How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows & Knees Naturally – Simple Tips

It’s completely normal to have darker skin on your knees and elbows, no matter your age or gender. These areas often become darker because they face more pressure, friction, and dryness than other parts of the body. This colour difference might be more visible for people with darker skin because their skin naturally makes more melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color.

Even though these dark knees and elbows don’t cause you any harm, you might feel self-conscious, especially when wearing shorts or sleeveless outfits. In some rare cases, this skin darkening might be linked to a health issue that needs medical attention. If you have been wondering how to get rid of dark elbows and knees, this article will help you understand the causes and suggest some easy ways to reduce or prevent the darkening naturally.

What Causes Dark Elbows and Knees?

Here are a few common reasons why elbows and knees can become dark:

• Frequent rubbing or pressure: Resting on your knees and elbows often can make the skin in those areas thicker and darker than the rest of your body.
• Too much sun exposure: Spending a lot of time in the sun can lead to more melanin production, which darkens the skin.
• Dead skin buildup: The accumulation of dead skin cells or dirt on your skin can cause your elbows and knees to look darker than the rest of your body.
• Hormonal changes: Conditions like diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can cause dark patches on the skin.
• Melasma or chloasma: These are skin conditions that cause dark patches, often seen during or after pregnancy. Men can also experience melasma.
• Skin conditions: Problems like eczema (atopic dermatitis) or psoriasis can lead to skin darkening due to inflammation.
• Medication side effects: Some medicines, such as birth control pills, can affect skin color.
• Post-inflammation marks: Areas that had wounds or irritation earlier may become dark due to leftover pigmentation.

Home Remedies for Dark Elbows and Knees

Here are some of the significant dark knees and elbows remedies you can try:

Cucumber

Cucumber is a great natural remedy for dark knees and elbows because of its gentle bleaching effect. It helps remove dead skin cells and keeps the skin soft and hydrated. Packed with vitamins A and C, using cucumber for skin can make it look fresh and glowing.

Method 1:

• Take thick slices of cucumber and gently rub them on your dark knees and elbows for about 15 minutes.
• Let the juice stay on your skin for another 5 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water.

Method 2:

• Mix equal parts of cucumber juice and lemon juice.
• Apply this mixture to your knees, elbows, and even underarms.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with water.

Lemon and Baking Soda

Lemon can help brighten the skin and make dark areas look lighter. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that can help refresh the skin and improve its tone. Baking soda acts as a gentle scrub and is one of the effective natural ways to remove dark patches, helping to clean and brighten the skin.

Method:

• Cut a lemon into two halves.
• Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of baking soda onto the cut side of each half.
• Gently rub the lemon halves on your knees and elbows for around 1 minute.
• Leave the mixture on your skin for 15 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water.
• Use this remedy every other day to see visible results.

Aloe Vera and Milk

Aloe vera is known for its ability to moisturize the skin deeply and even out skin tone. It also possesses natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that help keep your skin healthy. Aloe vera, combined with milk, becomes a natural, simple, and effective home remedy to lighten dark areas.

Method 1:

• Mix equal parts of aloe vera gel and milk.
• Apply this mixture to your knees and elbows before going to bed.
• Leave it on overnight and rinse it off the next morning with water.

Method 2:

• Take fresh gel from an aloe vera leaf and apply it directly to the dark areas.
• Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then wash it off using warm water.

Potato

One of the key benefits of potatoes for skin is their natural ability to lighten dark spots.. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase that helps brighten the skin and makes it softer with regular use.

Method 1:

• Grate a raw potato and squeeze out its juice.
• Apply the juice to your knees and elbows.
• After 15 minutes, wash it off with plain water.
• Apply a moisturizer afterward to keep your skin hydrated.

Method 2:

• Slice a potato and rub the pieces on dark areas for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Rinse with water.

Honey

Honey is a great natural moisturizer that helps soften and nourish the skin. When mixed with lemon, it becomes more effective in lightening dark spots.

Method 1:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with the juice of half a lemon and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
• Apply this mixture to the dark areas of your knees and elbows.
• Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then wash it off with water.

