If freckles have made your summer sun-soaked adventures a little less sunny, they
can be easily removed with some home remedies and preventive tips hair care products. If you’re still
unsure, talk to the dermatologists at California Skin Institute and find out the best
option for your unique skin type.
Freckles are harmless spots of pigmentation that appear on the face and can be a
sign of sun damage. They are also sometimes mistaken for moles, which pose the
risk of skin cancer and should be checked by a dermatologist to ensure they are
benign.
There are a few ways to remove freckles, most commonly through laser treatments
or chemical peels. Both of these options can be quite effective, but they require time
and patience to achieve the results you want. You will likely experience a bit of
redness, dryness or flaking as the skin heals, but these side effects are temporary.
Another potential issue is an increase in the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, so you
will need to make sure to slip, slop and slap with extra sunscreen when spending
time outdoors.
Another way to remove freckles is to use a spot treatment cream, such as one
containing hydroquinone or glycolic acid, which help lighten the skin and fade
darkened areas. These creams can be purchased at most drugstores and are
relatively affordable. However, they often take a while to show visible results and
can be expensive over the long term.
Using a homemade mask or exfoliating cleanser can also be a great way to reduce
the appearance of freckles. Choosing a cream with retinol can be especially
beneficial for those who have a lot of freckles as it can lighten and diminish them
over time.
Some natural foods can help reduce the look of freckles as well. Try including more
fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C, such as kiwis, oranges and spinach.
Vitamin C has skin lightening properties and may help to fade freckles over time.
Lemon juice can also be used to lighten the skin and fade freckles, especially when
combined with honey. Both ingredients contain phenolic and flavonoid compounds
that inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which controls melanin production in the skin (5).
Apply this mixture on your freckles with a cotton pad and leave for 15 minutes
before rinsing off. Repeat this treatment two to three times a week.
Whole milk is another natural ingredient that can be used to lighten and fade the
appearance of freckles. To use this method, simply spread 1/4 cup of sour cream
over the affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Getting plenty of sleep and eating a healthy diet can also help improve your skin
tone and appearance, including your freckles. However, if your freckles are
becoming more of an issue than you would like, contact us today to schedule a
consultation with one of our expert dermatologists at California Skin Institute. We
can offer the right treatment options to help banish your freckles and give you back
your confidence.