As someone with pale and sensitive skin, I am prone to developing those unwanted and certainly pesky, freckles. Since my skin is as sensitive as it is, I am an advocate for home remedies for freckles. Not only are they safe and natural, but they are also gentle, which is very important to me. That is why I have decided to share these home remedies for freckles so that others can safely and gently get rid of their freckles.
CAUSES
Freckles can develop on anyone at any age. There are some people who develop freckles due to their genetic make-up but there are other factors that can cause freckles to appear. One of the most common causes of freckles for those who do not genetically have them would be over-exposure to the sun.
In addition, freckles can be caused by a change in hormonal balance. If your hormones start to have an imbalance, it is more than likely you will start to see freckles appear on the face, chest, arms, and/or back. Stress can also cause freckles to appear.
No matter what is causing the freckles, you will see them appearing due to an increase of melanin in your skin. The melanin will darken the skin cells on the top layer of your skin.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Freckles are easy to see once they start to appear. Freckles can come in light brown, dark brown, or even red in color and can appear anywhere on the body. If your freckles are caused by over-exposure to the sun, you will see more freckles in the areas that are exposed to the sun the most. This is especially true for the face and forearms, but it can affect any area of your body.
Once you have started to notice either a stray freckle or more likely, a cluster or patch of freckles, they will be there for quite some time. If you’re like me, then you want those freckles to fade and disappear forever. When you are ready for those freckles to go away for good, you can use the following treatments for how to remove freckles.
TREATMENTS
These herbal remedies for freckles are easy to implement and are safe for your skin. Instead of turning to harsh chemicals, expensive treatments, or even laser surgery, give these home remedies for freckles a try. You will soon see that these home remedies for freckles will help you fade those freckles fast.
1. Directly Apply Lemon Juice
The citric acid that is in lemons is a powerful, yet gentle, natural bleaching property. In addition to lemons, limes and oranges, are other citric fruits that can help you to fade away from your freckles. Gently rubbing the juice of the lemon directly onto your freckles will help fade them fast. For those who feel the citric acid is too strong, mix the citrus juice with a little unflavored yogurt.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 pinch of salt
Process:
- Combine the lemon juice, salt, and honey in a small bowl to create a mask.
- Directly apply the mixture to the area where you have freckles.
- Leave in place for 10-15 minutes
- Rinse with warm water
- Repeat once per day until the freckles are gone!
2. Directly Apply Sour Cream
Sour cream, or even some sour milk, is often used for fading freckles, just so long as they are not caused by your genetic make-up. The ability to fade freckles with sour cream or sour milk is caused by the presence of lactic acid. The lactic acid will help to prohibit the tyrosinase in your skin cells which result in a lightening of the skin. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that produces melanin that causes skin pigmentation.
Required Ingredients:
- Sour Cream
Process:
- Directly apply a thick layer of sour cream to the area affected by freckles.
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Repeat once per day until the freckles begin to fade then reduce to once or twice per week.
Notes: Using this remedy is effective yet it takes some time to fully fade your freckles. Have patience because the darker your pigmentation, the longer it will take. In most cases, this home remedy takes around 5-7 weeks to see the final freckle-free results.
3. Directly Apply Honey
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Honey contains several enzymes that are highly effective in fading freckles. In addition, honey is a humectant, which will naturally and gently moisturize your skin.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of water
Process:
- Combine the honey and water into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for 20 seconds to allow the honey to melt.
- Gently stir and directly apply to the area with freckles.
- Leave in place for 3 -4 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Repeat once per day for 2-3 weeks or until the freckles have disappeared.
4. Directly Apply Papaya Juice
Papaya contains a powerful enzyme called papain. The papain helps to target skin pigmentation and it will significantly lighten any areas that are darkened.
Required Ingredients:
- Sugar free papaya juice or fresh papaya juice
- Cotton balls
Process:
- Dab the cotton ball into the papaya juice.
- Gently rub the cotton ball onto the freckles.
