Freckles are small brown colored spots that have various sizes and are more visible on the face, arms, back or neck. Freckles may form due to a precipitation of pigments in a specific place. Freckles are believed to be inherited, and people with lighter skin complexions are more susceptible to developing freckles.
Here are some natural ways to lighten freckles:
1. Stay Away from the Sun
The freckles are directly linked to sun exposure, so avoiding the sun may be an easy way to reduce the appearance of the freckles. The freckles are sensitive to the UVA and UVB sun rays, and you should avoid sun exposure during the periods when the sun emits stronger rays: between 10 AM and 4 PM.
2. Use Sunscreen
Using sunscreen can reduce the skin’s exposure to light and will help at keeping the freckles at bay. There are 2 types of freckles: ephelides and lentigines. The lentigides are darker in color and will be present both in summer and in winter, while the ephelides are only present during the summer and spring. Depending on the type of freckles you have, you may choose to wear sun screen only during the summer; ideally, you should wear sun screen both during the summer and the winter.
3. Sour Cream
Sour cream is beneficial for the skin and may be applied on the areas affected by freckles. Apply a mask of sour cream and rinse with a bit of water; you may leave some sour cream as this will be absorbed by the face; after applying the sour cream, apply a moisturizer. This solution should lighten the freckles.
Alternatively, you may wash your face with sour cream or milk; the lactic acid can peel the skin and reduce the appearance of the freckles. In addition, the sour milk won’t dry the skin, as other peeling or bleaching products do.
4. Lemon Juice
Another notorious at home remedy to lighten freckles is lemon juice. The juice may be applied directly on the skin and left without rinsing. The lemon juice contains acids that will bleach the freckles.
You should also opt for facial creams and peeling treatments that contain lemon or citrus extracts. Apricots, cucumbers, red or black currants may also diminish the appearance of freckles, so get facial products or masks that contain these ingredients.
5. Castor Oil or Vitamin E
Castor oil has the capacity of erasing the skin spots and equalizing the skin pigmentation. Apply a bit of castor oil before going to bed and wipe with a soft tissue first thing in the morning. Opt for castor oil that has no odor.
Alternatively, you may use liquid vitamin E to help in unifying the skin’s pigmentation.
6. Parsley Juice
Just as the lemon juice, the parsley juice can erase the brown spots on the skin. The parsley juice may be added to lemon juice, making sure to use 50% of each ingredient. Red currant juice may also be added to the mix.
Other remedies that may lighten the freckles include honey, radish juice, oatmeal extracts, red onions or buttermilk.
