Why freckles appear

Freckles are tan or light brown spots on your skin. They’re made of clusters of skin cells that contain the pigment melanin. Unlike moles, which are raised, freckles are flat. Freckles aren’t painful or harmful.

1. Sunscreen

•  Sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher.
•  Apply sunscreen to bare skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors.
•  Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

2. Topical fading cream

 Fading cream, also called bleaching cream, is available both over the counter and by prescription. Many fading creams contain hydroquinone, an ingredient thought to suppress melanin production and lighten darkened areas of skin.

 Topical hydroquinone cream may cause:

•  inflammation
•  dryness
•  burning
•  blistering
•  skin discoloration

 Retinoid creams are available with or without a prescription. Common side effects are:

•  redness
•  dryness
•  skin irritation
•  peeling
•  sensitivity

4. Natural remedies

There are several natural remedies people swear by to get rid of freckles. None are scientifically proven. Still, most are unlikely to cause harm when used in moderation.

These natural remedies include:

 Lemon juice: Apply lemon juice directly to your skin with a cotton ball, and then wash it off. Lemon juice is thought to lighten skin.

 Honey: Combine honey with salt or sugar to make a scrub. Honey may help lighten pigmentation.

 Buttermilk: Apply buttermilk directly to your skin. You should leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. You can also create a mask by combining buttermilk with oatmeal. Buttermilk has lactic acid, which could potentially help lighten your freckles.

 Sour cream: Apply sour cream directly to your skin, and then wash it off after a few minutes. Like buttermilk, sour cream contains lactic acid.

 Yogurt: Apply yogurt directly to your skin and leave it on for a few minutes. Yogurt also contains lactic acid.

 Onion: Rub the onion over your skin, and then rinse your skin in warm water. Onion can act as an exfoliated and may help lighten spots.

 If you experience any irritation, stop using the remedy.

 Freckles may go away on their own

 Some freckles are in it for the long haul. Others are most prominent in the summer due to increased sun exposure, but will fade during winter or by avoiding direct sunlight. Freckles that are hereditary may diminish as you age. Freckles caused by sun damage tend to increase with age.

 When to see a doctor

 Freckles are noncancerous, but they may be confused with skin cancer. Excessive sun exposure is a risk factor for both freckles and melanomas. Melanoma is a more common Trusted Source in people with fair skin or freckles than in those with dark skin.

If you notice changes in size, color, or shape of a freckle, see your doctor or dermatologist. They’ll be able to determine whether it’s a reason for concern.