: Mash the kiwi and strawberry. Mix the mashed fruits with honey. Apply this paste on affected areas. Wash it off after 20 minutes.

Frequency: Two to three times a week.

Why it works: Both kiwis and strawberries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. They act like a natural exfoliant and lighten dark spots.

    

almond_oil

 

5) Almond Oil

Ingredients: 1 to 2 drops of almond oil

How to: Warm the oil in your hands by gently rubbing your palms together for a few seconds. Then massage this oil on your face and other areas with freckles. Keep it overnight. Wash in the morning.

Frequency: Do this every day.

Why it works: Almond oil is an extremely rich source of vitamin E and antioxidants. It hydrates, nourishes and soothes skin. It penetrates deep into the layers and is highly effective in removing dark spots, scars and pigmentation. It is a fuss free method of freckle removal for the freckles on lips as well as on face and other parts of body.

    

Yogurt

 

6) Yogurt

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey

How to: Mix the ingredients together and apply all over your freckles. Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing. You can also add ½ tablespoon of lemon juice into this mix to increase its benefits.

Frequency: Do once daily.

Why it works: Yogurt consists of lactic acid which is known for its exfoliating and skin brightening effects. When combined with honey and lemon, it becomes a powerful concoction which can successfully remove freckles.

    

Tomato

 

7) Tomato Juice

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of tomato juice

How to: Apply the tomato juice all over your face, lips, neck, and other areas which are affected by freckles. Let it sit for 15 minutes before washing it off.

Frequency: Once everyday

Why it works: Tomatoes come packed with the goodness of Vitamins A and C along with magnesium and iron. Tomato juice comes in handy for removing dark spots, pigmentation, and scars. It also neutralizes the damage caused by the harmful UV rays.

           

rosehip-oil

 

8) Rosehip Oil

Ingredients: Few drops of rosehip oil

How to: Put a few drops of this oil in your palms and rub them together gently to heat up the oil a bit. Massage in circular motions on the desired area. Let it stay overnight. Wash it in the morning.

Frequency: Once daily

Why it works: Rosehip oil is a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It also contains linoleic acid which is known for its healing and brightening properties. Rosehip oil has the power of completely transforming your skin and is one of the best freckle removal treatments available.

     

Bananas

 

9) Banana Peel

Ingredients: 1 banana peel

How to: Take a fresh banana peel and rub the inside skin on the area affected by freckles. Wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes.

Frequency: Do once daily.

Why it works: Banana peel is a rich source of many essential nutrients. It has high contents of Vitamins B6, B12, magnesium and potassium which nourishes and rejuvenates skin. It also acts as a gentle exfoliator and effectively removes freckles.

     

baking-soda

 

10) Baking Soda

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 to 2 drops of castor oil

How to: Mix the ingredients and use it to gently exfoliate the freckles on face, and other parts of skin. Leave the paste on for about 15 minutes.

Frequency: Every two days

Why it works: Baking soda is an excellent exfoliant. It effectively gets rid of dull and dead skin cells. It is also known for its skin brightening properties. Its regular use can help you with gradual freckle removal.

    

freckles

 

How To Remove Freckles Using Makeup

Here are some tips to use while applying makeup to remove freckles:

  • Apart from a full coverage foundation, you can use a tinted moisturizer, a BB cream or a light foundation to cover freckles depending upon the amount and density of your freckles.
  • It is advised to use a concealer before applying the foundation to provide an even skin tone.
  • You can use color correcting concealers to effectively cover up freckles. Opt for a yellow or orange colored concealer for spot correction.
  • Always choose a foundation which is of your shade, not a shade lighter or darker.
  • Start the application of your makeup from the center of the face towards the ears
  • If freckles are still showing, you can add another layer of concealer.
  • Seal in the makeup with a translucent powder.

      

How To Prevent Freckles From Forming

Prevention is better than cure. Follow these steps in order to prevent the formation of freckles:

  • Avoid sun exposure especially in the peak hours which is between 10 am and 4 pm.
  • Use sunscreen religiously whenever heading out. You should apply sunscreen even when it is cloudy outside. Make sure that your sunscreen is of a broad spectrum with SPF 30 and above.
  • Wear hats and other protective gear to protect your skin against sun exposure. But they are in addition to sunscreen and not in place of it.
  • Walk in shade instead of walking in sun.
  • Develop a healthy skin routine in general. Keep hydrated and eat a balanced diet.

     

       

Frequently Asked Questions On Freckles

     

Q- Does ipl remove freckles?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light is found to be effective in treating freckles. IPL specifically reduces discolorations of the skin and helps to get an even toned skin. It is recommended by dermatologists to treat sun spots, freckles and various other types of discolorations.

     

Q- Can you remove freckles with laser?

Yes, one can get rid of freckles using laser treatment. It is one of the most effective treatments for removing freckles. Depending upon the type of freckles, it might take 1 to multiple sessions to remove the same.

     

Q. Which is the best laser treatment for freckles?

The best laser treatment for freckles is the Fraxel laser. It is a hand held laser which will cover all your spots and effectively remove them.

     

Q. What is the best freckle removal cream?

The best freckle removal cream would be the one which contains ingredients such as retinoid, glycolic acid, hydroquinone and vitamin C to name a few. Following can be some of your options:

  • Porcelain Skin Whitening Serum
  • QQCUTE Advanced Vitamin C Serum
  • Paula’s Choice Triple Action Dark Spot Corrector

    

Q. How to lighten freckles?

Freckles can be lightened naturally by using a variety of home remedies which include apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, aloe vera, and almond oil among others. You can also use a freckle removal cream for lightening freckles. We have captured all the methods in detail above.

     

Q. How to get rid of freckles on face?

You can use the above mentioned home remedies to see a gradual change in the appearance of freckles on face. Or if you are looking for fast results, you can opt for treatments like chemical peel and laser.

    

Q. Does laser treatment for freckles work? Can you laser off freckles?

Yes, laser treatment is one of the most effective treatments for freckle removal. You can easily and safely laser off freckles. Laser targets and destroys freckles by penetrating deep into the skin. The energy emitted by laser is absorbed by the freckles which destroys the melanin which in return destroys the freckles.

    

Q. How to remove freckles permanently?

Freckles can be removed permanently either by using cosmetic treatments like chemical peels and laser treatment or through home remedies. We have mentioned all the treatments in details above.

   

Q. Is laser treatment for freckles safe?

The laser treatment for freckles is considered safe. However, there might be some side effects which include:

  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Peeling of skin
  • Infection
  • Change in skin color

     

Q- Are sun freckles permanent?

Sun freckles are the type of freckles one gets during the summer when the skin is exposed to sun. These usually fade with time on its own. Most of the people observe significant fading in winters. So usually sun freckles are not permanent. However, one needs to be careful while going out in the sun to prevent freckles from reappearing.

    

Q- What are the differences between freckles and moles?

Freckles Vs moles is always a topic of discussion. We are often confused between freckles and moles even when they are largely very different. Here are the differences:-

  • Freckles are flat spots whereas moles are small dark lesions.
  • Freckles are caused as a result of sun exposure. Moles on the other hand have nothing to do with sun.
  • While freckles are formed due to an excess of melanin, moles are formed due to excess supply of blood.
  • Freckles are harmless and do not cause any pain. Moles can be cancerous. They may or may not hurt irrespective of cancer.

      

      

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