Are there any effective ways to get rid of freckles? Can you get rid of freckles permanently? Just like any other blemishes you can eliminate freckles using methods discussed below.
The skin is made of cells known as keratinocytes that provide its nutrients. Within the skin cells exist melanocytes distributed all over the body that produces melanin responsible for pigmentation. The concentration levels of melanin determine the skin color such as light and dark skin colored people.
In some cases, there might be a cluster of the keratinocytes in an area which concentrates the melanin production as it forms many melanin granules. The excess melanin though meant to create a barrier sips through the tissues in the surrounding cells. This flows to the outer skin layer causing freckles. Freckles appear from the uneven spread of melanocytes and appear as flat light brown or red spots on the skin. They appear mostly on exposed areas such as shoulders, face, and arms and are very evident in fair skinned people.
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Causes of Freckles
They are non-inflamed naturally occurring spots that are not painful but are hereditary in nature. Sun exposure triggers the appearance of the freckles to the surface of the skin making them very visible. They exist as:
Ephelides. Which is very common and seasonal in nature. Since they are not inflamed they are flat and have reddish brown color. The color is as a result of excess melanin content, especially in fair or pale skinned persons. Partly hereditary, freckles are triggered by sun exposure especially during summer and disappear when there is limited sun exposure.
Liver spots are also hereditary but are more age –related. Prolonged sun exposure causes them to appear on the skin and they are a bit larger in size. They seem to emanate from the deep skin layers
Triggers to Formation of Freckles
Especially in women, there is bound to be a hormonal imbalance. This causes excess estrogen which triggers increased melanin production. In clumped skin cells this leads to the formation of freckles.-
Over exposure to the sun, radiation creates free radicals which trigger melanin production. The increased production and cell degeneration due to the free radicals cause clumped cells leading to freckles.
Health issue where there is a disorder that makes a person very sensitive to light and any exposure leads to freckle formation.
How to get rid of Freckles Permanently
Sunscreen
Sun exposure is the main trigger so the daily use of sunblock with SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin is best. This is mostly for persons with pale or fair skin and freckles. Avoiding too much sun exposure for all skin types is also recommended.
Laser treatment
The technique is noninvasive in nature and uses laser light which is converted to heat energy. It targets the hyperpigmented area, destroys excess melanin tissues under the freckle by burning them. This process constricts melanin production thus brightening the freckles. Require at least three treatments for effectiveness.
Chemical peel
This technique makes use of acids such as hydroxy and Tricholoroacetic acid to remove the spots. The acid used on top skin layer peels off dead skin and pigments faster than normal. This gives rise to new, spot free skin.
The process requires a prior application of medicines that activate cell regeneration. Antibiotics are used before treatment and acid are applied on the affected area.
Microdermabrasion
A non-invasive treatment for the epidermis. Microparticles of aluminum oxide are placed on the skin in high pressure and a suction is used to remove the dead skin and particles. It’s abrasive nature quickly removes dead skin and spots from the skin stimulating the regeneration of soft and new skin. Requires a maximum of twelve weeks for effectiveness.
Creams
Bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone. The presence of this constricts the melanin producing cells thus limiting its production. The constriction helps to lighten the skin cells making the freckles lighter and they fade with time. Since it is highly potent, such creams should only contain 3% of the hydroquinone.
Retinoid treatment. Using creams that contain retinol, tazorac, and tretinoin which are a part of vitamin A that help to remove freckle spots.
Cryosurgery
Injecting the clumped skin cells that trigger freckles with liquid nitrogen. This causes cell dehydration, oxygen deprivation, burst or shrinkage and freezing which inhibits melanin production.
Home Remedies for Freckles
These methods do not permanently remove the freckles rather they only make them fade away slowly with time.
Use Lemon juice to lighten dark freckles
Contains vitamin C which is a skin lightening agent that removes the spots caused by freckles. It also contains other antioxidant properties which eradicate free radicals in the UV rays thus stopping freckles.
The presence of citric and tart acid normalize the PH balance which occurs when there is a hormonal imbalance. This helps to treat hyperpigmentation and lighten the skin. The acid also helps to exfoliate the skin.
Contains salicylic acid which promotes fast cell rejuvenation thus eliminates the formation of spots. The removal of spotted skin happens at a faster rate, especially during sun exposure.
Recipe: Mix a few drops of water with 2tbps. lemon or lime juice and apply on face. Lemon is highly porous and thus needs to be diluted. Apply on affected skin area and rinse after half an hour.
