Best Freckle Removal Treatments That Won’t Hurt Your Skin

Published December 22, 2023

Nearly everyone wants to have flawless, clear skin. It seems that having one is the secret to achieving facial beauty. Things such as acne, scars, rashes, and freckles, even though normal, are viewed in a negative light. 

Freckles, in particular, are small brown spots in your complexion. They exist in areas where you get sun exposure. They are harmless. Yet, they can cause one to feel insecure about their appearance. 

Thankfully, more and more people are embracing the natural beauty of freckles. It even became a trend on social media. There are also treatments where you can get them artificially. Many makeup enthusiasts also drop tutorials on how to make fake freckles. What’s more shocking? There are also faux freckles products. 

Still, if you’re on the other side of the spectrum and want to remove them, it’s totally normal, too. At the end of the day, it’s your insecurities and your beauty. With that being said, keep on reading, as we’ll get nerds about all the treatments that will get rid of freckles. Let’s waste no more time and being. 

What Are Freckles?

Freckles are a natural variation of human skin. They are tan, or light brown spots on our complexion. They are born due to skin cell clusters with the pigment melanin. Moles are raised, and freckles are flat. They also aren’t painful or harmful. 

No one is born with them. Yet, they may be genetic. These spots are triggered by sun exposure. Additionally, they are commonly seen in sun-exposed areas. These are your face, neck, back, and upper chest. Hands and arms can also contain freckles. 

What Causes Freckles?

Freckles are the outcome of an overproduction of melanin. Melanin is a pigment. It is what gives our hair, skin, and eyes its color. 

Melanin is rendered by skin cells called melanocytes. It safeguards the skin from sun damage by absorbing and reflecting ultraviolet light (UV). If you have light, or fair skin, your melanocytes craft more melanin when you’re exposed to the sun. And instead of tanning, you’re more likely to develop freckles. 

Best Freckle Removal Treatments That Won’t Hurt Your Skin

1. Laser skin resurfacing 

Laser Skin Resurfacing is the latest innovation in cosmetic lasers. It is clinically proven to be the top and safest treatment for cutting pigmentation caused by excessive sun exposure. It uses thermal energy. It precisely penetrates the layers of the skin. The laser breaks the build-up of melanin. Melanin is what causes the freckles. 

Results are impressively seen right after a single treatment. Still, it’s on a case-to-case basis. For some with dark freckles, the outcome can be seen after 3 to 5 treatments. 

2. Cryosurgery 

Cryosurgery uses supreme cold in the form of liquid nitrogen. It aims to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells. It is generally safe. It also requires no anesthesia. It further has little recovery time. 

3. Chemical peel 

A chemical peel uses a chemical solution for exfoliation. It peels off areas of damaged skin. A moderate skin peel containing glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid penetrates the skin’s middle layers to rid freckles. Once the damaged complexion is removed, new skin is generated. 

4. Sunscreen 

Sunscreen won’t diminish existing freckles. It instead supports preventing the formation of new ones. You should wear it year round. It is even when it’s cloudy. 

5. Topical fading cream 

Also known as bleaching cream. It can get rid of freckles, too. It is available both over the counter and by prescription. Many fading creams contain hydroquinone. It is an ingredient that suppresses melanin production. It lightens darkened areas of skin. 

6. Topical retinoid cream 

Retinol cream is a vitamin A compound. It is applied to better sun-damaged skin. It is proven to lighten freckles. According to a 2014 review, it may offer photoprotection. It absorbs ultraviolet B radiation. It may help safeguard new freckles from forming. 

7. Antioxidant-rich products and gentle exfoliants 

Incorporating antioxidant-rich products and gentle exfoliants into your skincare routine may help. They can lessen the appearance of freckles over time. 

How to Get Rid of Freckles Naturally 

1. Apple cider vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar is one of the top options to manage your dark spots and freckles. It contains malic acid. This acid exfoliates dark skin cells. It lightens the freckles. Vinegar also reduces the hyperpigmentation of any type. Further, it improves the overall appearance of your complexion. 

