Freckles are pigmented spots that are typically tan or light brown in color. They are formed from skin cell clusters that contain the pigment melanin. Freckles should not be confused with moles. Moles are raised and have the chance to become cancerous, while freckles are flat and are not painful or harmful. They are merely cosmetic abnormalities.
People are not born with freckles on their skin. But the tendency to develop freckles may actually be genetic. Freckles are activated by excess sun exposure. Human skin contains melanocyte cells, which produce the pigment melanin. Melanin is responsible for protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays that are emitted by the sun.
The more sun you are exposed to, the more melanin your skin will produce. Freckles occur when the melanin is built up on the outer epidermal layer. Fair skinned people in particular are prone to developing freckles. They produce less melanin than people with darker skin, but this results in more melanin being built up when the skin is exposed to the sun.
Even though freckles may seem permanent, you can actually get rid of them if they bother you. There are a variety of ways to treat them; everything ranging from laser skin removal to major dermatological skin treatment. Before investing heavily in removing freckles, then try some affordable natural remedies.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is an astringent and can lighten your skin. Apply it directly to a skin using a cotton ball then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Honey
Honey is a moisturizer and can help to lighten pigmentation. Transform it into a scrub by mixing raw honey with sugar or salt and massaging it into your skin.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk contains a lactic acid which can help to lighten your freckles. Apply it directly to your skin and rinse it off after 10 minutes or turn it into a face pack by combining it with oatmeal.
