How to Fade Arm Freckles

Freckles are caused by exposure to the sun. Though they are more common in fair-skinned people, freckles can occur on people of all skin tones, including African Americans. The best way to avoid arm freckles is to protect your skin from the sun. Since the sun's rays can penetrate on cloudy and rainy days, you should make sun protection part of your yearround plan. If you already have arm freckles and wish to lighten them, there are several things you can do to fade them.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Bleaching cream
• Dermatologist
• Chemical peels
• Laser treatments
• Lemon juice

Instructions

1. Apply a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays on your arms daily. You'll never be able to fade your freckles if you continue exposing your arms to the sun. Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF rating for effective protection.

2. Wear long-sleeved shirts as much as possible. While sunscreen is essential, clothing offers more protection. If you'll be outside for long periods of time, it's best to cover up.

3. Use a bleaching cream on your arms. Bleaching creams work to lighten areas of dark pigmentation so they'll work on freckles. You can find over-the-counter bleaching creams in most drugstores.

4. Get chemical peels on your arms. Chemical peels are commonly used on the face but they can be used on any body area for effective results. The chemicals will burn away the outermost layers of skin so the younger, smoother skin below is exposed. Freckles will be less apparent after peels though you may need a series of them to achieve the results you're after.

5. Talk to your dermatologist about laser treatments. Intense laser light will target the freckles, breaking up their pigment. The pigment will then be reabsorbed by the body's immune system. In addition, the laser will reach to the dermis and encourage collagen production so your skin will look smoother and feel firmer.

6. Rub fresh lemon juice on your arm freckles. People have found that the acidity in the lemon juice helps to lighten freckles. Let the juice sit on the area for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

Tips & Warnings

• Other home remedies to lighten freckles include tomato juice, onions and honey.

• Be gentle on your skin after you have received laser treatment or chemical peels. Your skin will be damaged and particularly vulnerable so extra care is required.