Freckles are generally harmless and not health problem. Their appearance is also an indication of the skin’s inability to produce enough pigment for its protection. This is true in light or fair complexioned people who have little melanin pigment and should be aware of excessive exposure to the sun .Freckles are groups of concentrated melanin which are visible on people with a fair complexion. Freckles are not a skin disorder. A freckle is also called an “ephelis.” You can see freckles on many people around the world; however, having freckles is genetic and is related to the presence of the dominant melanocortin-1 receptor MC1R gene variant. A cluster freckles is triggered by exposure to sunlight. The exposure to UV-B radiation activates melanocytes to increase the melanin production, which causes freckles to become darker.

Signs and Symptoms

Freckles come with difference colors and appear on the face, shoulders, and arms. Where is the skin area exposed to the sun ray. But they are always darker than the skin around them due to deposits of the dark pigment called melanin

• Small, flat, pigmented spots on your skin.
• Red.
• Yellow.
• Tan.
• light-brown, brown or black

Prevention and Treatment

• Over-the-counter and prescription medications that can treat freckles like Lumnaderm. This gentle but powerful skin lightening agent is formulated to balance uneven skin tones and brighten the skin.
• The advanced techniques for treating freckles including freezing, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing, may get rid of freckles and age spots but these treatments can be painful, and they may damage healthy skin or cause scarring.
• Freckles removers like lemon juice, salt, buttermilk or yogurt can do are to lighten freckles because they have a mild bleaching effect. Apply lemon juice with your fingers on the affected areas to bleach dark skin spots.
• Best cure for freckles by avoiding direct exposure to sunlight or the application of cold cream.
• Sour cream is also good for freckles. Apply to your face and don’t rinse it off. Gently wipe off the solution with a soft tissue paper and top it with a trusted moisturizer.
• Here’s a sweet way to reduce freckles. Mix warm honey with a little wheat germ and apply on the face. After the application, tap your face gently with your fingers. Rinse with warm water after 15 minutes.
• Retinol is also used to lighten freckles. They are actually effective if treatment is continued for a long time. There is risk however that the skin around the freckles may lighten, thus giving emphasis on the brown spots.
• Horseradish juice or horseradish vinegar, or oatmeal dabbed on the skin are also helpful in lightening freckles