- Leave the papaya juice on the affected area for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
- Repeat once per day until you are happy with your results.
Notes: Papaya juice containing sugar can irritate sensitive skin. It is best to stick to natural or organic sugar-free juice should you not have fresh papaya on hand.
5. Directly Apply Red Onion
Onions naturally contain sulfur which has strong exfoliation properties. When you directly apply onions to your skin, you will begin to notice your freckles fading away.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 red onion- sliced in half
Process:
- Take the sliced half of the onion and gently rub it onto your freckles in slow, circular motions.
- Rinse after you have applied the sliced onion.
- Repeat twice per day until your freckles are gone.
6. Directly Apply Buttermilk
Buttermilk is typically used as a healthy drink. Since it is derived from old milk, it contains high levels of lactic acid which is perfect for fading those freckles. Buttermilk will not only help to lighten those dark spots, but it also has a peeling effect which will help to exfoliate your skin.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 bowl of buttermilk
- Cheesecloth – an appropriate size cut to fit the affected area
Process:
- If you are using for your face, cut holes in the cheesecloth where your mouth and nose will be.
- Wash the affected area, but do not dry.
- Dip the cheesecloth into the bowl of buttermilk, but do not wring out.
- Place the cheesecloth directly onto the affected area. If the area is your face, make sure you do so while lying down.
- Leave on the affected area for five minutes.
- Repeat this process at least 4 or 5 times in a row.
- Wash your face.
- Repeat the entire process once per day until your freckles are gone.
7. Directly Apply a Buttermilk Mask
As I have just mentioned, buttermilk is great for skin lightening and skin exfoliation. This buttermilk mask will be also soothed and moisturize your skin.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of powdered oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon of buttermilk
Process:
- Combine the buttermilk and the powdered oatmeal until a thick paste forms. Add more oatmeal to make it thicker as needed.
- Directly apply the paste to the affected area.
- Leave the mask in place for 30 minutes
- Rinse the affected area
- Repeat once per day until your freckles disappear.
8. Directly Apply Castor Oil
Castor oil will help your skin become more toned and supple while at the same time, fighting off those pesky freckles. This is due to the fact that castor oil contains several properties and enzymes that are great for the health of the skin as well as fighting freckles.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of castor oil
Process:
- Directly apply the castor oil to the affected area before you go to bed.
- Leave the castor oil on the affected area overnight.
- In the morning, use a tissue to gently wipe away any residue left behind from the night before.
- Rinse your face with warm water.
- Repeat each night until you no longer have any freckles.
9. Directly Apply Horseradish
Horseradish can work wonders for your skin. It has high levels of Vitamin C and can even give your skin a more radiant and youthful glow. The Vitamin C levels in horseradish work to exfoliate your skin and help to fade any unwanted pigmentation.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 Fresh horseradish root
- Water
- Blender or food processor
- Cotton ball
Process:
- Wash and peel your horseradish root before finely chopping it.
- Add a small amount of water and the horseradish root to your blender or food processor.
- Blend until it is nearly in a juice-like form.
- Dip a cotton ball into the juice and gently apply to the affected area.
- Let the horseradish juice sit on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing.
- Repeat once per day until your freckles are gone.
10. Directly Apply Sliced Eggplant
While it might come as a surprise, eggplant can fight your freckles with ease. Eggplants have high levels of vitamins and minerals, as well as anti-oxidant properties. To be more specific, eggplant contains nasunin, which will fight against any free radicals in your skin. For those looking to lighten freckles fast, eggplant can definitely help.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 juicy eggplant
Process:
- Slice the eggplant into ¼ inch thick slices.
- Rub these slices onto your freckles in gentle, slow circles.
- Repeat the circular motions for 5-7 minutes on the affected areas.
- Allow the eggplant juice to remain on your skin for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse and repeat each day until your freckles have lightened significantly.
Notes: Make sure to use an eggplant that still has plenty of juice. Dried-out eggplants will prove to be ineffective.
