For some, freckles can be a nuisance that re-emerges in full force as the summer months roll around. While they themselves are harmless, many want to know how to get rid of freckles and how to prevent them in the first place.

If you have freckles that you want to get rid of, read on to learn more about professional and at-home treatment options.

What Causes Freckles?

Freckles (also referred to as ephelides) are brown or tan flat spots on your skin. They are formed from a cluster of skin cells that contain melanin, which creates the color.

“Freckles are caused by a combination of genetics and sun damage,” says board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Wendy K. Y. Ng, MD. “When our skin cells are penetrated by UV light, melanin in the skin is activated, causing freckles. Freckles are a sign that your skin is being damaged by the sun.”

“Melanin is the pigment produced by our skin cells to protect us from the damage from UV rays,” adds dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre, MD. The middle men in this melanin activation are melanocytes, certain types of skin cells that produce melanin. Once the skin is exposed to the sun, these melanocytes are triggered to produce more melanin.

Depending on genetics, the appearance of freckles on the skin can vary from person to person. “No one is born with freckles but many are born with the genetic predisposition, particularly those with fair skin, blond or red hair and light-colored eyes,” says Dr. Pierre. “They may appear in children as young as one to two years of age.”

How to Get Rid of Freckles (Permanently)

There are some steps and products you can use to reduce the appearance of freckles and stop new ones from forming.

1. Prevent Freckles with Sunscreen

“Prevention is key with regard to minimizing the appearance of freckles,” says Dr. Ng. She recommends using a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB light. This is your first step at getting rid of freckles permanently. 

“A zinc-based mineral sunscreen is best because zinc has the broadest spectrum of coverage of any ingredient currently available,” says Dr. Pierre. This will ensures that you are protected against both skin cancer and aging. Use sunscreen on a daily basis to reduce the appearance of freckles and stop new ones from forming.

2. Use Brightening and Lightening Skincare Products

  • Hydroquinone - In terms of using topical products to get rid of freckles, there are some skincare ingredients that can help at least reduce their appearance. “It is possible for freckles to fade,” says Dr. Ng. She mentions hydroquinone, an ingredient that lightens the skin. “For more stubborn freckles, a careful and limited course of hydroquinone cream can help lighten the skin, by preventing the conversion of dopamine to melanin.”
  • Retinoids, Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin, and AHAs - Additionally, people looking into how to get rid of freckles may find success with other skincare ingredients that are known to lighten and brighten the skin. There are both prescription strength and over-the-counter options available. “You can always visit your board-certified dermatologist for more effective creams such as Retin-A, higher concentrations of hydroquinone (still the gold standard of fading creams), and even a combination of both ingredients for a synergistic effect,” suggests Dr. Pierre. For over-the-counter options, products containing vitamin C, alpha arbutin, AHAs, and retinol can be effective.

When it comes to getting rid of stubborn freckles, there are also a few professional treatment options, which will be covered below.

4 Best Products to Get Rid of Freckles

If you are looking into how to get rid of freckles caused by sun damage, there are a few over-the-counter products you can try. For those looking for effective and affordable options, these are some of the best products to get rid of freckles.

1. Paula’s Choice Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 7% AHA Lotion

Paula’s Choice Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 7% AHA Lotion

Best for: dark and genetic freckles

This treatment lotion contains two ingredients that are particularly great for reducing the appearance of freckles: hydroquinone and alpha-hydroxy acids. The hydroquinone works to lighten the skin. Powerful AHAs (including glycolic and lactic acid) work by exfoliating the skin to reveal fresh skin underneath. Additionally, the lotion contains antioxidants that nurture the skin.

How to Use: Cleanse and dry the skin. Apply the lotion to any area of the skin where freckles are present. Follow up with a moisturizer to fight dryness. Use at night.

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2. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

Best for: sunspots, freckles and pigmentation

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that, among others benefits, brightens the skin. This serum packs the punch needed to reduce the appearance of freckles. In addition to vitamin C, this serum contains konjac root, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid, which hydrate, soften, and provide anti-aging benefits. The formula is natural, vegan, and cruelty-free.

How to Use: Cleanse and dry the skin. Gently massage the product into your skin. This can be used all over the face, neck, and chest (not just areas where freckles are present) to reap the full benefits. Follow up with a moisturizer, or mix the serum with your moisturizer and apply together. Use day and/or night. Finish off with a sunscreen during the day.

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3. The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

 The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

Best for: sunspots, freckles and pigmentation

If you are looking into how to get rid of freckles, this serum is another effective and affordable option. Alpha arbutin is a skincare ingredient that brightens the skin. This formula has a high concentration at 2%, which ensures noticeable results. Additionally, it contains hyaluronic acid, which serves to hydrate the skin and support the delivery of the alpha arbutin.

How to Use: Cleanse and dry the skin. Gently massage the product into your skin. Apply all over the face. Follow up with a moisturizer. Use day and/or night. Finish off with a sunscreen during the day.

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4. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

 Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

Best for: sunspots, freckles and pigmentation

This gel serum has a high concentration of exfoliating glycolic acid, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce the appearance of freckles. It removes the top layer of dead skin to reveal refreshed skin underneath. The gel has a lightweight texture, so it absorbs effortlessly into the skin. In addition to its ability to get rid of freckles, this serum can help you fight the visible signs of aging.

How to Use: Cleanse and dry the skin. Gently massage the product into your skin. Apply all over the face. Follow up with a moisturizer. Use day and/or night. Finish off with a sunscreen during the day.

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How to Get Rid of Freckles (Professional Options)

If you are dealing with more stubborn freckles, there are some professional options that you can turn to. For the best results, some use these treatments in combination with other topical products. “Many patients like to combine creams with procedures to expedite results,” says Dr. Pierre. Those who choose to combine treatments with topicals should seek the advice of a professional.

  1. Chemical Peels - A chemical peel uses a solution that deeply exfoliates the skin, revealing fresher skin underneath. This solution contains a combination of chemical exfoliants. Chemical peels are typically performed at a dermatologist’s office or a medical spa. There are varying strength levels of chemical peels, and more intense peels involve the skin peeling off in the days after treatment. Dr. Pierre states that the downtime can range from none to up to two weeks, depending on the treatment. The prominence of your freckles will determine what strength makes the most sense for your needs. Some patients may need to go through a few sessions to fully eliminate the appearance of freckles.
  2. Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Treatments - Intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser treatments effectively get rid of freckles. IPL uses a broadband pulsed light source, while laser uses a monochromatic coherent light source. During these treatments, the skin is exposed to pulses of intense light. This process removes skin layers to reveal “new” skin underneath.

A professional will guide you to a treatment option that makes the most sense for your needs. These treatments typically require multiple sessions to fully reduce the appearance of freckles. A plastic surgeon or dermatologist typically performs the treatment. Dr. Pierre advises that the downtime can range from 2 to 14 days.

FAQs

Can your freckles go away?

Freckles may fade on their own. Typically, those with freckles will have lighter freckles in the winter and more prominent freckles in the summer. To prevent new freckles from forming, it is important to wear sunscreen daily. In order to speed up the process of fading freckles, you can turn to over-the-counter or prescription-strength topicals that lighten and brighten the skin. There are also professional treatments, such as chemical peels and laser treatments.

How do you get freckles?

Freckles are caused by a combination of genetics and sun damage to the skin. When UV rays are exposed to the skin, it triggers the production of melanin. Melanin is created to protect the skin from sun damage. This melanin can form into a cluster of skin cells, causing freckles to appear. Some people are more genetically predisposed to developing freckles, particularly those with a more fair complexion, red or blonde hair, and light colored eyes.

How do I stop getting freckles?

Prevention is key when it comes to stopping freckles. You should wear sunscreen daily to prevent sun damage that leads to freckles. If you are also looking into how to get rid of freckles, you can start with topical products that are known to lighten and brighten the skin. Common skincare ingredients that are good for fading freckles include vitamin C, alpha arbutin, retinol, hydroquinone, and AHAs.

Summary: How to Get Rid of Freckles (Permanently)

  • Sun damage causes freckles. While anyone can develop freckles, some are more genetically predisposed to more prominent freckles.
  • People looking into how to get rid of freckles can try over-the-counter and prescription-strength topicals that lighten and brighten the skin.
  • For more stubborn freckles, people can turn to professional options, such as chemical peels, laser treatments, and IPL.
  • Prevention is important when it comes to fading freckles and stopping new ones from forming. Daily sunscreen is a necessity to prevent sun damage.

The Bottom Line

Freckles can be extremely frustrating to deal with, but with proper course of action, there are solutions to get rid of freckles forever.