Even if it’s not a cause for concern, you can lighten the skin discoloration with the help of a few remedies that we will discuss in this article. Keep reading to know more.
How To Get Rid Of Dark Knees And Elbows
1. Baking Soda And Milk For Dark Knees
1 tablespoon baking soda 1 tablespoon milk
Repeat this every alternate day until the pigmentation fades. Baking soda is great for skin exfoliation and will not only cleanse the skin but also remove dead cells (1). The lactic acid and amino acids present in milk smoothen the skin and moisturize it. The antioxidants found in milk will ensure that the skin remains healthy for a long period (2).
2. Coconut Oil For Dark Knees
1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 tablespoon walnut powder
Also, after taking a shower, apply coconut oil on your knees and elbows daily. Reapply before going to bed. Use the coconut oil scrub two to three times in a week. Coconut oil for skin is one of the best hydrating and moisturizing oils for the skin. It prevents dryness and rough skin, and the vitamin E found in it repairs the skin and lightens it in the process (3, 4).
3. Hydrogen Peroxide For Dark Knees
3% hydrogen peroxide Cotton ball
Do this every alternate day. Hydrogen peroxide helps in removing dark, dead skin cells. It is a commonly found skin-lightening agent in creams and lotions. With regular usage, its mild bleaching quality will lighten the dark knees and elbows (5). Dilute the hydrogen peroxide in equal parts of water in case you have sensitive skin.
4. Almond Oil For Dark Knees
Almond oil Apply almond oil every day, once in the morning and once at night. Almond oil is rich in vitamin E. It will help in repairing the skin around your knee area and get rid of the darkness (6).
5. Aloe Vera Gel For Dark Knees
Aloe vera leaf Apply aloe gel twice a day. Apply aloe vera gel to your knees daily and notice the difference. Aloe vera is a wonder plant that helps in healing dry knees, making them softer and brighter. It improves the uneven skin tone and also gives protection from UV rays (7).
6. Apple Cider Vinegar For Dark Knees
1 part apple cider vinegar 1 part water A cotton ball
Apply apple cider vinegar three to four times in a week. The acidic component of apple cider vinegar, mainly acetic acid, works a natural bleaching agent. It exfoliates the skin and lightens it (8).
7. Pumice Stone For Dark Knees
Pumice stone Warm water
Scrub your knees and elbows two to three times in a week. Exfoliating your knees and elbows using a pumice stone helps in removing the dark, dead skin cells.
8. Olive Oil For Dark Knees
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons sugar
Use this scrub every alternate day. Sugar is an excellent exfoliant. It removes the dead and dark skin cells easily and quickly (9). In combination with the olive oil, skin scrubbing with sugar will also hydrate and nourish the skin while it is being exfoliated (10).
9. Lemon For Dark Knees
Fresh lemon juice Do this every day to get rid of your dark knee caps. Lemon juice acts as a skin-bleaching agent that can make your knees and elbows brighter (11). EleeZia, a YouTuber, shares an organic and affordable solution for lightening pigmented areas like elbows, knees, and knuckles. The treatment involves using baking soda and lemon, with explanations about the properties and benefits of each. She says, “I’ve been quite conscious about it [dark elbows] for some time now, so I’m really excited to use this treatment to get rid of it.” She also advises that people with sensitive skin should not rub the area gently for just two to three minutes. Regarding the results, she says, “This is so amazing, the result is so sudden (i).”
10. Vitamin E Oil For Dark Knees
Vitamin E capsules 1 tablespoon sugar
Do this every alternate day. The sugar removes the dead cells, and vitamin E does wonders in repairing and hydrating the skin (12). It also helps in depigmentation, thus giving you lighter and healthier skin on the knees and elbows (13).
11. Yogurt For Dark Knees
1 tablespoon yogurt 1 teaspoon vinegar
Use this daily for lighter knees and elbows. Yogurt is full of nutrients that not only nourish the skin but also cleanse it. It removes dead cells and dirt from the pores (14). Vinegar enhances the effects of the yogurt by further helping in the depigmentation of the dark knees and elbows (15).
