Freckles are flat, round and brown spots in different sizes that appear on the skin. Freckles are a sign of skin damage. Some of the common causes behind the appearance of freckles are too much exposure to the sunlight, hereditary, hormonal imbalance, and many more. Though freckles are mostly present in areas which often get exposed to sun rays.
Here are top 10 home remedies to get rid of Freckles.
1. Sour Cream
The lactic acids present in sour milk can help a lot to get rid of freckles. Take some sour cream and directly apply it on the affected skin area and allow it to dry for a few minutes. Instead of rinsing it off completely with water, you must gently wipe it off with a soft tissue or a towel and then apply some moisturizer. This remedy will not cause skin irritation or dryness. Follow this remedy at least once daily until the freckles go away. Alternatively you can also rinse the affected skin area with sour milk daily. In case you do not have sour milk, then you can always use yogurt.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a highly effective ingredient that can be used to treat freckle as well as brown spots. Lemon juice has lightening properties and so it will nicely bleach the dark spots on your skin. Take fresh lemon juice and with the help of your fingers apply it on the affected skin area and gently massage the area for ten to fifteen minutes. Finally rinse the skin with lukewarm water. Do this remedy twice a day. Another option is to dissolve some sugar in the juice of one lemon and then apply this mixture on to the affected area with the help of a brush. Gently massage for some time and then wash the skin with water.
3. Honey
Make a mixture of honey and water and heat it slightly and then apply it on the affected area and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Finally rinse the area properly with warm water. You can also make an herbal mask at home by mixing wheat germ with warm honey. Apply this mask and allow it to sit for about ten minutes and then rinse the area with warm water and then wash it again with cold water. This is one of the most effective home remedies for freckles. Another option is to make a mixture of honey and yogurt, and apply it on the freckles for half an hour daily.
4. Eggplant
Eggplant can also be used to remove freckles. Take one fresh eggplant and slice it into thick pieces and apply the slices all over the affected skin area. Gently rub the eggplant slices in a circular motion and leave them on the skin for ten to fifteen minutes. Follow this remedy once daily for about a week to notice significant improvement in the appearance of your skin. The freckles will become lightened considerably after two weeks.
5. Buttermilk
Applying buttermilk on freckles can also help in lightening them. In fact, one of the easiest ways to get rid of freckles is to apply buttermilk over the freckles, leave it for ten minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Another option is to make a thick paste of powdered oatmeal and buttermilk. Apply this paste on the affected area, leave for about half an hour and then finally wash it off with cold water. Do this remedy once daily until you get positive results.
6. Horseradish
Horseradish juice when dabbed on the affected skin area for ten minutes daily can also help a lot in lightening the freckles. Another option is to take one grated horseradish and mix it with the juice of one lemon and blend them together to make a paste. Apply this paste all over the affected skin area and allow it to dry. Finally wash it off with the help of some cold water. When this remedy is followed on regular basis it will soon lighten the freckles and make them less noticeable.
7. Onion
Onions also can be used for removing freckles and brown spots. For better result, use red onion instead of the normal one. Take one red onion and cut it into thick slices and then rub the onion slices gently on the freckles twice daily. You must continue this remedy daily until the freckles fade away. Another option is to grate one red onion and extract its juice and then apply the juice onto the affected skin area twice a day. For better result, add a teaspoon of vinegar to onion juice. If this remedy is repeated for a week or two, nothing can stop you from enjoy spotless skin.
8. Castor Oil
Castor oil is another way to treat freckles at home as it can equalize the skin pigmentation and help the freckles to fade away. Before going to bed, apply castor oil on the affected skin area and next morning wipe it off with a soft tissue and then only wash the skin with lukewarm water. Continue this remedy daily until you get rid of the freckles. For better result opt for odorless castor oil. Alternatively, you can also use vitamin E oil or olive oil to reduce blemishes and freckles.
9. Papaya
Papaya juice is another effective remedy to get rid of freckles. Papain is a kind of enzyme present in papaya that can help to lighten freckles. Take fresh papaya juice and apply it directly on the freckles with the help of a clean cotton ball and gently massage the area. After ten minutes, you can rinse the skin with the help of some cold water. This remedy will remove freckles and any other kind of skin blemishes and at the same time it will make your skin healthier and soft.
10. Sesame Seeds
For this remedy you will need equal amount of sesame seeds and turmeric. Mix both the ingredients together and grind them properly by adding little water to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the affected skin area. Leave it for ten to fifteen minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. Make this a daily routine and soon your freckles will fade away.
To conclude, the above mentioned suggestions can help you to keep the freckles at bay. As freckles can re-appear with the change in climate, you must try the above mentioned remedies for a longer period of time in order to completely get rid of them.
Diet for Freckles
Though there is no particular diet or food that will prevent the occurrence of freckles on the skin, here are some general diet guidelines that will promote a healthy and glowing skin. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and whole grains for the vitamins A, B complex and C, all needed for healthy skin. Vitamin B5 helps prevent dry skin. It is found in milk, eggs, cabbage, wheat germ and nutritional yeast. The essential fatty acids, found in unrefined, cold-pressed vegetable oils such as flax seed, are also important for supple, resistant skin. Increase your Vitamin C intake. It makes your skin less sensitive to the sun. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, apples, green onions, black and red currant, rosehip tea.