Are you stuck with wearing long-sleeved dresses just to cover your darker elbow skin? You’re not alone. Dry, darker elbows are a common problem among all age groups and genders. This article helps you understand the root cause of and treatment options for dark elbows. So, there’s nothing to worry about. If you follow the treatment steps here, you’ll be ready to flaunt your elbows in no time.
What Causes Dark Elbows?
Several factors may be responsible for the production of excess melanin in the elbow area. Dark elbows may also be an indication of an underlying disease in the body.
Excess melanin production can be attributed to various factors, which may vary from person to person. Understanding these causes is essential for effective treatment.
- Constant friction: if you constantly rub or press your elbows, darker and thicker skin may begin to develop in the area. This darkening may be observed in the elbows and knees and is often the skin’s protective response to the mechanical stress caused by some of your daily activities (leaning on the elbow, kneeling, etc.).
- Climate: excessive exposure to sunlight may cause your elbows to overproduce melanin. And in areas with extremely dry or cold climates, the skin becomes very dry.
- Buildup: a buildup of dead skins may also cause your elbows (or any part of the body in fact) to appear darker.
- Hormonal imbalances (like polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS) also affect the skin’s tone and may cause you to experience darker skin patches in specific body areas.
- Water: You may experience dryer skin if you overexpose yourself to chlorine in swimming water and hot water baths.
- Medications: certain medications (e.g., diuretics) dry out the skin, while others (some contraceptive pills, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, tetracyclines, and psychotropic drugs) may induce skin pigmentation.
- Smoking: smoking generally dries out the skin as it may limit the oxygen and nutrient supply to one’s skin, resulting in dull and uneven skin.
Symptoms of Dark Elbows
The most obvious sign of a dark elbow is clearly spelled out: the dark elbow. However, dry elbows may cause your skin to become chapped, cracked, rough, or even itchy.
Dark elbows can signify more than just cosmetic concerns; they may also indicate underlying skin issues that require attention.
Remedies for Dry and Dark Elbows
Fixing a dry elbow becomes super easy once you determine its root cause. Note that the best dark elbow fix may combine two or more remedies.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating regularly can help remove dead skin cells, leading to a more even skin tone on your elbows.
The buildup of dead skin cells is a common cause of darker elbows. Exfoliation removes this dead skin layer from your skin surface and may cause an immediate improvement in your skin’s tone. Exfoliation is usually a quick fix for darker elbows, but be careful not to overdo it. To exfoliate without irritating your skin, consider using gentle chemical exfoliants or exfoliating cleansers. Look out for chemical exfoliants that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs are known to be great for removing surface dead skin cells, and BHAs are loved for their penetrative cleansing effect. You may also use exfoliating brushes or sponges.
Moisturize
An easy way to wave dry, dark elbows a long-lasting goodbye is to stay moisturized. Dry skin is more prone to darkening and roughening, while moisturized skin is softer and less likely to appear dark or ashy. Moreso, following exfoliation, moisturizing helps nourish your new skin cells. Some moisturizers also come with SPF, thereby protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
When getting a moisturizer, look out for those with humectants (sorbitol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid), occlusives (lanolin, petrolatum), and emollients (lauric, oleic, and linoleic acids).
Choosing the right moisturizer can significantly improve skin hydration and overall appearance.
Over-the-Counter Fixes
There are a number of over-the-counter products that are effective in combating darker elbows. Here are some ingredients that can even out your skin tone, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association:
Over-the-counter products can be a convenient solution for addressing skin discoloration quickly.
- Vitamin C
- Kojic acid
- Azelaic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Retinoid (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, or tazarotene)
Vitamin C is known for its brightening properties and can aid in reducing dark spots on the skin.
Kojic acid may help lighten dark areas by inhibiting melanin production, making it a popular choice for skin brightening.
Azelaic acid is known for its ability to reduce pigmentation and improve overall skin tone, making it effective for dark elbows.
Glycolic acid gently exfoliates the skin, promoting cell turnover and potentially lightening dark spots over time.
Retinoids can accelerate skin renewal, which may assist in fading dark elbows and enhancing skin texture.
These ingredients are effective in fading existing dark spots and may also help slow down the production of melanin.
Home Remedies to Brighten Up a Darker Elbow
There are a number of natural remedies you can try to brighten up dark elbows from the comfort of your home.
