How To Get Rid Of Dark Knees

To be honest, let us all admit that we often overlook our elbows and knees while following our daily skin-care regime. There is no point hiding them all the time and looking awkward while doing so. The coarse and dark patches look really ugly but guess what! You can turn them beautiful with some expert tips by Anita Golani, Founder, iORA, a DIY Salon Kit Series.
The best part is that you don't need to visit your beauty store and buy expensive products! All you have to do is search for them in your kitchen.

Let's first get informed on what exactly are its root causes. Here is why it happens:

Lack of exfoliation, which causes the accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin over a period of time.
Prolonged sun exposure leading to hyper-pigmentation and a darker skin tone in that area.
Hormonal changes or reactions of the body.
Pigmentation because of skin aging.
UV radiation causing Melasma.
Friction because of skin's contact with certain fabrics, or any external objects.
Skin issues like Psoriasis, or Eczema.
Post-injury skin damage on knees and elbows.

The skin tissue of your knees and elbows is slightly thinner and therefore, more prone to such issues.

Here are 7 Home Remedies to brighten your elbows and knees. These ingredients will help minimize the visible darkness and cleanse your skin effectively.

Lemon to the rescue!

With natural bleaching properties and acidic nature, lemon has time and again served as a constant skin-care savior. It works on brightening your skin tone and repeated usage will eliminate further darkening of your knees and elbows.

Simply squeeze some fresh lime juice and massage it gently on the affected area. Leave it on for 10 mins and wash it off with lukewarm water. Practicing this frequently will result in visibly lighter skin in a couple of weeks.

Curd and gram flour mask.

Curd is one of the best natural moisturizers, but many people are unaware of this fact. It can prove super effective in fading dark skin patches if mixed in with one teaspoon of vinegar and gram flour. Apply this mask onto your knees, elbows and wait for 15 mins for the magic to happen. Later, rinse it off with warm water. You will feel your skin super soft and slightly brightened with every use.

Aloe Vera to shoo away dryness

Dark skin patches can also invite dryness and flakiness, especially during winters. All it needs is some natural ' Aloe Goodness'. Break open a fleshy aloe vera leaf and remove its pulp. Crush it with your hands slightly and apply it on your dry elbows and knees. 20 minutes of this soothing pulp will provide you a moisturized, nourished skin. Rinse this with cold water.

4. Coconut oil + Warm Relaxing Shower

Another great remedy for dry and flaky skin is some rich coconut oil. Give your elbows and knees a good massage with coconut oil. We suggest you massage until it completely seeps inside and until your skin no longer feels oily. Following this, take a nice warm shower. Remember - Avoid using soap this time and pat dry your skin for best results.

5. Olive Oil + Sugar Scrub

Olive oil when mixed with sugar makes for a great DIY Body Scrub. Sugar acts as a natural exfoliant, helping remove dead skin cells leading to a brighter tone. Olive oil on the other hand is an awesome and super nourishing hydro-bomb. This natural body scrub will become your favorite one of all times.

6. Oatmeal and Yoghurt Mask

If you want a power-packed moisture boost for your dull and dry skin, you need to give this mask a shot! Oatmeal and yogurt have soothing qualities that moisturize your skin. Take them in equal quantities and form a thick mixture. Apply this mask on your elbows and knees for 20 mins. Rinse off later.

7. Turmeric

This Indian spice is a popular antiseptic. Turmeric paste helps treat a lot of skin conditions. Likewise, when used on dark elbows and knees, it visibly glows up the skin tone. Make sure to rinse off after 10 mins with cold water.

Apart from the above remedies, you should practice long-term, good skin-care habits; such as -

Incorporate cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating, and protecting your sensitive skin to lessen the formation of dark skin patches. Invest in a thoughtful and all-inclusive body care routine.

Cleanse and moisturize religiously

Make sure to diligently wash your elbows and knees every single day while taking a bath. Do not forget to moisturize post-shower to retain the suppleness of your skin. You can even use natural moisturizers such as coconut oil, olive oil, aloe vera gel, etc.

Note - Products containing lignin, soy, vitamin B-3, ellagic acid are proven to lighten skin tone. So make a note of this while buying skin-care products from the market.