What you consider ugly discolorations are actually the result of your skin trying to protect itself from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. You can take certain preventive measures to prevent freckles on the face and body from forming but treating them once they have formed is a difficult proposition.
Preventing them can be accomplished by taking steps to protect your skin from the sun. This can be done by limiting your exposure to the sun especially when the sun is high in the sky. Rubbing some sunscreen lotion on your skin will help to protect your skin from the sun. Sunscreen lotion should also be applied during the winter months.
There are a few methods that you can try for the removal/treatment of freckles. While there is no guarantee of success, they may help if used consistently over a long period of time.
The most popular remedies for freckles are bleaching and fading creams. Look for products that contain hydroquinone and kojic acid. They are usually available without a prescription unless the levels of hydroquinone exceed 2%. These products when used along with sun protection lotions can help fade your freckles over a period of a few months.
Retinoids can be used along with bleaching creams to increase their effectiveness. These include products such as tretinoin (Retin-A), tazarotene (Tazorac) and adapalene (Differin).
A popular home remedy for freckles as well as the cheapest is lemon juice. Lemon juice is reputed to have skin lightening properties and can be used to lighten dark spots and discolorations on the skin. The juice should be rubbed on to the freckles and left for 15 minutes before rinsing. You can repeat the process 2 to 3 times a day for a few months. Since lemon juice is known to dry skin, use a moisturizer afterwards if you find your skin going dry.
Milk products may also help bleach freckled skin because of their acid content. You can either rinse your face with sour milk or apply sour cream or yogurt on the freckles. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing and repeat 2 to 3 times a day.
A more expensive option would be cryosurgery. However, this procedure is not guaranteed to work.
As with all home remedies, consult your doctor or dermatologist before trying any of them.
answered by M W