Directions:

• Combine honey and vinegar 
• Apply the mixture to the freckles 
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes 
• Rinse with lukewarm water 

2. Lemon 

Lemon is the most effective and organic component that assists in brightening the freckles. It also lightens other skin pigmentations. Lemon juice is overflowing with vitamin C and antioxidants. It cuts melanin production and lightens the freckles-affected areas. It has anti-pigmentary and photo-reactive properties. The two protect against harmful sun rays. 

Directions:

• Blend a few drops of lemon juice with honey 
• Put in on freckled skin with a cotton pad 
• Leave for 15 minutes 
• Rinse with lukewarm water 
• Follow up with a moisturizer 
• Repeat twice a week for excellent results 

3. Turmeric 

A pinch of turmeric can do different things for your health. It has a curcumin compound that inhibits melanogenesis. Melanogenesis means it cuts the excessive deposition of melanin in the skin that ignites freckles. 

Directions: 

• Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder along with 1-2 teaspoons of milk and one teaspoon of lemon juice. 
• Combine the three until it reaches a paste-like texture. 
• Apply to freckles for 20 minutes. 
• Rinse your face with lukewarm water. 
• Do not forget to follow with moisturizer. 

4. Almond oil 

Almond oil is an excellent oil for the skin. It is overflowing with vitamin A and vitamin E. The two nourish the skin naturally and reduce pigmentation. It works as a tonic for your complexion that softens and brightens it. 

Directions:

• Take 2-3 drops of almond oil. 
• Apply it on the affected parts with the help of fingers. 
• Leave for about 1 hour or until the complexion thoroughly soaks it. 
• Rinse it with lukewarm water. 
• You can also keep the oil overnight on your face. 

5. Aloe vera 

Aloe vera has aloesin. Aloesin works to reduce skin pigmentation, too. It facilitates the production of metallothionein in the skin. It prevents damage by sunlight. 

Directions:

• Massage your face with aloe vera gel for 5 minutes daily. 
• Wash off with lukewarm water after leaving it for 10 minutes.

6. Honey

Raw honey has bleaching properties. It can help to lighten pigmentation.

Directions:

• Combine honey with sugar to make a scrub. Use fine sugars. 
• Delicately exfoliate your face and freckles with the scrub. 
• Wash with water. 

7. Buttermilk 

Buttermilk is another kitchen ingredient that can be amazingly employed to lessen the appearance of freckles. It contains lactic acid. It helps to lighten the freckles. It also makes your skin soft and supple. 

Directions:

• You can apply buttermilk directly on the skin. 
• Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. 
• Wash off with warm water. 

8. Eucalyptus oil 

Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that safeguards melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity. It cuts hyperpigmentation on the skin. It is which then minimizes the development of freckles. 

Directions:

• Combine small drops of eucalyptus oil with any carrier oil
• Apply the oil blend to your face
• Leave for 15-20 minutes 
• Wipe off with a wet cloth 

9. Eggplant 

Eggplant contains antioxidants, phenolic acids, and vitamins. It can reverse the harm caused to your skin by harsh sunlight. It has been found to be effective in lessening the appearance of freckles. 

Directions:

• Slice an eggplant 
• Rub one onto your face in circular motions, gently 
• Allow the juice to work on your skin for a couple of minutes 
• Wash off 

10. Cocoa butter 

Skincare enthusiasts love to use cocoa butter-based products during harsh winters. It is loved by making our skin soft and supple. But aside from its deep hydration benefit, it also works wonders in reducing freckles. 

It is high in bioactive compounds. It offers considerable photoprotection. Thus, it can balance melanin. It can treat hyperpigmentation. It can even reverse sun damage. 

Freckles vs. Moles

Freckles are small, flat, brown spots. They appear on the face and other sun-exposed areas of the body. They occur as a result of sun exposure or genetics. They are produced when melanocytes overproduce melanin. Melanocytes are the cells that produce skin pigment. 

Moles, on the other hand, can differ in color. It may range from pink to tan, to blue, to black. It can even be skin-toned or colorless. They are often raised from the skin’s surface.