How to Make Freckles Fade

Fading the freckles you no longer love, or never really have loved, doesn't require dropping hundreds or thousands of dollars at the dermatologist's office on chemical peels or laser resurfacing . There are natural home remedies passed on from grandmother to granddaughter, as well as other easy and affordable options to give you fewer freckles on your face.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen or Moisturizer with SPF
• Lemon Juice
• Sour Milk or Cream
• Cream to Powder Foundation

Instructions

1. Use a good foundation to lessen the appearance of freckles. A good foundation that is the right color for your skin tone is the easiest way to fade your spots. Cream to powder is lauded for its coverage and ease of use. Even better, there is makeup that contains SPF. You should opt for at least SPF 15; anything below that is ineffective, particularly for the fair-skinned.

2. Apply lemon juice. Lemons are a natural bleaching agent. Using your fingers, you should smear the juice on your face, much as you would a moisturizer. You should blot your face with a tissue and apply moisturizer. Although some natural remedies are rather questionable, this is a time-honored method to reduce the appearance of your freckles.

3. Rinse your face with sour milk or sour cream. Many swear by this traditional freckle fading remedy. When used on normal skin, the milk has a gentle, soothing effect without the irritation of other natural remedies. Keep in mind that all faces react differently to some products so trial and error is the best way to decide the remedy that works best with your own skin.

4. Invest in a topical bleaching cream. It's easy to get your hands on these creams at drug stores or super centers, but be aware that it may take months to see results. In some cases, you will never see results. It pays to try several different types of creams until you find one that works. Most of the cheaper brands contain the same ingredients as the ones with the high price tag so don't let a price fool you into believing that a particular type is superior.

5. Consider prescription fade creams. This is the "stronger" version of the OTC topical cream. Though you may see results fairly quickly, there are side effects, ranging from discoloration around the application sites, drying and peeling of skin.

6. Increase your vitamin C intake. Vitamin C promotes the skin's increased tolerance to the sun. It can be found in such foods as citrus fruits and apples.

7. Prevention. The only way to keep more freckles from accumulating is to always wear a daily moisturizer or sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Do this even on overcast days. Reapply as needed throughout the day, especially after swimming or working out. If you must be out, cover your fair face with a wide-brimmed hat.

8. Evaluate whether fading or removing your freckles is really worth it. Many people think freckles are cute, add character and set people apart from others in a positive way. Learn to love your "angel kisses."

Tips & Warnings

• Try several solutions to find what works best for you.

• Freckles can sometimes turn out to be a more serious condition like skin cancer. Only your doctor will know for sure. Have suspicious freckles and discolorations inspected by a professional.