How to take care of freckles effectively

Freckles were mostly considered a flaw until recent times. One could have had freckles all their life or maybe recently got them after the summer break, either way, freckles require special attention. From applying sunscreen every day to using one of the natural remedies and other precautions, we will help you with how to take care of freckles effectively. A little bit of care and mindfulness is all you need, other than trying out these natural remedies.

What Are Freckles?

Freckles normally develop in people with very fair skin. Freckles also called ephelides, are flat brown circular small spots. Some people may be born with freckles but some may start to notice them come or go as the season changes. Freckles are mostly prominent in summers and eventually fade during the fall season.

Why are they caused? 

They tend to appear in summers because of sun exposure. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can stimulate the skin to produce more melanin. Melanin is a natural skin pigment. The color of your hair, skin, and eye mostly depends on the type and amount of melanin you have. Localized accumulation of Melanin results in small dots called freckles.

Sometimes these freckles may be genetic. As per the skin experts, freckles in youngsters can be genetic and not because of sun damage. If you have had freckles on your skin since you were a child (without prolonged sun exposure) the chances are that your freckles are genetic.

Are Freckles Cause for Concern? 

Freckles are mostly harmless. If they seem to be changing then you need to go to a board-certified dermatologist. If you notice that the freckles are darkening or there is a significant change in size or shape, it’s best to be evaluated by a dermatologist. If you notice any kind of change then it is a good practice to regularly take photos of your skin spots and track any new moles or lesions you may notice.

The changes may be indicating that they may not be freckles at all, instead, it could be melanoma or another form of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to consult a good dermatologist when you notice freckles for the first time or if you notice any changes in shape, size, pattern or color. Do not take the spots for granted as freckles, let a board-certified dermatologist tell you that.

So now, moving on to how you should take care of your freckles.

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen will help you prevent getting any new freckles, it won’t help get rid of them though. Wearing sunscreen has several other benefits, it keeps the skin aging faster as well. 

• Use sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or more.
• It should be applied on bare skin, at least 15mins before going out.
• If you are out for long, wash your face and reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours.

2. Natural remedies

Natural remedies are loved by everyone as they are safe to use. There are several ways to help get rid of your freckles using natural substances and products. These natural remedies might not be scientifically proven but they have proven effective over generations and wouldn’t harm if used in moderation. These include:

Lemon juice

Apply lemon juice with a cotton ball, directly to your face and then wash it off after some time. Lemon juice helps in lightening the skin.

Honey

Make a scrub of honey with either salt or sugar. Honey helps lighten the pigmentation on the skin. 

Buttermilk

You can apply buttermilk directly to your skin. Leave it on for 10 mins and then rinse it off with warm water. You can also make a mask with oatmeal and buttermilk. Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which helps lighten the freckles.

Sour cream

You can apply the sour cream directly to your skin, leave it for a few minutes and then wash it off. Sour cream also contains lactic acid.

Yogurt

You can apply yogurt directly to your skin and leave it on for a few minutes. Yogurt also contains lactic acid.

Onion

You can directly rub onion on your skin, and then rinse it off with warm water. Onion can act as an exfoliate and may help lighten spots. It might leave some odor temporarily so make sure you don’t use it before stepping out.

3. Stay in the Shade

Don’t spend too much time out in the sun, this will surely make a difference. When your skin is exposed to a lot of heat, it will trigger melanin activity and which will result in freckles and spots. The Sunrays are strongest between 10 AM to 4 PM. Wear a hat or carry an umbrella if you do have to step out in the sun.

Make sure to take care of your skin and visit the dermatologist regularly. Do follow these steps to help reduce your freckles. Do let us know in the comments below if they helped or not.