11. Directly Apply a Sesame Seed Mask
Sesame seeds and turmeric will help fade your unwanted skin pigmentation and even promote skin lightening. This remedy is great for those with freckles and acne scars.
Required Ingredients:
- Mortar and pestle
- 1 tablespoon of organic sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon of organic ground turmeric
- Splash of water
Process:
- Using the pestle and mortar, grind your sesame seeds until they are a fine powder.
- In a small bowl, combine your turmeric and your sesame seed and add a splash of water so a thin paste develops.
- Directly apply the paste to the affected area.
- Leave the paste in place for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with cold water
- Repeat once each day until your freckles are gone.
12. Directly Apply Sake
Sake, also known as Japanese Rice Wine, is fermented alcohol that is native to Japan. Sake contains high levels of Kojic acid which is added to several brands of beauty products- check the labels! Kojic acid is the by-product of the sake fermentation process.
Kojic Acid found in sake is extremely useful for eliminating unwanted freckles since it can inhibit the tyrosinase in your skin cells. In case you already forgot, tyrosinase is directly responsible for the melanin production in your skin cells.
Kojic acid will help fight tyrosinase, lighten your skin, moisturize your skin, and even give your skin wonderful anti-aging properties.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of sake
- ¾ teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of unflavored yogurt
- 3 teaspoons of oatmeal powder
Process:
- Combine all of the ingredients into a bowl and mix gently until a thick consistency forms. To make it thicker, add more oatmeal powder.
- Apply the mixture to the affected area.
- Leave in place for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
- Repeat once per day until your freckles are no more.
13. Directly Apply a Jojoba Oil and Licorice Root Extract Mixture
Licorice root extract contains a powerful component known as Glabridin. The glabridin found in licorice root extract is a strong anti-tyrosinase. And you guessed it, it can directly fight your skin pigmentation by preventing it from happening in the first place by fighting the melatonin while at the same time, lightening the skin.
When the licorice root extract combines with jojoba oil, you are giving your skin a powerful cocktail of freckle-fighting goodness.
Required Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon of licorice root extract.
- 4 teaspoons of jojoba oil
- Small bottle
- Cotton balls
Process:
- Combine the licorice root extract and the jojoba oil.
- Place it in the small bottle for storage.
- Take a cotton ball and dip it in the small bottle
- Gently rub the cotton ball onto the freckles
- Leave on the skin for 30-45 minutes
- Rinse with cool water
- Dry and apply your normal moisturizer
- Repeat once daily until your freckles are no more.
14. Directly Apply Uva Ursi (also known as Bearberry)
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Uva Ursi, also known as Bearberry, has been used since ancient times to aid in a variety of skin and health conditions. The Uva Ursi is extremely powerful when fighting against conditions of the skin, and this includes freckles.
This is due to the fact that the Uva Ursi contains high amounts of hydroquinone as well as high amounts of Arbutin. Both of these compounds will help to whiten the skin and prohibit the tyrosinase present. Basically, when you use Uva Ursi to fight freckles, they won’t stand a chance.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of Uva Ursi extract
- 1 teaspoon of Licorice root extract
- 1 small bottle
- Cotton balls
Process:
- Pour the Uva Ursi and the Licorice root extract into the bottle.
- Shake gently to combine.
- Dip the cotton ball into the mixture.
- Place the cotton ball onto the freckles and rub gently in circles so your skin can absorb the mixture.
- Allow your skin to fully absorb the mixture.
- Do not rinse.
- Repeat twice per day until your freckles go away.
15. Directly Apply Mulberry Extract
Just like the Uva Ursi, mulberry (and even white mulberry) extracts contain high levels of hydroquinone. In addition to the hydroquinone, the mulberry extract also contains arbutin, which will help to prohibit the melatonin in your skin. For those looking to lighten their skin as well as make it free from spots, combine the mulberry extract with licorice root extract for a powerful punch.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of mulberry extract
- 1 tablespoon of licorice root extract
- Cotton balls
- Storage bottle
Process:
- Combine both of the extracts into your storage bottle and shake well to combine.
