.
Have you ever spotted those tiny, light brown spots on your skin and wondered what they are? We’re talking about freckles of course, and we’ll be exploring what causes them, some natural ways to fade them, and how you can prevent them from popping up in the first place. We’ll go through it all, so you can better understand how to deal with these little sun kisses. Sounds good? Let’s dive in!
Freckles are small spots that appear on the skin, usually lighter in color than the surrounding area, which results in darker patches. These spots usually show up on the face, around the chest or back and on the shoulders or upper arms. These spots aren’t harmful, or contagious.
Some girls consider freckles a natural, and even beautiful part of their appearance and don’t mind them, but others find them bothersome. Especially if they’re noticeable on their face. If you’re in the latter group, then buckle up, because we’re about to look at some simple, natural remedies that can help you get rid of freckles.
Causes of Freckles
Here are some of the main reasons that could lead to the appearance of freckles on the skin, including:
- Harmful Sun Exposure: This is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to freckles. Exposure to the sun stimulates melanin production (that’s the pigment responsible for skin color), by pigment cells called melanocytes to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, and to prevent them from changing color.
- Having a Genetic Predisposition: This predisposition causes the skin’s ability to distribute melanin pigment evenly. This means melanocytes in certain areas produce more pigment than others, resulting in concentrated spots on the skin.
- Genetic Factors: Genetics play a significant role in freckle development, because they can be passed down from parents to children.
- Having Fair Skin: People with lighter skin are more prone to developing freckles, as their skin is more sensitive to sun exposure. The melanocytes in their skin don’t produce as much melanin.
- Freckles during Pregnancy: During pregnancy, some spots may appear on a woman’s face and body due to hormonal changes in the body, which are often associated with freckles, but usually disappear with the end of the pregnancy.
While we’re talking about causes, it’s interesting to note that certain medications can actually increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. We’ve noticed, in my own case, that acne treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids can make you more susceptible to freckling, so you’ve gotta be extra diligent with that sunscreen if you’re using them. But there are also some skincare ingredients that help to fade existing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, such as kojic acid, arbutin, niacinamide, and liquorice root extract.
Natural Remedies for Freckles
If the appearance of freckles bothers you, there are many natural remedies that can help you get rid of them. Here are some of the most effective ones:
1. Lemon and Turmeric
Mix a little lemon juice with some turmeric powder and apply the mixture to the freckled areas for 15 minutes. Then, wash it off with lukewarm water. This helps lighten those dark spots on your skin. You can repeat this remedy daily.
2. Buttermilk and Parsley
Mix a little fresh parsley juice with a little buttermilk until you get a smooth mixture, and apply it to the freckled areas. This helps lighten them, because buttermilk contains lactic acid which helps reduce melanin production, and thus reduce pigmentation.
You can even substitute buttermilk with yogurt, it also contains lactic acid.
3. Castor Oil and Vitamin E
Castor oil helps get rid of dark spots on the skin, so try putting it on the freckled areas, and ideally add a little vitamin E, which keeps the skin moisturized.
4. Honey
You can put a thin layer of honey on your skin, leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Honey contains antioxidant properties that can help lighten freckles and reduce skin pigmentation over time.
5. Aloe Vera Gel
The compounds found in aloe vera gel help prevent damage caused by sun exposure, plus aloe vera contains salicylic acid and aloin, which can help reduce freckles too.
You can put a little aloe vera gel directly on the freckles and massage it for 2-3 minutes, then leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off, and this can be repeated daily.
Natural Freckles Treatment
Here are some other treatments that can reduce the appearance of freckles, but you should consult a doctor about them:
- Products that contain the following compounds can help treat freckles:
- Alpha hydroxy acids.
- Azelaic acid.
- Cysteamine.
- Vitamin C.
- Retinoids.
- Cosmetic procedures to remove dark spots, such as laser treatments and chemical peels.
Preventing Freckles
Preventing freckles from appearing is easier than treating them, so you should follow these tips to avoid freckles on your skin:
1. Reduce exposure to direct sunlight
That’s especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. Direct exposure to the sun during these times will increase the appearance of freckles.
2. Use sunscreen on the skin
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from freckles. It’s best to put sunscreen on before sun exposure, about 15 minutes before.
Key takeaways
- Sun protection is key to preventing more freckles.
- Natural remedies like lemon juice and honey may help fade freckles over time.
- Genetics play a big role in who gets freckles and how many they have.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Will freckles disappear completely?
While some freckles might fade with age or reduced sun exposure, they rarely disappear entirely without treatment.
Are freckles a sign of skin damage?
Freckles themselves aren’t dangerous, but they indicate sun sensitivity and a higher risk of sun damage. So extra sun protection is always a good idea.
Can you get freckles from tanning beds?
Absolutely! Tanning beds emit UV radiation, which can trigger freckle formation just like the sun.
Is there a way to prevent freckles entirely?
If you’re genetically predisposed, freckles might be inevitable. However, diligent sun protection can minimize their appearance.
I used to hate my freckles, thought they made me look like a kid. But then I realized they’re part of what makes me unique. Now I just focus on protecting my skin and letting them do their thing.
Growing up, I tried everything to get rid of my freckles—lemon juice, creams, you name it. Eventually, I realized they weren’t going anywhere, and they weren’t hurting me. Now, I just embrace them.
My mom always told me my freckles were ‘sun kisses,’ which made me feel a little better about them. I still wear sunscreen every day, but I don’t stress about them as much anymore. They’re just part of my face.
So, back to where we started: freckles. They’re a normal part of life for many of us, especially those with fairer skin. We’ve learned a lot about what causes them, how to fade them naturally, and most importantly, how to protect our skin from further sun damage. It’s all about finding a balance between embracing what makes you unique and taking care of your skin, freckles or not!
