How to Get Rid of Freckles Organically
Freckles, also known as "ephiledes", are a benign condition caused by an elevated production of melanin in the skin cells. Melanin protects the skin from sunlight and is the cause of pigmentation in the skin. As a result of sun exposure, small brown or tan dots can appear in localized areas where melanin production has increased. While freckles most commonly appear on pale-skinned individuals, they can also appear on people with darker skin. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or better)
- Lemon juice (fresh)
- Sour milk or yogurt
- Red onion
Instructions
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Limit your sun exposure and apply sunscreen daily. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a waterproof sunscreen containing an SPF of 30 or greater is ideal. Extended periods of sun exposure can cause freckles to darken or appear. The results are even greater if your skin is unprotected.
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Apply lemon juice, or other fruit containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), to your face, or the affected areas, daily. Allow the lemon juice to sit on the affected areas for 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Lemon juice works as an exfoliator, removing dead cells and promoting healthy, renewed skin. Do not use canned lemon juice, as these products may contain additives and fillers which will dilute the acidic, organic properties of the lemon. Also be careful to use this treatment only for a limited period of time, as eventually skin cells will grow resistant to AHA exposure.
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Apply sour milk to your freckles before bedtime. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. Sour milk contains lactic acid, which, like lemon juice, is an alpha hydroxy acid, and helps to exfoliate the skin. To make sour milk, it's advised that you not just leave a carton on the counter overnight; instead, add a few drops of lemon juice to a glass of milk and let it stand for 15 minutes. Plain yogurt can also be applied to the skin similarly, as it too contains sour milk.
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Cut a red onion into slices, and apply the surface of the slice to your freckles, regularly. Red onions produce sulfuric acid, which, according to folk medicine, is capable of naturally lightening skin.
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