Freckles are asymptomatic flat, round, dark brown spots on areas of the body exposed to sunlight. They are chiefly found on face, arms and on chest. They occur frequently among white skinned individuals particularly blondes or those with red hair and blue eyes.
Freckles are tiny pin head sized spots, sometimes overlapping each other to appear larger. People with dark skin are less likely to have freckles. If your arm is exposed to the UV rays of sunlight frequently and if you are fair skinned individual, you may be more prone to develop freckles on your arm.
Freckles develop due to uneven distribution of melanin pigment on some part of skin surface, especially the sun exposed area. It is because of the overproduction of melanin pigment. Freckles are not harmful or they do not indicate any health problem. However, many people may not like these angles kisses as they are known for cosmetic reasons. Freckles are not easily treatable, but you can lighten them with natural and inexpensive methods.
What Causes Freckles On Arms?
The tiny flat brown spots that appear on skin are caused mainly due to excessive exposure to UV rays of sunlight.
Freckles develop due to uneven distribution and excess production of melanin pigment. Melanin is the pigment which gives color to the skin. It is produced by melanocytes cells in the skin. If you spend excess hours under the sun, you are more likely to get freckles. However, people having fair skin are susceptible as compared to individuals having dark skin. Individuals with red hair and blue eyes are prone to freckles and therefore they should always use sunscreen for skin protection.
Sunlight is not the only risk factor; genetic trait is also likely to contribute for development of freckles. If your parents and siblings are having freckles, it is likely that you may also have freckles. The possibility of dark freckles increases if sunlight and genetics both are involved.
Freckles can develop in children too, especially before the puberty. But they are more on face rather than on shoulder. Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy and puberty may increase formation of freckles. If it is present, freckles turn darker.
Natural Remedies To Lighten Freckles On Arms
Freckles are not harmful or they do not indicate any internal health problem. Many people do not like freckles for cosmetic reasons, especially on exposed areas of body such as face and arms. Freckles are difficult to get rid of completely unless you go for expensive treatment such as laser removal. However, with natural remedies they can be easily lightened and make them less apparent.
- Milk mask: Milk contains lactic acid. It is effective in peeling off top layer of skin gradually. Thus freckles on arms will become less apparent. Rub milk directly on your arms and let it remain for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash your arm with cool water and pat dry the area. Instead of milk, you can use sour cream. Apply sour cream on the arms and let it remain for 10 minutes. Rinse the area with cool water and pat dry.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice or juice of any citric fruit is beneficial in removing freckles. Lemon juice has properties which lighten the dark spots on skin. Apply the juice directly on the arms and keep it for 10 minutes before washing the area with cool water. Regular application will help to lighten the spots to an extent that they become less apparent.
- Honey: Honey is an excellent home remedy to lighten hyper pigmented spots. The enzyme and chemicals present in honey are effective in fading freckles. Added with yogurt the results are far promising. Mix honey and yogurt and apply it on your arms. Let the paste remain for few minutes before you rinse the area. Regular application will fade freckles.
Once your freckles fade, always apply sunscreen on your arms and other vulnerable areas so that they may not recur again.