In this article, we discuss the top 12 remedies that can help you bid goodbye to your dark elbows and knees effectively. Scroll down to know more!
What Causes Your Elbows And Knees To Become Dark?
Dark elbows or knees are a result of localized accumulation of darker skin. This may be triggered by a range of factors like:
Accumulation of dead skin cells on the affected area Exposure to the sun, resulting in hyperpigmentationi A harmless skin condition where skin patches become darker than the surrounding areas due to excess melanin production. Drugs like birth control pills Pregnancy, which may cause melasmai A skin pigmentation disorder characterized by brown or gray discolored patches on the sun-exposed areas of the skin. Freckles Age spots Skin conditions like psoriasisi A chronic skin condition that causes itchy skin, rashes, and scaly patches, mostly on the knees, scalp, elbows, and trunk. and eczemai A common skin condition characterized by irritation, dryness, inflammation, and red rashes on the skin, which cannot be cured. Inflammation or bruising from a previous injury
All these factors can cause dark skin or patches on your elbows and knees. Those with a darker skin tone are more susceptible to having dark elbows and knees. But no matter what the cause, the issue has several natural cures. And the most popular ones are listed below.
How To Lighten Dark Elbows And Knees Naturally
Home Remedies To Lighten Dark Knees And Elbows
1. Baking Soda
3 to 4 teaspoons of baking soda Water (as required)
Do this twice a week. Baking soda exhibits exfoliating and skin-lightening properties (1). It helps remove dead skin cells on the outer layer of your skin, thus revealing new and brighter-looking skin. Sherelle Saint Rose, a YouTuber, used baking soda with lemon to exfoliate her dark elbows for five days. She rubbed it on her skin for 15 minutes and rinsed off with water. She states in her video, “I think I can see a little bit of a difference. I’m so shocked that this is working (i).” She further says, “My elbows are looking a lot clearer. I’m really happy!”
2. Lemon Juice With Sugar And Honey
1 lemon 1 tablespoon of sugar 1 tablespoon of honey
You can do this once every alternate day. Lemon, honey, and sugar make for an excellent skin-lightening scrub. Both lemon juice and honey have shown skin-lightening properties, and sugar is known for its exfoliating properties (2), (3). Hence, this remedy is perfect for treating dark elbows and knees.
3. Turmeric
2 teaspoons of turmeric powder Water (as required)
Do this once every alternate day for faster results. Turmeric has been used for skin lightening for ages. The curcumin it contains inhibits the activity of melanin (skin pigment) in your body, reducing the darkness of your elbows and knees (4).
4. Aloe Vera
1-2 tablespoons of freshly extracted aloe vera gel Do this once daily or every alternate day. Aloe vera contains aloin, a compound that has depigmenting properties (5). It helps you get rid of dark knees and elbows.
5. Olive Oil And Sugar
1 tablespoon of white or brown sugar 1 tablespoon of cold pressed olive oil
You can do this 2 to 3 times a week. While sugar helps in exfoliating the skin of your elbows and knees naturally, olive oil moisturizes your skin, thanks to its emollient properties (6). Together, these ingredients help treat dark elbows and knees.
6. Coconut Oil
1-2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil You must do this once daily. Coconut oil is a powerful emollient that can keep your elbows and knees moisturized (7). Lack of adequate moisture is one of the many causes for dark elbows and knees. Coconut oil treats dry skin and prevents it from getting any darker. You can also use other moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E, almond oil, shea butter, glycerin, and rose water to reduce skin dryness.
7. Potatoes
½ potato Follow this remedy once daily for best results. Potatoes contain catecholase, a skin-lightening enzyme. It has natural bleaching properties that help lighten your dark knees and elbows (8).
8. Gram Flour
1 heaped tablespoon of gram flour Water (as required)
You must do this once daily. Gram has amazing exfoliating properties (9). This makes it a popular remedy for treating dark knees and elbows.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide
1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution 1 tablespoon of water Cotton pads
Do this once daily for a couple of weeks to start seeing results. At high concentrations, hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties – which can help treat dark knees and elbows (10).
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons of honey
Do this once daily for a few weeks. Apple cider vinegar contains glycol and alpha hydroxy acids (12). These help in clearing the skin, improving its texture, and dead skin cell exfoliation – leading to lighter elbows and knees.
