9 Proven ways to get rid of Dark Elbows and Knees

Dark elbows are really annoying. They are more visible when you take a good picture or when you wear semi sleeves. Although, there is a solution to every problem.

We’ve thoroughly scrutinized and found a few best solutions that work amazingly to get rid of dark elbows or knees. Keep reading the post if you’re worried about the dark patches.

 

Possible Causes of Dark Elbows or Knees

In most cases, Dark elbows or knees occur when the dead skin cells or other impurities get accumulated in a particular area. Some of the other causes are,

• The hyperpigmentation is caused when you’re skin is overexposed to sun’s harmful rays
• Due to the usage of birth control pills
• The formation of Melasma which are dark spots from post-pregnancy
• It can be due to skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
• The age spots can also be a reason
• People with melanin pigment are at high risk of dark elbows

Besides these causes, dark elbows or knees are formed when you don’t take proper care of them. A lack of attention can ruin any part of your body when compared to the prominent areas like the face.

Despite all these factors causing dark elbows and knees, here are the solutions which can make you get rid of dark elbows and knees.

 

How to get rid of Dark Elbows and Knees (Home remedies)

 

1. Aloe vera Gel

Required Ingredients

• Aloe vera leaf
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric

Method

Take an Aloe vera leaf. Extract the gel by squeezing it out. Add a pinch of turmeric to the aloe vera gel and mix well. Apply the mix over the dark patches in elbows or knees. Leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes before you wash off with water. Do this treatment daily to get fast and better results.

Aloe vera contains a depigmenting compound that can lighten your skin. It helps to get rid of dark elbows and knees because of the process called alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulation. [1] Besides, turmeric also has the potential to kill dead cells and depigment the dark patches.

 

2. Baking Soda

Required Ingredients

• 4 tbsp Baking soda
• Required Water

Method

Take four tablespoons of Baking soda in a mixing bowl. Add water as per the required quantity to form a thick paste. Apply the baking soda paste all over your elbows and knees. Scrub the area gently for a few minutes and then leave it until it gets dry for 30 minutes. Finally, wash off with cold water. Do this treatment every day for effective results.

Baking soda naturally has exfoliating and skin lightening properties that helps to remove dead skin cells or other impurities from the outer layer of your skin. This results in fair and brighter-looking skin.

 

3. Lemon Scrub

Required Ingredients

• Lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1 tbsp Honey

Method

Pour the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon juice into a mixing bowl. Add a tablespoon each of Sugar and Honey to the lemon juice. Mix them well, apply to your elbows and knees. Scrub gently for 5-20 minutes to exfoliate all the impurities. Leave it on until the mix dries and then wash off. Follow this treatment every alternate day to get rid of dark elbows and knees and to make them smooth.

This scrub which is a mix of lemon, honey, and sugar acts excellent on your skin to lighten the dark areas or to keep your skin smooth. All these ingredients show skin lightening and exfoliating properties which makes it a perfect solution for dark elbows and knees. [2]

 

4. Coconut Oil

Required Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Coconut Oil

Method

Take a few drops of pure and organic coconut oil and gently massage your elbows or knees for a couple of minutes. Doing so relieves stress on the particular area and also it will keep your skin moisturized. You can leave it on the area and cover it up with a cloth or wash it off in an hour.

Lack of moisture is the primary reason for pigmentation. If your elbows, knees, underarms or any parts of the body are under moisturized, there is a chance of that area getting dark. So, ensure to always moisturize your body with extra virgin coconut oil or any other natural moisturizers.[3]

 

5. Gram flour

Required Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Gram flour
• 1 tbsp Milk

Method

Take a tablespoon of gram flour to a mixing bowl. Add a tablespoon of milk to the flour and mix well to make a thick paste. Apply the gram flour mixture to your elbows and knees. Leave the mixture for 20 minutes or until it dries. Apply this mask at least twice a day.

Gram flour and milk have amazing exfoliating and skin lightening properties which is the reason why these ingredients are used since ages for most of the beauty problems. [4]

 

6. Olive Oil

Required Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Sugar

Method

Mix a tablespoon of each sugar and pure cold-pressed Olive oil. Apply the mixture to affected areas and scrub for a while. Leave it on for more 30 minutes and wash off.

Sugar has exfoliating properties which remove dead skin cells from the skin and olive oil has excellent moisturizing properties. Therefore, a mixture of both sugar and olive oil can be an ideal treatment to get rid of dark areas like dark elbows, knees, or underarms. [5]

 

7.  Essential Oils

Required Ingredients

• 12-15 drops Sandalwood essential oil
• 1 tbsp Coconut oil
• 12-15 drops Lemon essential oil

Method

Add 12 to 15 drops of sandalwood essential oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil. To that, add more 12 drops of Lemon essential oil. Mix the oils well and moisturize your elbows or knees with the oils mixture. Leave it overnight and wash off in the morning.

Sandalwood essential oil has a tyrosinase inhibitor which helps lighten the dark areas. Lemon essential oil exhibits bleaching properties to treat dark elbows and knees. A mix of all these three oils is a perfect remedy to get rid of dark elbows and knees. [6][7]

 

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Required Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Honey
• Water

Method

In a mixing bowl, take a tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey. Add little water to dilute ACV. Mix all the ingredients until well combined. Apply the mixture to your knees and elbows and allow it to dry. Later, wash off with cold water. Do this treatment at least once a week.

Apple cider vinegar has alpha-hydroxy acids and glycol which helps to improve the skin texture, exfoliate dead skin cells and lighten elbows and knees. Honey with a combination of apple cider vinegar can moisturize your skin thereby resulting in fair skin. [8]

 

9. Potatoes

Required Ingredients

• Potato slices

Method

Take half a potato and cut it into slices. Rub the slice over dark elbows and knees for a couple of minutes. After 20 to 30 minutes wash off the area. Do this remedy every day for good results.

Potatoes have a skin-lightening enzyme called catecholase which exhibits natural bleaching properties that help to lighten or brighten your skin. [9]

 

Skincare routine for Dark Elbows and Knees

Besides home remedies, you must also follow a skincare routine to lighten the color of dark elbows and knees. A skincare routine is not just for your face, each and every part of your body needs a routine to keep it flawless. Therefore, daily rituals like cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliation, and protection can decrease pigmentation and keep your skin flawless and healthy.

 

Cleanse and Moisturize

Give extra time to cleanse and moisturize your elbows or knees daily. Cleanse the area with a mild cleanser and apply moisturizer to keep the area moist and supple always. You can use a thick moisturizer such as coconut oil or aloe vera.

You can also use skincare products containing vitamin B3, soy, and lignin. These are the best skin lightening ingredients.

Read more: How to Choose the Best Face Moisturizer for your Skin type? 

 

Exfoliate 

Exfoliation and moisturizing the skin are two important steps to maintain flawless skin. You can exfoliate your elbows or knees twice or thrice a month to get rid of dead skin and to keep the area soft, smooth or supple.

A sugar scrub with a mix of a few natural skin lightening ingredients is the best exfoliator. Rub your elbows in a circular motion for a couple of minutes. That being said, don’t be too harsh while rubbing your elbows or knees.

Read more: The best exfoliaiting cleansers for all skin types

 

Sunscreen is a must!

Sun’s UV rays also cause damage to your elbows and knees. That is the reason, you should wear sunscreen every day to protect it from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen doesn’t only protect your skin from UV rays, but it also helps preserve the effects of any treatments.

Read more: Pick any of these Dermatologists recommended Sunscreens

 

Up to the very end!

Here are some of the home remedies and skincare tips to get rid of dark elbows and knees. Follow these tips to lighten any dark area on your body.