How to Correct Dark Knees & Elbows: Causes and Solutions

Obviously, you may be looking to go to beaches during summer and have some fun but you can’t enjoy in long sleeves or full pants. Of course, you start feeling yourself an alien in such an environment. I’ve seen several women becoming over conscious about dark knees and dark elbows and desperately trying different methods to get rid of them. Dark knees, dark underarms and dark elbows robs you of all your self confidence and inhibits you to wear fancy outfits.

Take my advice, instead of throwing away your favorite short outfits out of your wardrobe; you must look for a complete solution for dark elbows and knees lightening. And you know what; you have come to the right place for a perfect solution! 

Causes of dark knees and dark elbows -Science behind it

Dark elbows or dark knees occur when there is accumulation of dark skin in these areas as compared to the rest of the body.

• Accumulation of dead cells

We know that our skin has a 28 days shedding period. If the dead cells are not removed properly, they accumulate and result in the darkness of the skin over time.

• Psoriasis

This medical condition results in the rapid production of the skin cells. As a result, scaling of the skin occurs. In sever conditions, these patches start bleeding.

• Birth control pills

Apart from other side effects, birth control pills also affect your skin, leading to the darkening of skin.

• Eczema

It is also known as atopic dermatitis. In this medical condition, itchy and inflamed patches appear on the skin. This is common among youngsters and babies.

• Melasma

These are referred to as the dark spots, often resulting after a recent pregnancy.

• Age spots and freckles

At times, these are unavoidable because they naturally appear with the growing age.

Lifestyle habits that makes dark knees and dark elbows worse

• Exposure to the dirt

Dirt is a major cause of dark elbows and dark knees. When we take a shower, we usually skip the body areas which are hard to reach. In this way, the dirt starts penetrating the cell layer. Chaffing and friction further worsens the problem. As a result the dead cells develop a dark layer in these areas.

• Extra amount of friction

Our body has a natural tendency to show a reaction. If the body experiences a great deal of friction in any part, it reacts. It builds up a thick layer of cells in that area. As a result, these areas become darker as compared to the rest of the body. In the same way, our knees and elbows become dark.

• Dryness

Intensive friction also results in the removal of moisture from the skin. This condition also leads to the skin darkening. Women often use dark knee and elbow cream but keep the areas extra dry, and the desired results are never achieved. Use moisturizer for dry skin related issues.

Sunlight

Even if the cells are dead, the outer skin absorbs sunlight. This phenomenon further worsens the issue. The dead skin cells are already dark and with exposure to the sun they will get darker.

What measures you should take to avoid dark knees and dark elbows

• Wear sunscreen

Women whose elbows and knees are dark should apply sun screen before going out. If you’re on a beach, you must apply a good sun screen after every two hours. Areas where the summer is harsh, especially in India, sun screen becomes an integral part of daily life. To know all about sunscreen and its types, you can check out our summer care blog. Women must wear a sun screen apart from a good cream for dark knees and elbows in India.

• Elbows exfoliation

In addition to a good knee cream, you must also use a scrub to get rid of dead cells causing the darkness of knees. Also, don’t rub too hard — this will only irritate the skin around your elbows and knee so be gentle.

• Moisturize and cleanse
  

After taking a shower, never forget to moisturize your knees and elbows. In the same way, cleanse these areas thoroughly with a good cleanser.

Products and DIYs for dark knees and dark elbows treatment

• Potatoes

Potato is antioxidant and contains vitamin A. It acts as a bleaching agent and greatly helps in dark elbows and knees lightening.

Steps to follow:

1. Grate the potato and squeeze out its juice
2. Apply it on the darkened area and leave it for 15 minutes before washing it off.
3. Finish by applying a moisturizer.

• Baking soda and Lemon
  

Baking soda is a natural dark knee removal. Due to its strong exfoliating properties, it swiftly and efficiently removes the dead cells. Lemon acts as a bleaching agent that lightens complexion, it is also rich in antioxidant and vitamin C that reduces pigmentation.

Steps to follow:

1. Chop a lemon in two pieces.
2.  Sprinkle one tablespoon of baking soda on both the pieces of lemon
3. Apply it gently on the blackened areas and rub for 1 minute.
4. Let is stay for 15 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
5. Repeat this process once every two days for desired effects.

• Aloe Vera 

It not only moisturizes the skin but also lightens the color tone. Due to its antioxidant properties if used with a knee cream, it repairs & produces new skin cells.

Steps to follow:

1. Peel out the gel from aloe vera plant.
2. Apply it in dark knees and elbows.
3. Leave it for 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water.

• Honey, lemon and sugar scrub

A good scrub helps to remove the dead cells and also the dirt layer. A scrub of honey and lemon coupled with sugar acts a a great exfoliant to remove darkened kook of knees and elbows.

• Black knees and elbows cream

Dark knee and elbow cream is a perfect solution to this problem. However, you must select a cream with plant-based natural ingredients. Dot & Key's Knee and Elbow Retexturizing Serum penetrates deeply to minimize pigmentation and also reduce roughness.