11. Essential Oils
a. Sandalwood Oil
12 drops of sandalwood essential oil 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Do this daily for a few weeks. The composition of sandalwood oil makes it a tyrosinasei A copper-containing enzyme present in animal and plant tissues that helps catalyze melanin production. inhibitor, which helps lighten the skin (13).
b. Lemon Oil
12 drops of lemon oil 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Do this once daily for a few weeks. Like lemons, lemon oil also exhibits bleaching properties when applied topically (14). This makes it another excellent option for treating dark knees and elbows.
12. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter (as required) You must do this 1 to 2 times daily to keep your elbows and knees moisturized. Cocoa butter is a powerful moisturizer (15). It softens dry skin and eases the removal of dead skin cells. This moisturizing nature of cocoa butter works great in lightening dark elbows and knees.
Preventive Tips
Cleanse and moisturize your elbows and knees daily. Exfoliate your knees and elbows 2 to 3 times in a week. Always use sunscreen when you go out in the sun.
For most of you, the remedies and tips mentioned in this article should do the trick. However, if you do not observe any changes in your existing condition despite treatment, you might need to try something stronger for the underlying hyperpigmentation.
Other Treatments
You may try over-the-counter medications that contain skin-lightening agents like:
Hydroquinone Lipo-hydroxy acid Kojic acid Licorice
If the dark patches on your elbow do not subside even with these strong hyperpigmentation ingredients, you may need to consult a dermatologist.
When To See A Dermatologist For Dark Elbows
Dark elbows are fairly common and usually do not pose a medical threat. However, sometimes they may hint at underlying issues. Visit a dermatologist in the following cases:
The appearance of dark patches on the elbows is sudden and its cause is unknown. The dark patches are accompanied by additional concerns, such as itchy rashes, scaly patches, redness, or swelling. Any remedies and treatments are ineffective, and the stubborn dark elbows are causing you distress.
For more severe cases of hyperpigmentation, your doctor may even ask you to undergo laser treatments. Can Vaseline reduce dark elbows? Check out the infographic below to find the most effective and easy remedies that promise faster results. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team No, Vaseline cannot reduce dark elbows. However, you may apply it as a moisturizer after exfoliating the elbows to prevent re-occurrence. Dr.Anju Methil, a dermatologist, says, “Regular application can provide a barrier that locks in moisture, potentially leading to gradually lighter skin. However, Vaseline alone does not have skin-lightening agents and may not treat underlying hyperpigmentation issues.” Dr.Archit Agarwal, a dermatologist, has the same opinion. He says, “While it can soften dry, rough elbows, it does not address hyperpigmentation.” Does Colgate remove dark elbows? Not. Colgate does not remove dark elbows rather it may irritate the skin. Dr. Agarwal says, “Colgate toothpaste contains fluoride and abrasives, not skin-lightening ingredients. Applying it to elbows can cause irritation or skin damage.” Does oatmeal remove dark elbows? It may help reduce the darkness to an extent. Dr. Methil says, “Oatmeal’s texture makes it a gentle natural exfoliant, which can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover on the elbows. For individuals with dark elbows due to the accumulation of dead skin, regular exfoliation with an oatmeal scrub may help lighten the area. Nonetheless, oatmeal does not contain inherent skin-lightening properties and may need to be used with other treatments for significant results.” Are dark elbows normal? No, the color of the elbows should ideally be the same as the color of the surrounding skin. However, dark elbows are common and may be caused due to hyperpigmentation, scarring, or underlying health conditions. How can I clean my elbows? Use a mild soap, lukewarm water, and circular motions to clean your elbows in the bath or shower. Pat dry with a soft and clean towel and moisturize the area. What vitamin deficiency causes dark elbows? Though the research is limited, a study says the deficiency of vitamin B-12 can cause hyperpigmentation in elbows, resulting in dark elbows (16). What serum is good for dark elbows? Serums containing ingredients like kojic acid, niacinamide, and hydroquinone may help dark elbows. These ingredients are generally used to brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, as discussed above. Can Vaseline reduce dark elbows? No, Vaseline cannot reduce dark elbows. However, you may apply it as a moisturizer after exfoliating the elbows to prevent re-occurrence. Can wearing tight clothing cause dark elbows? Yes, wearing tight clothing can cause dark elbows. The constant friction between the cloth and the skin may harden the skin and cause darkening of the elbows.
Illustration: Home Remedies For Dark Elbows And Knees + Preventive Tips
Learn 10 natural tricks to remove dark knees and elbows! Get rid of discoloration and achieve glowing skin with these easy tips shown in the video. Check it out!