Mix to a paste almond powder, egg white, and ½ a teaspoon of lime or lemon juice. Using a cotton ball apply on skin and leave for half an hour before rinsing. The egg white has astringent properties that tighten the skin pores thus reducing increased melanin production.
Yogurt to remove Freckles at Home
Contains lactic acid and hydroxyl acid which helps to exfoliate skin cells. These peel off the dead skin thus lightening and fading the freckles. It breaks down the clumped skin cells that allow for even distribution of keratinocytes, distributing the melanin production.
The presence of vitamin B provides antioxidant properties that stop the UV damages which often trigger excess melanin production.
The presence of zinc and calcium allows for skin renewal and tissue tightening which facilitate the healing of tissues that may be damaged by UV radiation.
Recipe: Mix together 2 tsp. of yogurt with a few drops of lemon to create a mask. Apply on the skin for half an hour then peel off the mask and wash skin.
Horseradish
A root herb that is rich in vitamin C and antioxidant properties which help to remove the spots and lighten skin. This is due to the presence of phytochemical compounds and manganese.
Recipe: Mix to a paste glycerin, buttermilk, and grated horseradish and soak overnight. Strain and use as a lotion on all exposed skin.
Parsley
Contains vitamin C and beta carotene that assist in lightening the skin and removing the freckle spots. It has antioxidant properties that help prevent excessive UV radiation, upon application it releases its available copper which boosts regular melanin production.
Banana
Both the peel and ripe fruit of the banana contains salicylic acid. This fruit is a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants such as catechin and dopamine which also help in hormonal balancing. Contain copper responsible for uniform melanin production.
Bananas especially the peel also do contain high levels of gluconolactone which is a great skin lightener. As an astringent, it can be used to tighten the skin cells thus limiting melanin production.
Recipe: On clean skin rub the inside of the banana peel on the affected area for two minutes. Rinse off after a few minutes and do this daily.
Use Strawberries to get rid of Freckles on Lips
These color filled fruits contain high levels of antioxidant properties and vitamin C which also lighten up the skin. They also contain ellagic acid which strains excess melanin production. When topically applied it forms a protective barrier on the skin against harmful sun rays.
Great exfoliate that removes dead skin cells thus lighten the skin removing the freckles. It contains salicylic acid that increases blood flow, eliminating marks and thus lighten the freckles.
Recipe: Mix olive oil, four mashed strawberries, and lemon juice. Using two fingers apply on affected skin and leave for twenty minutes before washing off.
Apply Oatmeal to Remove Freckles Naturally
Oats burst with nutrients that are great for the body. Freckles leave spots on face and the use of oats helps to tone the skin.
The oats have antioxidant properties which offer skin protection from intense UV rays damage.
The oatmeal contains polysaccharides that help to hydrate the skin
Recipe: Boil oats till soft and let them cool before applying on skin Wash face after ten minutes.
Kiwi fruit.
The presence of vitamin C which acts as a great antioxidant that protects skin cells from sun damage. Contains Vitamin A and copper that stimulates even melanin production in the melanocytes. Copper presence promotes the production of lactic acid which helps to exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin and lightens the skin
Vitamin E is also present in Kiwi which is a great antioxidant to reduce UV damage
Onion to get rid of freckles and moles
Onions are known for their high sulfur content which is very useful as an anti-inflammatory agent. But it also exfoliates the skin removing dead skin and creating a lighter outer surface.
The presence of vitamin C an antioxidant which eliminates excessive UV rays absorption Excess melanin production may constrain blood circulation to the tissues. This creates spots, the use of onion juice promotes blood circulation in the tissues thus removing freckles.
Amla.
Great antioxidant properties especially due to the presence of vitamin C that destroys free radicals for UV radiation known for triggering freckle formation. They are able to repair the UV damage that already exists as freckles and prevents the formation of new freckles.
Contains astringent properties that help to tighten skin pores and cell tissues thus limiting excess melanin production. This is also due to the presence of Gallic and ellagic acid which are great melanin inhibitors.
Recipe: Soak overnight some Amla powder in water and strain in the morning. On a previously lightly oiled face, wash the face using the water. It can also be used as a face pack by mixing both ingredients to a paste and applying on skin then rinse out ten minutes after. This should be done at least thrice a week.
Sour cream and buttermilk
Contains lactic acid a great antioxidant which protects the skin from excess UV absorption. The use of the mask helps to peel off the dead skin and removes the spots thus lightening the skin.
