It seems that over the past few years freckles have grown from being considered a flaw to becoming an ultimate trend. With plenty of tutorials on how to create faux freckles and even special face masks that help you get them, it is clear that today more and more people want to achieve that sun-kissed look. These people are oftentimes somewhat jealous of those who are blessed with natural freckles that require no effort.
Everything You Have to Know about Freckles & More
But that doesn’t necessarily mean that so-called sunspots are always desirable by the redheads, the fair-skinned and others susceptible to freckles. If you can relate to this and know exactly what you want to look like without being influenced by trends, this article will definitely help you.
∼ The most effective freckle removal creams ∼
Freckles are basically caused by sun exposure. Affected by the ultra-violet light, skin cells rapidly produce melanin, which in a way serves to protect our body from the sun damage. So obviously, avoiding direct sunlight or using sunscreen regularly can prevent the appearance of the dark spots.
There are also numerous ways to get rid of freckles once you already have them.
They vary from simple remedies to rather costly laser treatments. Here we will focus on ready-to-use products that are designed specifically for this purpose. We believe that the best approach is not to look for magical extracts but to stick to reliable and somewhat ‘boring’ ingredients: hydroquinone, retinoids, niacinamide, hydroxy acids and so on. This is what we were motivated by while comprising or list.
Clinique ‘Even Better’ Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
Buy on Amazon at the price of $50
Yes, we deliberately started off with one of the most recognizable skincare brands out there. Products from Clinique have repeatedly proven to be able to deal with various skin conditions, and discoloration is no exception.
It contains no hydroquinone and relies mostly on plant-based ingredients, including turmeric extract and mulberry root. There is also vitamin E that will help replenish your skin.
The instructions advice to use the corrector twice a day. Although it is claimed to be safe to use for over a year, you might see the reduction of dark spots in several months.
Porcelain Skin Whitening Serum
Buy on Amazon at the price of $28
If you and your skin are fed up with harsh chemicals that cause irritation, whether it is parabens, sulfates or other nasty stuff, Porcelain Skin Whitening Serum is the right choice for you.
Aside from natural botanicals, it has powerful active components, which are kojic acid and hydroquinone. They will make sure to stop the enzymes and amino acids from triggering too much melanin.
Glycolic acid will make your skin feel fresh and revived by removing dead skin, and licorice is the key ingredient that serves as a protection from redness and burning sensation.
Paula’s Choice RESIST Triple-Action Dark Spot Eraser 2% BHA Gel
Buy on Amazon at the price of $29
Our favorite thing about this product and the entire Paula’s Choice line is that it’s safe not only for you, ut for the animals, meaning it’s absolutely cruelty-free.
One of its active ingredients is 2% hydroquinone, a staple in skin discoloration treatment that will inhibit the melanin pathway. And in order for that to be absorbed deeply into the skin, the eraser contains salicylic acid. It is known for pore-tightening and soothing properties that will even out your skin texture.
But antioxidants is the thing that really takes this gel to the next level. Not only you will have lighter and smoother skin, but you will also enjoy all benefits of anti-aging formula that will give you the glow from within.
Admire My Skin 2% Hydroquinone Dark Spot Corrector
Buy on Amazon at the price of $23
This dark spot corrector’s effectiveness is equal to the products that require a prescription. It is so potent, that manufacturers recommend using it in cycles. That is to say, you have to make a 30-day break after continuous 60-day use.
There are much more active ingredients than in other products. The combination of both kojic acid and hydroquinone alone is enough to be convinced in that.
Containing azelaic acid, vitamin C and lactic acid, it will fade the freckles and make your skin squeaky clean (in a good way, of course).
Organys Skin Brightening Cream
Buy on Amazon at the price of $16
The name of the brand speaks for itself – the company uses predominantly botanical ingredients that cause no irritation and damage. Apart from jojoba seed oil and yeast proteins, it has effective and non-toxic alpha arbutin that is turned into already familiar hydroquinone during the synthesis.
On the off chance you are not satisfied with this brightening cream, the company offers every customer full refund, so there’s totally nothing to lose, only to gain.
Nadinola Skin Bleach for Dry Skin
Buy on Amazon at the price of $19
Nadinola skin discoloration fade cream is suitable for people with dry skin. But if you have sensitive skin, you might want to opt for some other product, as this one does contain mineral oil and parabens.
Yet this fact is fully compensated by the cream’s ability to fight discoloration and excessive melanin production. The hydroquinone is paired with octyl salicylate that is the frequent component of sunscreens. If you use it daily, the positive change won’t be long in coming.
Nadinola Skin Bleach for Oily Skin
Buy on Amazon at the price of $18
Nadinola has an alternative for oily skin, too. Here the properties of hydroquinone are enhanced with citric acid and 3% octisalate which provides your body with sun protection.
According to multiple reviews, this fade cream controls shine and leaves the skin silky smooth. Some people even like it a moisturizer, which, contrary to popular belief, oily skin is often in desperate need of!
Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
Buy on Amazon at the price of $19
This lightening serum is a combination of two powerful ingredients that will brighten and gently exfoliate your skin: hydroquinone (2%) and glycolic acid. The latter accelerates the cell revitalization that causes dark spots to fade faster.
On top of that, it has components that boost the production of collagen, leaving your skin nourished and firmed up. That doesn’t mean that you should exclude sunscreen from your routine. On the contrary, using it additionally will only secure the results.
∼ Components that deal with freckles and hyperpigmentation ∼
Before choosing a particular freckle removal cream, it’s nice to get some background knowledge to look into the components that actually do the trick. This information will make you armed to the teeth, you will be able to analyze the formulas and ingredient lists yourself and pick what is right for you even outside this list.
Hydroquinone blocks the key enzyme that is in charge of triggering melanin (pigment). It is one of the most effective components for skin bleaching and is often found in lightening products. However, the concentration of it has to be very low or else it will bring more harm than good. Bear in mind that it needs to be kept away from air and sunlight, stored in a tight container.
If you want something more stable and natural, take a look at kojic acid. It is a chemical substance derived from various fungi and a by-product of fermented soy sauce and rice wine. Its bleaching function is explained by its ability to prevent the production of tyrosine, the amino acid that takes part in the synthesis of melanin.
Another component that is beneficial when it comes to skin lightening is arbutin. It can be found in a lot of plants such as mulberry, whortleberry and madder, which makes the perfect option for organic skincare lovers.
To speed up the process of removing old darker skin cells to give way to new lighter ones, you need to incorporate gentle chemical peels. Stay away from harsh scrubs that will only irritate or skin and use salicylic or glycolic acid that will also help the active components absorb better into the skin.
It won’t happen overnight 
When you decide to begin your freckle removal journey, you should realize that it is not a quick process. It might have taken years for the hyperpigmentation to show on our face and body as a result of ultra-violet exposure, so don’t expect it to go away by the wave of the hand.
Lightening creams can no doubt be helpful, but only if you are patient and use them for at least a month. Besides, they have to contain active ingredients that speed up cell revitalization, or else you will just stop getting new freckles but not remove the old ones completely.
The good news is, if you haven’t noticed a slightest change after more than a month, most companies are happy to give you a refund.
And if you are really eager to get rid of freckles or melasma as quickly as possible, consider other treatments, but only after consulting with dermatologist.
Use your cream responsibly
Hydroquinone, despite its effectiveness, have often been regarded as a rather controversial and even toxic product. But its properties depend on the derivation technology, which has already been improved.
It goes without saying that, as with any other product, you have to first test the cream on a small area and wait for a few minutes to see if there is no allergic reaction. Some people, however, experience mild itchiness and reddening that goes away shortly.
Avoid sensitive areas, such as lips, nostrils and near the eyes and don’t combine hydroquinone with anything containing peroxide, as it will only give you the opposite result, that is, make your skin even darker.
Whitening cream should be the second step in your skincare routine after cleansing. Then it can be followed by toning, moisturizing and whatever you use to treat your skin.
Bottomline
First thing you need to remember is that your beauty comes from within. And if freckles happen to be that one thing that clashes with your perception of yourself, there is always a way to fix it. With freckle removal creams, it may take time for you to see a result, but it’s definitely worth it.