Natural remedies can be effective for skin brightening, often using common ingredients readily available at home.
Turmeric
Turmeric is claimed to have multiple beneficial effects on the skin. The plant has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant effects, which can benefit the skin in many ways.
Turmeric is often used in skincare for its potential to even out skin tone, making it a popular natural treatment for dark elbows.
- Turmeric may help with acne scarring.
- It may give your skin a natural glow.
- It also promotes the quick healing of wounds.
- It may sooth psoriasis.
- Turmeric also lightens hyperpigmentation.
Turmeric is known for its potential benefits in addressing skin issues.
Natural glow from turmeric can enhance your overall skin appearance.
Quick healing properties of turmeric may assist in reducing skin blemishes.
Soothing psoriasis could improve skin comfort and appearance.
Lightening hyperpigmentation can contribute to a more even skin tone.
How to use:
- Add turmeric powder to a small amount of milk and make it into a paste. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using water instead or a diary-free substitute like almond or coconut milk.
- Apply the paste to the dark areas (elbows and knees).
- Leave the paste to sit on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
DIY paste using turmeric can be a simple and effective remedy.
Targeted application helps focus on specific areas for better results.
Citrus fruits (especially lemon)
Vitamin C plays a key role in the reduction of hyperpigmentation and skin brightening. And guess what fruits are rich in vitamin C? Citrus.
Incorporating vitamin C from citrus fruits into your skincare routine can enhance the brightening process.
How to use:
- Apply fresh lemon (or other citrus) juice to your skin and leave it on for about 20 minutes.
- Then, rinse it off.
Ensure you perform a patch test before using lemon juice regularly, as it may cause sensitivity in some individuals.
It also works fine to rub the lemon peels against your elbows. Use this natural remedy on your skin only a few times a week.
Additionally, this method is simple and can be done at home, making it a convenient option for many.
Cucumber
Cucumber is another fruit great for skin health. It is loved for its lightening and soothing effects on the skin. Cucumbers are about 95% water, so they hydrate the skin when applied. They also contain flavonoids, tannins, and multivitamins.
Moreover, the high water content in cucumbers helps to keep the skin hydrated, which is essential for maintaining skin health.
How to use:
Cucumber is known for its soothing properties and can help hydrate the skin.
- Cut cucumber into slices.
- Rub the cucumber slices on your elbow. You may also apply cucumber juice or a thick cucumber paste to your elbows and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off.
Using cucumber juice can enhance the lightening effect due to its natural acids.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that may help exfoliate your skin. It removes the layer of dead cells on the skin and may cause a visible change in skin color and dullness.
This natural exfoliant may result in a brighter appearance, making it a popular choice for skin care.
How to use
- To one teaspoon of milk, add one teaspoon of baking soda. Mix to make a paste.
- Apply the soda-milk paste to your elbows, gently scrubbing in a circular motion for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Leave the paste to dry. Then, rinse with water.
Mixing with milk adds moisture, which can be beneficial for skin health.
Be sure to gently scrub to avoid irritation while maximizing exfoliation.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is another helpful plant in skin care. Aloevera contains helpful plant compounds (including vitamins and minerals) and has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Some studies also show that the plant may help accelerate wound healing.
- Aloevera may help the skin retain more moisture.
- It may improve collagen production.
- It improves skin health.
Aloe vera is known for its ability to enhance skin hydration, which may be particularly beneficial for dry or rough patches on the elbows.
Improving collagen production can lead to firmer skin, which may help reduce the appearance of darkened areas over time.
Healthy skin can reveal a more even tone and texture, improving overall skin appearance.
How to use
- Apply aloe vera gel to your elbow and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Consider leaving it on overnight for the best results.
For optimal results, leaving aloe vera gel overnight allows your skin to fully absorb its nourishing properties.
Sugar and Olive Oil
Sugar and olive oil exfoliate, moisturize, and brighten the skin. Sugar is an effective exfoliant used in many scrubs. Olive oil, on the other hand, is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants and healthy fatty acids. The two is a power combo for brightening dark elbows.
How to
- Mix equal amounts of olive oil and sugar to make a body scrub.
- Gently rub the scrub on your elbow for about 2 to 3 minutes to remove dead skin cells darkening the area.
- After exfoliation, wash off the scrub with warm water.
Gently exfoliating can not only help improve skin tone but also enhance overall skin texture.
