You may have noticed the appearance of dark or light circular spots on your face, neck, and arms-on exposure to sunlight. These are freckles. Most freckles are harmless spots that are formed due to the overproduction of melanin.
The development of freckles is primarily attributed to exposure to sunlight and a possible genetic predisposition to developing freckles.
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.
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.
Home Remedies That May Help Lighten Freckles
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
The malic acid in ACV exfoliates the darkened skin cells. This helps in lightening freckles.
You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
What You Have To Do:
- Mix the honey and vinegar, and apply on the freckles. You can also apply this mixture to the entire face.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This:
Apply this once every day on your freckles. If you are applying it on your entire face, repeat every alternate day.
2. Lemon
Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C exhibits photoprotective and anti-pigmentary properties that help protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. It reduces melanin production to decrease pigmentation on your skin.
You Will Need:
- Juice of a lemon
- Cotton pad
What You Have To Do:
- Squeeze a lemon and collect the juice in a bowl.
- Using a cotton pad, apply the juice on the area with freckles.
- Leave it on your skin for 15-20 minutes and rinse off.
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.
3. Aloe Vera:
The topical application of aloe vera gel triggers the production of metallothionein in the skin, which prevents UV-induced damage. It can also inhibit tyrosinase activity. Thus, it may decrease melanin deposition in the skin, leading to lesser freckles.
You Will Need:
Fresh aloe vera gel
What You Have To Do:
- Apply some fresh aloe gel on the freckles and massage for 2-3 minutes.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.
- You can also leave it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This:
Repeat this every day.
3. Turmeric
Research shows that curcumin, the primary component of turmeric, inhibits melanogenesis. This means that it may reduce the excessive deposition of melanin in the skin that causes freckles.
You Will Need:
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
What You Have To Do:
- Make a fine paste of turmeric powder and lemon juice.
- Apply this paste on the freckled areas and wait for it to dry.
- Rinse off thoroughly with water.
How Often You Should Do This:
Do this once every week.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt contains lactic acid. Lactic acid inhibits tyrosinase activity, suppresses melanin formation, and reduces hyperpigmentation. These effects may help reduce the appearance of freckles.
You Will Need:
2-3 tablespoons of yogurt
What You Have To Do:
- 1. Apply yogurt on the freckled areas.
- 2. Massage in a circular motion for about 15-20 minutes.
- 3. Wash off with water.
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