Freckles are caused by hyper-pigmentation and are flat round skin spots. This is a hereditary condition and gets passed on through the genes from one generation to the next. During the summer period when there is more exposure to sunlight and the ultraviolet rays of the sun this condition gets aggravated and increases. This occurs as the freckles are sensitive to ultraviolet rays.

Freckles sometimes do occur all over the body however they are commonly seen on the areas which tend to get exposed to the sun. These areas include the face and neck, the upper back, shoulders and the arms. Freckles could either be light brown or red in color and flattish appearing during the summer months and fading during the winters or they could also be black or brown spots that appear through out the year. The technical name given to the first type of freckles is ephelides and the second type of freckles is called lentigines.

The effect of freckles can be considerably reduced by common home remedies. If you have a lot of freckles then you should consider taking vitamin C supplements. This would help to reduce the number of freckles that appear on your body. Vitamin C supplements are available over the counter and do not require your to have a prescription. Orange juice and citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and can be had if you prefer to get your vitamin naturally. The vitamin C helps to make the skin more tolerant to exposure from the sun. This in turn prevents the freckles from flaring up and getting aggravated.

Lemon juice can also be used to treat and reduce freckles. It is applied on the skin where the freckles are present. It helps to bleach the freckles thus making the dark spots on your skin lighter in color. This method of dealing with freckles is very popular as it is very effective and also inexpensive.

You could also use a home made mask made off banana and mint leaves to help you reduce your freckles. The mask can be prepared by grinding one ripe banana with mint leaves. Apply this paste on the areas where the freckles appear on your skin and allow it to dry. Once it starts to melt its time to wash it off your face. This mask is effective in reducing the redness of the skin and also helps to prevent pigmentation of the skin.