Even if it’s not a cause for concern, you can lighten the 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 a great exfoliant 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 is one of the best hydrating and moisturizing oils for the skin. It prevents dryness 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 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, the scrub 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 bleaching agent that can make your knees and elbows brighter (11).
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 lightening the dark skin 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 bleaching properties that lighten dark spots and dark skin. 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). Use these remedies and you no longer have to be embarrassed by your dark knees and dark elbows. 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.
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.
