Elbows and knees are one of the most ignored parts of your body. Several factors such as dead skin cells, rubbing against rough surfaces, sun exposure and, in some cases, hormonal imbalance can result in darkening of your knees and elbows, leading them to become overtly dry too.
Because those areas lack oil glands, it becomes more important to pay extra attention to their hygiene and moisture.
To save you time, here are 5 easy ways to help you care for your knees and elbows:
Cucumber
Cucumber has natural bleaching properties, which makes it one of the most effective, easiest and safest ways to get rid of dark knees and elbows. It removes dead skin cells while retaining your skin’s moisture. Vitamins A and C from it contribute to keeping the skin fresh and of its natural colour.
How to use:
- With gentle hands, slowly rub thick slices of cucumber in circular motion over your elbows and knees for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Let it stay there for roughly 5 minutes and then wash your skin with cold water.
If you are not allergic to lemon juice, mixing cucumber juice and lemon juice in equal parts and applying it as a mixture on your knees, elbows, and knuckles will also be beneficial. Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes and then rise it off with cold water. Do this daily for maximum benefits.
Potato
Potato is rich in catecholase enzymes. These are natural skin lighteners. Along with high amounts of starch, potatoes will leave your skin soft, glowing, and help you get rid of dark areas.
How to use:
- Apply freshly squeezed potato juice to your skin.
- Leave it on your skin for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water.
- Apply a moisturizer if you feel like.
If you do not have time to grate potatoes for juice, you can directly rub potato slices on your elbows and knees for about 10 – 15 minutes and then give your skin a wash with cold water.
Turmeric, milk and honey
Turmeric is the most used natural remedy to remove dead skin cells and gives you an easy and quick glow up. It has a compound called curcumin which is responsible for reducing and regulating the excess production of melanin and helps to rub off dead skin.
How to use:
- Mix some turmeric powder with 1 tsp of milk and apply it to knees and elbows.
- Massage in circular motion for a few minutes and leave it to dry naturally.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
You can add a bit of honey to the mixture to naturally moisturize your skin.
Oats
Oats, other than making a healthy breakfast, are also effective in the beauty aspect. Not many people realize but oats can be used to get flawless skin tone, without burning through a lot of cash on beauty treatments or facials.
How to use:
- Mix 1/2 lemon, 1/2 tbsp oatmeal, and a pinch of salt.
- Apply the scrub in circular motions to your knees and elbows for 10 -15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process 3 – 4 times a week to achieve the best results.
You can also combine 2 tbsp oatmeal with 2 tsp of milk and massage the dark areas for 10 minutes. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water. It will make your skin feel soft, smooth, and radiant.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is loaded with essential fatty acids and is abundant in Vitamin E that repairs damaged and dark skin.
How to use:
- After bath, apply coconut oil to the areas you would like to.
- Massage gently in circular motion for 5 minutes until you feel the oil is completely absorbed into the skin.
- To make it more affective, add ½ tsp of fresh lemon juice to 1tsp coconut oil and go ahead with the above-mentioned points.
