### Human:\nwhat is the best over-the-counter treatment and the best cosmetic treatment for freckles and scars?\n\n### Assistant: freckles: to lighten them regular home peels can be helpful. spf 30 broad spectrum is a must daily. also wear a broad-brimmed hat if you are on the beach. retin-a and natural lightening agents can be helpful as well. for in-office procedures stronger peels can be done. the triad the ipl or even the medlite; all are designed to lighten freckles. scars: otc scar treatments include mederma and wearing sunblock. in-office procedures include the vbeam laser and laser toning. the vbeam pulse dye lasers reduce the redness of a scar and the toning can soften the scar. fraxel is another great treatment for scars that have been present for a long time. fraxel helps to smooth the surface. for raised scars silicone gel sheeting will help to shrink them. also cortisone injections help shrink thick itchy scars (keloids).