- Dip one cotton ball into the mixture and place it directly onto your skin where the unwanted freckles reside.
- Leave to absorb into the skin.
- Repeat twice per day until your freckles have disappeared.
16. Directly Apply Glycolic Acid through Molasses Mixture
One of the major ingredients of commercially made skin whitening products is glycolic acid. Not only is it a great exfoliate, but it will also help to lighten even the darkest of skin cells. The exfoliate is so powerful it will bond to the skin cells, which will cause the dead skin cells to easily fall away. As it bonds to the skin cells, it will penetrate through the layers of skin and lighten the skin.
While synthetic glycolic acid will harm your skin, natural ones do not. Natural sources of glycolic acid include sugar cane-derived molasses. This unrefined sugar contains high amounts of glycolic acid which can be combined with other natural ingredients to help you ward off those freckles.
Required Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of molasses sugar
- 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
- 1-2 drops of any type of essential oil (lavender, calendula, etc..)
- 1 cup of cooled chamomile or mint tea
- 1 teaspoon of almond or olive oil
Process:
- Combine the sugar, yogurt, and the essential oil.
- Place this mixture directly onto your skin.
- Leave in place for 5 minutes
- Get your fingers wet with warm water and gently rub in the mixture into your skin in slow circular motions
- Do this for about 5 minutes
- Rinse off the mixture with warm water
- After rinsing with the warm water, rinse your face again with the cooled tea of your choice.
- Do not fully dry your face- while it is still damp, apply the oil of your choice.
- Repeat once per day until you no longer have freckles.
Notes: If you have highly sensitive skin, you can use granulated white sugar in place of molasses sugar since it will be gentler exfoliate on your skin.
17. Directly Apply Cucumber
Fresh cucumber is one of the most commonly used ingredients for naturally soothing and healing skin conditions. Cucumber contains natural bleaching properties and high amounts of moisturizing properties that will rejuvenate and revitalize your skin. In the case of freckles, the cucumber seed extract will help to reduce the melanin that is stored in your skin.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 whole cucumber
- Grater
- Food processor or blender
- Storage container
- Cotton ball
Process:
- Peel and grate the cucumber and place into the blender or food processor.
- Blend until the cucumber is nearly in a juice like state.
- Pour the cucumber into the storage container.
- Dip a cotton ball into the cucumber juice and directly apply a generous amount to the skin.
- Leave on the skin for 10-15 minutes or until it is dry.
- Repeat once per day until you no longer notice any freckles.
18. Directly Apply Almond Oil
Almond oil is a long used and ancient remedy for a variety of skin conditions, especially freckles. This is due to the fact that almond oil contains high amounts of skin whitening properties. Almond oil also contains several vitamins and enzymes that will help to tighten, tone, and moisturize the skin, while ever still fighting freckles and wrinkles.
And all the while the almond oil gives your skin these amazing benefits, it will not clog your pores. This is great for those who have sensitive skin or are prone to acne.
Required Ingredients:
- Almond oil
Process:
- Using indirect heat, slowly warm up the almond oil. This can be done using a double boiler on your stove.
- Once it has been heated, directly apply the almond oil to your skin and massage for 10-15 minutes.
- Leave the almond oil on your skin.
- Repeat each night before you go to bed for 2-3 weeks.
19. Directly Apply a Banana and Mint Mask
Banana- although it is commonly called a fruit, is actually classified as an herb. When you combine these two powerful herbs- mint and banana, you can give your skin a host of essential vitamins, enzymes, and nutrients, as well as salicylic acid. When you directly apply salicylic acid, you will promote the shedding of old skin and reveal fresh and spotless skin cells.
Mint will help to lighten your skin and when it is combined with banana you will have a powerful home remedy for freckles that will leave you feeling tingly and freckle-free.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 generous handful of fresh mint leaves
- Mortar and pestle
Process:
- Crush your mint leaves using the mortar and pestle until you have at least 2 teaspoons of a mint paste.
- Mash up your ripened banana.