Method 2:

• Combine 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of milk, and 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel.
• Apply this smooth paste to your skin and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
• Rinse it off with warm water.

Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub

A simple scrub made with sugar and olive oil can help remove dead skin, keep your skin soft, and provide deep nourishment.

Method:

• Mix equal parts of sugar and olive oil to create a smooth scrub.
• Gently massage it onto your knees and elbows in circular motions for around 5 minutes.
• Use this scrub once a week for best results.

Oatmeal Scrub

Oatmeal can help even out your skin tone and remove dead skin gently.

Method 1:

• Mix the juice of half a lemon with ½ tablespoon of oatmeal and a small pinch of salt.
• Rub this mixture on your knees and elbows in gentle circular motions for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Wash it off with warm water.
• Use this scrub 3 to 4 times a week for the best results.

Method 2:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 2 teaspoons of milk.
• Massage this paste onto the dark areas for 10 minutes.
• Rinse with water.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Yoghurt

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, and yogurt has lactic acid. Both these ingredients can help clean the skin and make it look brighter and healthier.

Method 1:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of yoghurt with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
• Apply this mixture to your knees and elbows.
• Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
• Do this 3 to 4 times a week for the best results.

Method 2:

• Mix a little apple cider vinegar with some water.
• Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to the dark areas.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash it off with water.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E and healthy fats that help heal and brighten dark, dry skin.

Method 1:

• After taking a shower, apply coconut oil to your knees and elbows.
• Gently massage the area for 2 to 3 minutes until the oil soaks into your skin.

Method 2:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of coconut oil with ½ teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
• Rub this mixture on the dark areas for a few minutes.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural and safe way to remove dirt and dead skin from your knees and elbows. Turmeric contains curcumin that helps control melanin production, which is often the cause of dark skin patches.

Method:

• Mix a small amount of turmeric powder with 1 teaspoon of milk to form a smooth paste.
• Apply it to the dark areas and gently massage for a few minutes.
• Allow it to dry and rinse it off with warm water.

For extra benefits, you can also add a little honey to the mixture to help soften and brighten the skin.

Steps to Get Rid of Dark Knees and Elbows

If you are unaware of how to get rid of dark elbows and knees, follow these simple steps:

1. Exfoliate often: Scrubbing your skin helps remove dead skin cells and makes dark areas look lighter. You can use a gentle scrub or a homemade sugar and lemon juice mix.
2. Keep your skin moisturized: Use a thick moisturizer or natural oils such as coconut oil to keep your skin soft and prevent it from getting darker.
3. Use natural treatments: Ingredients like lemon juice, aloe vera, and turmeric have natural lightening effects. Apply them directly to the dark spots for better results over time.

Tips to Prevent Dark Elbows and Knees

If you are concerned about how to get rid of dark elbows and knees, here are some tips you can follow to help prevent them:

• Use sunscreen daily: Before going out, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF on your knees and elbows.
• Don’t put too much pressure: Try not to lean or rest on your knees and elbows for long periods, as constant pressure can cause darkening.
• Handle wounds gently: To avoid marks or dark patches, you should take good care of cuts, scrapes, or injuries while they are healing.
• Watch your skincare products: If any of the skincare products you use cause redness or itching, stop using them. Harsh ingredients can irritate the skin and lead to dark spots.
• Switch to mild cleansers: Sometimes, bath soaps or laundry detergents can be too harsh on your skin. Choose gentle, skin-friendly products to reduce irritation.
• Eat a vitamin-rich diet: If you are deficient in vitamins like vitamin A and E, this can lead to dull and patchy skin. Add foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin for vitamin A, as well as nuts, seeds, and spinach for vitamin E.

Takeaway

Dark elbows and knees are quite common, especially in people with naturally deeper skin tones. Mostly, it is not a serious issue and doesn’t require medical treatment. However, if the darkening seems sudden or is linked to any other symptoms on your body, it’s best to consult a doctor.

If you are concerned about how to get rid of dark elbows and knees, you can try easy and natural home remedies to brighten them. With consistent care and simple ingredients, you can improve the appearance of your skin and feel more confident.

Frequently Asked Questions on Removing Dark Elbows and Knees