It also contains skin lightening properties that help to lighten the complexion.
Recipe: Apply directly on skin and rinse off after ten minutes.
Mint leaves
Rich in vitamin A, B, and C which makes it a great exfoliant and antioxidant. It removes damaged skin cells thus fading away from the freckles.
Recipe: Mix mint leave juice with oatmeal or banana and use a mild mask of freckled skin. After ten minutes wash off with lukewarm water.
Cucumber.
Hormonal imbalance can create an acidic environment that makes the skin very sensitive. This makes the skin very susceptible to freckles.
The topical application and consumption of cucumber which is a strong alkaline help to normalize the blood PH. Freckles are triggered by sun exposure and when the body temperature is high, freckles appear. Cucumbers have a cooling effect which regulates body temperature.
Brightens the skin and fades freckle spots due to it high silica content which creates stronger tissues and cells resistant to damage and clumping.
Contains mild astringent properties that lightens skin tone while hydrating it.
Recipe: Blend 1 tsp. honey, ½ tsp. lemon juice, 2 slices cucumber, 1 tbsp. yogurt and a teaspoon of aloe Vera. Apply on damp skin as a mask and remove after five minutes. Reapply twice for at least twenty minutes then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Baking soda to get rid of freckles on arms
It is a great exfoliant that works by removing the dark skin from the surface.
Recipe: Make a paste from 2 drops of castor oil and a pinch of sodium bicarbonate. Apply on clean skin and rinse off after half an hour. This should be done twice daily for effective results.
Papaya
Rich in vitamin C which is an excellent antioxidant and uniform skin lightener also due to carotene presence. Green papaya also contains papain enzyme and alpha –hydroxy acid which lightens skin by breaking down freckles spots and eliminating dead cells.
The presence of Vitamin A and E make it a great exfoliant and hydrator which helps to lighten the skin.
Recipe: Blend 1 tsp honey, yogurt, vitamin E oil and a cup of green papaya. Apply the mask of the freckled area and wash off after 15 minutes. Also dabbing a cotton ball on papaya juice and washing for 15 minutes can clear freckles.
Cardamon
This spice is known for its great antioxidant and detoxifying properties which help to fight off free radicals and toxins that trigger freckles. It also increases blood circulation allowing for the uniform distribution of nutrients and pigment.
Wheat germ oil
Rich in vitamin E and D which helps to brighten the skin through active cell regeneration making it clear. It also has antioxidants such as squalene and octacosanol which help to fight off the free radicals protecting the skin from freckle break out.
It also contains zinc which boosts the immune system. This is beneficial for persons who are over sensitive to light. It also boosts blood circulation which supplies enough nutrients and melanin to the body breaking down all clumped skin cells.
Sesame seeds
Rich in vitamins, flavonoid and antioxidants such as sesamol and sesaminol which eliminates free radicals that are known for triggering freckles.
Aloe Vera.
Rich in antioxidants that help to fight free radicals created by UV ray damage thus preventing freckles. It also has astringent properties and aloesin that help to tighten skin and reducing melanin production.
It contains vitamins that help in skin renewal thus fade freckle spots.
Recipe: On clean skin massage the aloe vera for 3 minutes and wash after ten minutes.
Apple cider vinegar.
It contains high levels of malic and lactic acid which act as an exfoliant, astringent, PH regulator, moisturizer and removes pigmentation.It also has strong antioxidant properties. Mixed with a teaspoon of honey and applied on the skin it exfoliates the dark pigments.
Sake
This is a Japanese wine made from fermented rice. It is highly rich in Ferulic acid an antioxidant and kojic acid an inhibitor. Kojic acid is rich in polyphenol oxidases which are released to the skin blocking melanin production.
The presence of yeast due to the fermentation boosts collagen production making the skin soft. It also has astringent properties that tighten the skin.
Recipe: Mix a teaspoon of honey, yogurt, sake and 3 tsp. of oatmeal. Apply on skin and clean after 30 minutes.
Honey
Contains enzymes that lighten skin pigmentation
An antioxidant due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoids which protect the skin from excess sun damage.
Hydrates the skin due to its humectant properties thus smoothening the freckled skin.
Eggplant.
Has high phenol compounds which boost its antioxidant properties. The presence of chlorogenic and anthocyanin presence which protects the skin from sun damage.
Also contains minerals, Vitamin C an antioxidant and phytonutrients that sooth the skin. It can be used directly on the skin.
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