The beauty of the skin can be reduced if you suffer from darkening of the knees and elbows, a problem that can reduce confidence in wearing short dresses, skirts or pants.
The skin around the elbows and knees is usually thicker, composed of many folds, and because it does not contain sebaceous glands, the skin tends to be dry, so personal hygiene and constant moisturizing of the body must be maintained because the knees and elbows are prone to be darker than other parts of the body. Reasons that make the elbows and knees dark such as frequent rubbing, excessive exposure to sunlight, genetic factors, dry skin, hormonal imbalance, obesity, accumulation of dead skin and increased melanin pigment.
There are many natural remedies and skin care techniques to help solve this problem.
Knee darkening treatment recipes
1. Coconut
oil: Coconut oil is a successful way to relieve darkening of the knees and elbows, as it contains vitamin E that helps lighten the skin and prevent dehydration by maintaining skin moisture.
Method:
After each shower or bath, use coconut oil on the knees and elbows and massage gently for two minutes. Repeat its use several times a day to prevent dehydration.
Alternatively, you can prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, rub the dark elbows and knees with this mixture and leave for 15 to 20 minutes, then wipe with paper towels. Repeat its use once daily.
You can also add enough coconut oil to 1 tablespoon of nut powder to make a thick paste, and use it as an exfoliator for the darker skin around the knees and elbows. Repeat its use 2 or 3 times a week.
2. Lemon:
Lemon has natural bleaching and exfoliating properties. It also contains a high amount of vitamin C, which helps remove dead cells and lighten skin tone, and also helps to rejuvenate skin cells.
Method:
Use lemon juice on the elbows and knees, massage it gently for a few minutes, leave it for about 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water and use any moisturizing cream.
You can also mix lemon juice with a tablespoon of honey, use it on the affected areas and leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it with lukewarm water.
Use any of these remedies once daily for a few weeks. After applying lemon juice to the skin, avoid exposure to the sun for at least 3 hours.
3. Yogurt:
Yogurt contains lactic acid, which helps lighten skin color and works to cleanse and moisturize the skin.
Method:
Mix a teaspoon of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of white vinegar to get a smooth paste, then put it on the affected areas and leave it to dry, then rinse it with warm water and apply a moisturizing cream. Use daily for a few weeks.
Alternatively, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt to make a thick paste and put it on the elbows or knees and leave it for 20 minutes, then rub the paste with your fingers to remove the paste and rinse it with water. Use 2 or 3 times a week.
4. Sugar: To
lighten the color of the knees and elbows, a sugar scrub can be used, as sugar granules help exfoliate dead skin cells and soften the skin.
Method:
Mix equal amounts of sugar and olive oil to make a thick paste.
Apply the paste on the knees and elbows, and rub it using circular motions for 5 minutes.
Wash it with warm water and soap.
Do this once daily until you notice improvement on your knees and elbows.
5. Baking
soda: Baking soda acts as a gentle cleanser and thus is very effective for treating darkening of the knees and elbows. It can help remove dead skin cells and reduce hyperpigmentation that forms around the knees and elbows.
Method:
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with milk until a paste forms.
Apply to the affected areas and rub in circular motions for 2 to 3 minutes.
Wash with lukewarm water and dry the area well.
Repeat its use every day until the desired results are obtained.
6. Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera
gel is a natural skin lightening ingredient that helps keep the skin hydrated, helps maintain skin tone and repairs skin cells damaged by sun exposure.
Method:
Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf and place it on the affected areas, leave it for 20 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.
Repeat its use once or twice daily for a few weeks.
7. Almonds:
Both almonds and almond oil are very beneficial for the skin. Almonds are rich in skin-nourishing properties that can help maintain skin tone and keep the skin healthy and glowing.
Method:
Massage the affected areas with warm almond oil for 5 minutes daily before going to bed. Within a few days you will notice an improvement.
Alternatively, mix two tablespoons of coarse almond powder with a little milk to make a thick paste and apply it to the elbows and knees. Leave it to dry and then rub it with your fingers using circular motions, then wash it off with cold water. Do this once or twice daily for a few weeks.
8. Mint:
Mint contains many volatile oils that boost collagen in the body, as it helps maintain skin tone and helps maintain healthy skin.
Method:
Boil ½ cup of water with a handful of mint leaves for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add lemon juice to the mixture, filter it and leave it to cool.
Wet the cotton from the mixture and rub the knees and elbows.
Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water.
Use this treatment twice daily until you get the desired results.
9. Turmeric root powder: It
is recommended to use turmeric to treat darkening of the elbows and knees and also helps in maintaining the health of the skin and giving glow and hydration to the skin.
Method:
Mix a little turmeric powder with a teaspoon of milk, put the mixture on the knees and elbows and massage for a few minutes, leave it to dry, then wash it with lukewarm water.
Alternatively, mix equal amounts of turmeric powder and flour, and add enough rose water to make a paste that is applied to the elbows and knees, left to dry and then washed with lukewarm water. Use any of these remedies once daily for two weeks and you will notice improvement.
10. Cucumber:
Cucumber has natural whitening properties that help whiten elbows and knees. Also, cucumber helps maintain skin moisture and remove impurities from the outer skin layer.
Method:
Rub a thick slice of cucumber on the elbows and knees for 10 minutes, leave for 5 minutes, and then rinse with cold water. Repeat the use of this remedy daily.
Alternatively, mix equal amounts of cucumber juice and lemon juice with a little turmeric powder and apply it on the affected areas, leave it for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash it off with water. Repeat daily until you get the desired results.
Additional Tips :
- Massage your knees and elbows with shea butter or cocoa butter every night before going to bed
- Rub a thick slice of potato on the knees and elbows for 5 minutes daily before taking a shower or bath.
- Rub a slice of ripe papaya on the skin and enjoy soft and supple skin.
- Do not put pressure on the elbows and knees, because it increases the darkening of the skin.
- Protect your knees and elbows from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun by using sunscreen all year round.
- Rub the knees regularly with a pumice stone.
- Avoid exfoliating the knees and elbows if you have an open wound because it may make it worse and increase the chances of infection.
- Use a moisturizer on your skin regularly to prevent dryness.
- Wear long-sleeved clothes when leaving the house in high temperatures.
- Follow a healthy diet that includes vitamins and minerals to nourish the skin.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day to enjoy smooth and healthy