Freckles are brown, round and flat spots of different sizes which appear on the skin. They can be quite intimidating – but this is normal. However, if you don’t like their appearance, you can easily get rid of them at home.
Like acne, freckles are something that most of us don’t want to deal with. Although some find them cute, others want them to go away.
There are many people who have freckles, but it’s important to remember that they are not an illness or freckle. They are merely an aesthetic that, unfortunately, go in and out of style throughout the years. So let’s learn more about what causes them.
Freckles: What Are They?
Freckles are small brown spots on the skin, usually the size of the tip of a nail or needle. Most commonly associated with the face, they can also appear on the shoulders, arms and other parts of the body. Freckles are more common among those with fair skin, which is sensitive to sun damage. Despite the fact that freckles pose no health concerns, some people consider them to be an imperfection.
Freckles: What Causes Them?
Freckles are caused by increased melanin production in the skin, causing spots which are darker than the rest of the skin. Freckles are strongly connected to sun exposure and genetics, and, as previously mentioned, fair-skinned people are more prone to them. People who have the same levels sun exposure may not have the same amount of freckles, proving that genetics play a large role in the trait as well.
Home Remedies for Freckles
It is important to reiterate that freckles are not dangerous and there is nothing wrong with having them. There is a variety of home remedies you can try, but remember that freckles can be a hereditary condition, so effects may not be long-lasting or may not even be visible at all. Do not put yourself or your skin in any danger trying to fix your biological makeup. However, if you would like to try to reduce them, here are some of the best home remedies:
Cocoa butter. This helps keeping the skin supple and nourished. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties in it also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, freckles and dark spots.
Turmeric. This is often utilized in herbal face packs to even the skin tone. It also helps reduce the appearance of freckles, dark spots and blemishes.
Kiwi. Kiwi’s antioxidant properties help protect the skin, while the vitamin C and enzymes in it acts as natural exfoliant, making the appearance of freckles much lighter.
Eggplant. Its vitamin B, E, and A, together with its antioxidant properties, help lighten the skin and maintaining its health.
Banana peel. The gluconolactone in banana peel helps get rid of freckles and make the skin firmer and tighter.
Baking soda. This is one of the best home remedies for freckles. The baking soda acts as an exfoliant, removing darkened and dead skin from the skin’s surface.
Amla. The extracts from amla contain gallic acid and ellagic acid, which effectively help lighten the skin by preventing the formation of melanin.
Aloe vera. Aloe vera is beneficial in the depigmentation of the freckles and dark spots on the skin. This is because of its aloesin, which helps inhibit the process of pigmentation.
Apple cider vinegar. The malic acid in the vinegar helps exfoliate the skin.
Chemical Treatments for Freckles
If you don’t like using the natural methods, you can opt for the following methods of treating freckles:
Chemical peels. This medical procedure has guaranteed results.
Retinoids. This must be prescribed by a doctor, as it involves a high concentration of chemicals which effectively peel off damaged skin.
Bleaching. This is a sure shot at getting rid of your freckles. However, this must be done by professionals, as bleach is an extremely dangerous chemical. DO NOT DO THIS YOURSELF.