- Add your mint leaves to your mashed banana and combine well.
- Apply this mixture to your skin.
- Leave on your skin until you begin to notice it melting away. This melting away will be due to the contents of the banana.
- Gently wipe the mixture away and wipe your face clean.
- Repeat once per day until you no longer see any freckles.
20. Directly Apply a Honey and Salt Mask
The healing powers of honey combined with the exfoliation of salt will give your skin freedom from freckles. Not only will this mask give your skin a radiant and soft appearance, but it will also help to lighten your skin and over time, get rid of freckles.
Required Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 juiced lemon
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- Small bowl
Process:
- Combine all of your ingredients in the bowl and stir gently.
- Once combined, directly apply the mask to your affected area.
- Leave on your skin for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat once per day until you no longer have freckles.
21. Directly Apply a Strawberry Paste
Strawberries naturally contain high amounts of citric acid. This citric acid is the same that is found in citrus fruits and is a gentle skin whitener. In addition to whitening your freckles away, the strawberries will give your skin a Vitamin C boost and leave it with a healthy glow.
Required Ingredients:
- Fresh, washed, strawberries
- Small bowl
Process:
- Remove the tops of the strawberries and dice.
- Take the diced strawberries into a bowl and mash together.
- Place the mashed strawberries directly onto your skin.
- Leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- Repeat 1-2 times per day until your freckles are gone.
As with any home remedies, you should always consult your doctor before you implement them to be sure you are doing the right thing for your body. Dermatologists can also provide you with accurate advice.
You can use a combination of any of the above home remedies for freckles but do not overdo it. I suggest using one or two of the above home remedies for freckles at a time. If you find that you are not getting the results you want, switch it up. Some of these home remedies are more powerful than others.
If you are trying to get rid of freckles that are caused by genetics, you will need to ensure you are using a home remedy for freckles that contain anti-tyrosinase properties. Remedies containing the tyrosinase fighting compounds will give you the best chance of getting rid of freckles, especially if your freckles are quite dark.
In addition to using home remedies for freckles, you will need to make a conscious effort in other areas of your life to prevent freckles from returning. The following tips can help prevent freckles from returning:
- Avoiding the sun or over exposure to the sun.
- Wearing sunscreen
- Increase your Vitamin C intake. Vitamin C is a much needed component to fight freckles internally and externally.
- Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables for much needed vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet will promote healthy skin.
- Avoid the sun at its peak hours which are 10 am to 3 pm.
- Do not leave any of the above home remedies on the skin longer than recommended as it can cause your skin to become irritated.
- Ensure you do not over use any home remedies that contain acidic properties such as lemon or citric acid. Over using acidic properties on the skin can cause irritation and dryness.
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and help to replenish your skin.
- Make sure to wash your face in mild soaps and always pat your face to dry.
- Always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any home remedies.
- Always make sure to moisturize your skin, no matter your skin type.
- If you have used any or all of the above home remedies for your freckles and they still have not shown any results or improvements in your freckles, consult the advice of a dermatologist.
If you are asking yourself how to get rid of freckles then these home remedies will be able to answer your cry for help. Whether you have gotten freckles from the sun, hormones, or even were given them through your DNA, these home remedies for freckles will help to clear your skin and leave you freckle-free.
Make sure you take care of your skin and treat it gently so you do not cause irritation or even damage to your delicate skin cells. Getting rid of freckles can be an easy process, just so long as you follow the instructions carefully. I hope you have enjoyed this list of home remedies for freckles.
I am a huge proponent of natural remedies and I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with others. Have you used any of the above home remedies for freckles? If so, how did it work for you?
Cory Fang
A beauty professional, Cory Fang earned her two-year diploma in Beauty and Skin Care before going on to study Reflexology, Somatology, and electrical face and body treatments.She is committed to her client's well-being, and after working at a local beauty business for three years, she went into business for herself four years ago. A proponent on peels, skin needling, facials, and basic home care, she knows what it takes to keep skin and the body healthy.