12. Turmeric Powder For Dark Knees
1 teaspoon turmeric powder 2 tablespoon milk 1 teaspoon honey
Repeat this two to three times in a week. Turmeric cleanses the skin’s impurities and evens out the skin tone. It also renders a natural glow to the skin (16). Milk in this paste will also help in skin lightening, and honey will keep it hydrated and nourished (17, 18).
13. Potato For Dark Knees
A potato Do this once or twice daily for best results. Potatoes possess mild skin bleaching properties that help in dark spot reduction. They also nourish and brighten dry and dull skin (19).
14. Gram Flour
2 tablespoons gram flour 1-2 tablespoons yogurt
Apply this pack every alternate day. Gram flour exfoliates and removes the dead skin cells on your knees and elbows (20). Yogurt lightens the skin tone and also nourishes it (14).
Is it Normal to Have Dark Knees?
Yes, it is entirely normal for the skin on your knees to be darker than other parts of your body. This is known as hyperpigmentation that occurs when your skin produces extra melanin. The darkening of the skin around your knees can occur suddenly due to irritation or injury. Melanin, the pigment responsible for our skin color, is the key player here, determining the color of your skin and hair. So, having slightly darker knees is a common and natural variation. While it’s a normal occurrence, if you have concerns about skin changes, it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist for reassurance and guidance. Let’s now take a look at what causes dark knees and elbows.
Causes Of Dark Knees And Elbows
Dark knee caps may be caused mainly due to the below-mentioned factors:
Environmental factors like sunlight Stress Unhygienic conditions like dirt and dust Genetics Friction Dry skin Skipping the knee area when exfoliating Reaction to medications Hormonal imbalances
Tips To Prevent Further Darkening Of Skin
Always apply sunscreen on your knees when you go out. The harsh UV rays of the sun make your knees darker. Thus, protecting your knees from the sun is very important.
Dark knees may also be caused due to improper hydration. So, never miss out on moisturizing your knees.
Diet also plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. Have a diet rich in vitamins A and E. Vitamin A-rich foods include sweet potatoes, carrots, lettuce, dried apricots, etc. Vitamin E-rich foods include almonds, cooked spinach, etc.
Do NOT lean on your knees often. This creates friction, and the result is dark knees.
How can I maintain the results after lightening my dark knees and elbows? To maintain the results after lightening dark knees and elbows, keep the skin well-moisturized and avoid sun exposure by using sunscreen. Regular exfoliation is key to preventing dark patches from coming back, so, stay consistent with your skincare routine. Are dark elbows permanent? Dr. Ekama Carlson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Dark elbows and knees tend to be a life-long problem. However, this condition can be improved with the use of skin products that minimize inflammation and exfoliate the skin, such as lactic acid (12%).” How does Colgate get rid of dark knees? According to Dr. Carlson, “Colgate is not a known effective treatment for dark knees. It is not advised to apply Colgate to the skin, as this can lead to irritation, which can actually lead to further darkening of the skin.” How do dermatologists get rid of dark elbows? “Dermatologists treat dark elbows and knees using skin care products that exfoliate and thin out the skin while reducing inflammation. Creams that contain lactic acid 12%, or urea 40%, and sometimes topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone, improve the appearance of FADES. It may take 3–6 months of twice daily use of this treatment before significant improvement is noticed,” says Dr. Carlson. Are dark elbows normal? Yes, it is normal to have dark elbows. You may develop dark elbows due to stress, overexposure to sunlight, or lack of proper personal hygiene. You can consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. How do you clean dirty elbows? You can use soap and warm water to clean dirty elbows. Once you finish cleansing, use a moisturizer to keep your elbows hydrated and smooth. Is it safe to use bleaching creams to lighten black knees and elbows? While mild bleaching creams used in moderation are generally safe for normal skin, overuse may cause irritation and inflammation for sensitive skin. Are there any medical treatments for getting rid of black knees and elbows? Skin-lightening creams and chemical peels containing lipohydroxy acid, a derivative of salicylic acid, may help in improving the appearance of dark knees and elbows (15). Can Vaseline fix dark elbows? Vaseline helps lock in essential moisture and improve the skin texture of your knees and elbows. However, there is no evidence that suggests that Vaseline helps lighten dark elbows.
Illustration: Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dark Knees And Elbows
Learn natural ways to get rid of dark knees and elbows! Watch this video to get rid of discoloration and achieve glowing skin with simple home remedies.
