Freckles are a natural variation of human skin. While they aren’t harmful, treatments do exist to lighten them.

Freckles are tan or light brown spots on your skin. They’re made of clusters of skin cells that contain the pigment melanin. Unlike moles, which are raised, freckles are flat. Freckles aren’t painful or harmful.

No one is born with freckles, even though they may be genetic. They’re triggered by sun exposure. If you have freckles and want to remove them, here are seven strategies to consider.

Sunscreen won’t get rid of existing freckles, but it helps prevent new ones. You should wear sunscreen year-round, even when it’s cloudy.

The American Academy of Dermatology offers these tips:

  • Sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher.
  • Apply sunscreen to bare skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

Laser treatment uses pulses of focused, intense light to target damaged areas of skin. There are different types of lasers. A 2025 study found that 730-nm, 532-nm, and 694-nm lasers were effective in clearing freckles.

Laser treatment is generally safe. The risk of scarring is low. However, other side effects may occur, including:

  • purpura
  • blisters
  • pain
  • crusting
  • hypopigmentation
  • hyperpigmentation
  • dermatitis
  • atrophic scarring

If you have a history of oral herpes, you may need to take an antiviral medication before undergoing laser treatment. That’s because the laser can stimulate a flare-up of herpes around your mouth.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medications or creams before the procedure. They may also recommend avoiding certain medications or products before the procedure. Let your doctor know about any medications or creams you’re using.

It may take up to two weeks to recover from laser treatment. Multiple sessions are usually needed to achieve desired results.

Cryosurgery uses extreme cold in the form of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells. Cryosurgery is generally safe, requires no anesthesia, and has minimal recovery time.

Potential side effects include hypopigmentation and blistering. Cryosurgery rarely causes scarring.

Fading cream, also called bleaching cream, is available both over the counter and by prescription. Many fading creams contain hydroquinone, an ingredient thought to suppress melanin production and lighten darkened areas of skin.

Topical hydroquinone cream may cause:

  • inflammation
  • burning
  • skin discoloration

As of the time of publication of this article, Tri-Luma is the only FDA-approved drug with hydroquinone. It is a prescription medication for the short-term treatment of dark spots associated with moderate to severe melasma of the face.

Retinoid cream is a vitamin A compound that can be used to lighten freckles.

Retinoid creams are available with or without a prescription. Common side effects include:

  • redness
  • skin irritation
  • peeling
  • itching
  • sensitivity

A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to exfoliate and remove damaged skin. To remove freckles, a moderate skin peel containing glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid penetrates the middle layers of the skin. Once damaged skin is removed, new skin is generated.

Chemical peels may temporarily cause:

  • stinging
  • peeling
  • redness
  • irritation
  • crusting
  • swelling

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, moderate skin peels take up to two weeks to heal. You’ll need to soak your skin daily and apply topical ointment. You’ll also need to take a prescription antiviral for up to two weeks, and avoid the sun until your skin has healed.

Your skin contains cells called melanocytes that produce the pigment melanin. Melanin helps protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Sun exposure encourages melanocytes to produce more melanin. Freckles are a buildup of melanin on your skin’s outer layer.

Most people with large numbers of freckles have fair skin, although anyone can get them. Even though fair-skinned people normally produce less melanin than those with darker skin, their melanocytes produce more melanin during sun exposure.

Some freckles are in it for the long haul. Others are most prominent in the summer due to increased sun exposure, but will fade during winter or by avoiding direct sunlight.

Freckles that are hereditary may diminish as you age. Freckles caused by sun damage tend to increase with age.

Freckles are noncancerous, but they may be confused with skin cancer. Excessive sun exposure is a risk factor for both freckles and melanomas. Melanoma is more common in people with fair skin or freckles than in those with dark skin.

If you notice changes in size, color, or shape of a freckle, see your doctor or dermatologist. They’ll be able to determine whether it warrants concern.

Freckles are common and benign, yet many people want to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons. Invasive remedies such as laser therapy and chemical peels are effective, but require extensive healing time and may cause serious side effects.

If you want to send your freckles packing, talk to your dermatologist to determine the best removal method for you. No matter what method you choose, it’s important to practice safe sun care afterward to help prevent new freckles.