Do this once a week to avoid over-exfoliating your skin.
Regular exfoliation helps maintain smoother skin and prevents buildup of dead skin cells.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV contains acetic acid, which works as a gentle exfoliant. It also contains antioxidants and vitamin C, which are beneficial to the skin.
How to use
- Dilute ACV in water. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, you may choose between mixing 1:1 ACV with water and 1:3.
- Apply the dilute solution to your elbow using a cotton ball. Leave you sit for about 15 minutes before washing off.
Finding the right dilution is important; a milder mixture may be more suitable for sensitive skin types.
Apple cider vinegar is often used for its potential skin-lightening properties, making it a popular choice for treating dark elbows.
Use this remedy 3–4 times each week for best results.
Consistency is key when using this remedy, as regular application may enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a great moisturizer. By moisturizing your skin, it reduces the chances of developing dry, dark and ashy elbows. It also enriches the skin and may help your skin become supple since as it is rich in healthy fatty acids and proteins.
How to use
Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing properties, which can help improve the overall appearance of the skin.
- Massage a small amount into your elbows for 2 to 3 minutes.
Massaging the oil into your skin can also promote better absorption and enhance its benefits.
For best results, apply coconut oil after a shower while your skin is still wet.
Applying coconut oil on damp skin may help lock in moisture, making it more effective for skin lightening.
Potato
Potatoes contain catecholase, which is a natural bleaching agent and can brighten up the skin.
How to use
- Cut a potato thinly into smaller slices.
- Rub the thin slices on your elbow for about 10 minutes.
- Otherwise, you may juice out some grated potatoes and massage the juice into your elbow for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water after a few minutes.
Gram flour (Besan) and milk
You can use gram flour as a scrub to get rid of your dead skin cells. At the same time, the milk serves as a natural exfoliant and moisturizer.
How to use:
- Place about 3 tablespoons of gram flour in a small bowl and add enough milk to make a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to your elbows, rubbing them in a circular motion.
- Leave the paste on for about 20 minutes until it dries completely. Then, wash it off with lukewarm water.
Yogurt
Yogurt’s tangy and creamy flavor is not all that you can enjoy about it. Yogurt contains lactic acid which is a natural alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It also contains natural fats and proteins that may help hydrate your skin and improve skin health.
How to use
- Apply a few tablespoons of plain yogurt to your elbow and massage in a circular motion for about 3 minutes.
- 2.Leave it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, rinse off with lukewarm water.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is not only a fabulous breakfast cereal. It also a great skin treat. Oatmeal has exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties. Its scrubs are great for removing dead skin cells and improving rough skin patches.
How to use
- To a few tablespoons of oatmeal, add enough milk to make a paste. If you’re lactose intolerant or do not have access to milk, use water instead.
- Apply the paste to your elbow using a circular motion. Leave it to sit until it dries completely, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Pro tip: For an additional brightening and moisturizing effect, consider adding honey to the paste.
Notes of Caution When Brightening Dark Elbows
- Avoid bleaching creams and mercury-containing products.
Fight the temptation to simply bleach your dark elbow to make it lighter. Bleaching creams are counterproductive in treating dark elbows and will only worsen the condition. Mercury has also been declared hazardous to skin health by the World Health Organization (WHO). Using these products will wreck more havoc on the skin.
- Always run a patch test.
Before switching to a new skin product, run a patch test. To run a patch test, choose a small, inconspicuous area of your body. Clean the area and apply a small amount of the product. Leave the product for about 24 hours without washing it off or applying another product to it. Then, wash it off and observe the area for any skin reactions. If your skin becomes itchy, red, swollen, or develops a rash, it’s best not to use the product.
- Consult a dermatologist.
We all have skin, but we’re not all specially trained to care for it—dermatologists are. If you notice an anomaly in your skin, consult your dermatologist for help.
Remember, your skin may be a reflection of overall health.
- Be observant
There are general remedies for a darker elbow. But, no two people are completely the same. When treating your skin, look out for changes in the skin’s appearance (texture and tone). If you’re observant, you can detect changes early and prevent the development of adverse skin reactions.
Final Thoughts
There are various effective methods for brightening up darker elbows. However, remember that consistency and patience are key elements for long-lasting results. Also, ensure you consult your dermatologist whenever you’re in doubt.
