Some people have freckles that crop up naturally. Others develop freckles from over-exposure to the sun.

Freckles cause no harm to the skin. However, if you think that your freckles detract from your overall prettiness, you can lighten them. You can prevent, lighten, and get rid of freckles.

• 1. Lemon juice

Using lemon juice is one of the more popular freckle-lightening techniques.

Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties. It can be applied on freckles to lighten them and eventually make them disappear. It is particularly effective with natural freckles. Freckles brought on by too much sun exposure are darker and less homogeneous in size and form. They may not respond as effectively to the use of lemon juice as natural freckles do.

Get some fresh lemons and extract their juice. Use a cotton ball to apply the extracted juice to your freckles. Leave the juice on your face for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

Do this every day until the freckles are noticeably lighter in color.

• 2. Dairy mask

You can also use a milk-based mask to soften and gently remove the topmost skin layer. This will make the freckles look lighter and less visible.

You can make a dairy mask by using sour cream (1/4 cup), lightly lathering it over your face, and letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Use cool water for rinsing the mask off. Pat your skin dry.

• 3. Fruit peel

Mashing up a combination of fruits to make a face mask is another natural technique to remove freckles.

Mash and mix the fruits together, apply the mixture on your face, and let it sit and dry completely. After about 20 to 30 minutes, peel off the mask and rinse your face.

Try a combination of kiwi and strawberries or apricot and cucumber for a refreshing and effective peeling mask.

• 4. Lightening cream

You can use store-bought lightening creams. These creams contain a combination of ingredients calculated to work on dark spots and freckles. They are effective for both sun-induced and natural freckles.

Look for creams that contain natural extracts. Licorice extract is known for its ability to lighten dark spots. Aloe is also effective for lightening and moisturizing skin without harming it.

Stay away from creams that feature oxybenzone , hydroquinone, and other similar chemicals, especially if you have sensitive skin. Although they may indeed lighten freckles, these chemicals may prove too harsh for delicate skin.

Before using any product, read the labels. Watch out for side effects. It may be prudent to try out the product on the insides of your wrist before trying it out on your face.

• 5. Bleaching creams

Bleaching lightens skin all around, making freckles less visible. The strong chemicals, however, may also cause the skin to dry, peel, or become irritated or inflamed.

• 6. Vitamin C

Research shows that Vitamin C helps to lighten freckles.

Make sure that you include rich sources of this vitamin in your diet. Indulge in leafy vegetables like spinach and citrus fruits like lemon, nectarines, kumquats, limes, grapefruit, and oranges for a healthy dose of Vitamin C. Berries, bell peppers, and tomatoes are also rich in the vitamin.

If you are not sure if you are getting enough of the vitamin from natural food sources, you can opt to take supplements.

• 7. Vitamin E

Vitamin E also helps to lighten freckles. Moreover, it has nutrients that are easily absorbed by the skin. Vitamin E helps to give your face a warm, healthy glow.

• 8. Makeup solutions

While waiting for your freckles to lighten and disappear, try makeup solutions. They help to either conceal freckles or make them blend in with your natural complexion.

A high-quality mineral foundation helps you do this. It gives you a natural, seamless and unblemished look.

If you have dry skin, go for a cream foundation. Select a color that is a shade or two lighter than your freckles. Use a makeup applicator to put on the foundation. Apply some face powder over the foundation so that it sets nicely.

• 9. Going a shade darker

You can conceal freckles by slightly darkening your skin so that the color of your complexion evens out. You can use castor oil to add a very light shade of tan to your skin.

Apply the oil to your face before you go to sleep. Rinse it off when you wake up. A few applications are all it takes to make the freckles vanish.

• 10. Chemical peels

You can get rid of freckles by having a superficial, medium, or deep chemical peel.

A superficial peel removes the topmost skin layer by using acids like beta hydroxyl acid or alpha acid. A medium peel goes deeper into the skin to get rid of more layers. It uses trichloroacetic acid. A deep peel uses a higher concentration of the same acid to eliminate even more skin layers. The more concentrated the peeling, the faster the results. Healing, however, may be more complicated and may take more time.

• 11. Microdermabrasion

This exfoliating process is considered an easy, convenient and safe process for dealing with freckles. Deep exfoliation takes away dead surface skin and lightens freckles. For best results, you need to go through a series of treatments.

• 12. Laser treatment

Laser treatments seek to burn the blood vessels below the freckles. This process effectively reduces the appearance of freckles.

Laser treatments do not cause lasting damage. However, they may cause the skin to swell, bruise, or become red for some time.

• 13. Lifestyle changes

Stay away from the damage that sun exposure can do to your skin.

Be generous with sunscreen. Apply strong sun protection (SPF 50) every two hours, especially when you stay out in the sun for long durations.

Use sunscreen to protect your face, as well as other exposed parts of your body. Freckles can show up not only on your face but on your shoulders, chest, and arms as well.

Use protective covering. Use a wide-brimmed hat. Opt for loosely-fitting, comfortable long-sleeved shirts and blouses and pants made of light material for summer wear. They shield your skin from the sun and keep you feeling cool at the same time