Freckles on legs: 5 Causes and 10 Remedies

Freckles on legs are fairly common amongst people with a fair complexion, and they also tend to run in some families. But, do you know what freckles are?

Freckles are dark coloured spots on the skin of varying shapes and sizes, which develop mostly due to exposure to sun and production of excess melanin pigment. They can be of varying colours ranging from yellow or brown to black.

There are two types of freckles, and they are simple freckles and sunburn freckles. Simple freckles are smaller in size and lighter in colour in comparison to the sunburn freckles.

Freckles on legs causes:

There are many causes for the development of Freckles on legs. Let us look at some of the most common reasons for it below.

Hereditary factors:

Many people develop freckles on the skin if their parents have freckles. This is because the genes causing freckles on legs can be inherited from the parents. If you have Freckles on legs, your siblings can also develop it as it can run in families.

Complexion:

Complexion or skin colour determines to a large extent if you develop Freckles on legs or not. People with fair skin or white complexion and blond or white coloured hair are more prone to create Freckles on legs and other body parts.

Sun exposure:

Sun exposure for a prolonged period of time is one of the major causes for the formation of Freckles on legs. Sun exposure is essential for the body. But, if done in excess can be harmful as well. It can stimulate the melanocytes on the skin to produce melanin pigment which causes Freckles on legs and other body parts.

Melanin pigment is responsible for the skin color we have. Africans have more melanin pigment due to which they have a dark complexion. Fair complexion people have less melanin pigment. In either case, melanin pigment is present throughout the skin in equal amount.

But, when exposed to the sun for a prolonged period, melanin is produced in excess amounts at some particular spots on skin leading to dark-coloured spots on the skin.

Short clothing:

In people who wear short clothes like skirts, they are exposed for more time to the sunlight. This can also increase the chances of development of Freckles on legs.

Hormonal factors:

Changes in hormones within your body also play a role in causing freckles on legs. Hormonal factors play a vital role in the development of freckles in the younger age group people.

Freckles on legs Natural Remedies and Other Treatments:

There are many natural remedies which can help you to get rid of Freckles on legs. You can easily do them from the comfort of your home. There are also other treatment options performed by Dermatologists which are quite effective in getting rid of Freckles on legs. Let’s explore them:

Healthy diet:

You need to consume healthy food to have healthy skin. You need to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables regularly.

Eat foods rich in Vitamin C as it plays a vital role in collagen formation necessary for the skin repair and growth. You can also include vitamin A rich foods like Carrots, Papaya, Mango, etc. for healthy skin.

Protective clothing:

As we have already discussed, wearing short clothes like skirts exposes you more to the sunlight, and it can trigger the formation of freckles on legs. So, wear protective clothing which avoids exposure of your skin to the sunlight. Wear long-sleeved clothing and avoid short skirts.

Lemon juice:

Lemon juice has bleaching properties. It is a very simple and time-tested remedy for Freckles on legs. Just take some lemon juice and apply it over the freckles and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then rinse the area with warm water. Repeat this for 2 to 3 times a week for good results.

Buttermilk:

Buttermilk is readily available at anyone’s home, and it has bleaching properties. Just apply some buttermilk over the freckles on legs and massage thoroughly. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Repeat this process few times a week for some months until you notice results. It is entirely harmless, and it makes your skin soft and glowing along with getting rid of Freckles on legs.

Castor oil:

You can apply Castor oil at night over the Freckles on legs and then wash the legs with lukewarm water. You can also warm up the castor oil before application as it aids in better absorption by the skin. Regular use of castor oil over the Freckles on legs is known to be effective in fading them.

Sunscreen:

Apply Sunscreen lotion with SPF 50 and above before going out in the sun. You need to apply it at least 30 minutes before you go out for good effect.

If you are going swimming, apply Sunscreen lotion which is waterproof. This helps in preventing aggravation or increase in the freckles and also prevents the formation of new freckles on legs.

Laser therapy:

As you all know Laser therapy is beneficial for a range of skin conditions including hyperpigmentation, hair removal, etc. So, it is quite effective in fading the freckles as well. But, you need to get it done from a well-trained Dermatologist who uses the appropriate Laser for the removal of Freckles on legs.

Cryosurgery:

In this method, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the skin and get rid of freckles. It is not the most commonly used method for freckles, but it is effective as well.

Chemical peels:

If you have Freckles on legs which are very dark, large and resistant to other treatments, then you can also take the help of a dermatologist to get Chemical peels done over your legs to get rid of Freckles on legs.

Medicated Ointments:

There are many medicated ointments available upon on the prescription of a skin doctor or dermatologist which help in fading freckles. They may contain ingredients like Retinoids, Kojic acid or Hydroquinone. They are quite effective in fading Freckles on legs and other areas.

You have seen all the possible causes and Remedies of Freckles on legs. So, I hope you avoid being exposed to the sun for a prolonged period without wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen.