Skin care products to lighten freckles. Freckles appear in childhood & are more common in those with pale skin. They darken with sun exposure & lighten with sun avoidance. While they aren’t dangerous, their darkening is a marker of UV damage & having a lot of freckles is associated with a greater risk of skin cancer. While freckles don’t need to be removed, if you wish to lighten them for cosmetic reasons, these things can help: 1. Sun protection with sunscreen & sun protective clothing is key, as UV is what darkens freckles. Also, seek shade & avoid spending time outdoors during midday, when UV rays are strongest. 2. Adapalene can lighten freckles and other sun spots, as it helps inhibit the increased pigment production in freckles, & reduces inflammation in the skin that also drives pigment darkening. To use, apply a pea sized amount (enough to create just a thin film) in the evening. 3. Antioxidants, like caffeine, EGCG, resveratrol, and ferulic acid help to reduce inflammation & oxidative stress on the skin from UV, which drives freckle darkening. To use one of these products, apply in the AM, allow to dry fully (~5 minutes), then apply sunscreen on over. #LTKunder50