Freckles are cute to some, but a nuisance to others.
Freckles are cute to some people but a nuisance or even a source of shame to others. While harmless, freckles can cause emotional distress, and removal or lightening may be desirable. Before having any removal performed, have your dermatologist determine that all your spots are indeed freckles. While freckles cannot be cancerous, according to Freckles.org, a dermatologist can distinguish freckles from brown spots that may be pre-cancerous or cancerous.
Laser Freckle Removal
Freckles are highly treatable with lasers. This is a very safe, effective way of removing freckles, according to MedicineNet.com. A laser is passed over the skin, and the melanin pigment that makes up the freckles is removed by the laser light.
Cryosurgery
This is the freezing of skin growths and lesions with liquid nitrogen, resulting in their removal. This method however, is rarely used on freckles because freckles are usually too small to be treated effectively. Over-treatment is possible, which can leave permanent white spots on the skin.
Freckle Creams
Retin-A products reduce the appearance of freckles by normalizing the pigmentation in the skin, according to Freckles.org. This cream, however, can be irritating in light-skinned people and take months to have a visible effect.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is the most widely used and tested home remedy for treating freckles. It has a bleaching effect on the skin. Just dab lemon juice on the skin, and in a couple of days the freckles will begin to fade, according to HealthMad.com.
Sour Cream Mask
Sour cream has a similar effect on freckles as lemon juice. Apply the mask to the skin and leave it on for several minutes. Do not rinse it off completely; gently wipe it off with a soft tissue and top it off with a moisturizer.
Fruit & Vegetable Masks
When used regularly, fruit and vegetable masks can fade freckles and also make the skin feel more soft and fresh. Apply masks made from apricots, strawberries, cucumbers or red currant.
