How to Get Rid Of Dark Knees And Elbows

Dark knees and elbows are common skin concerns that affect millions of people worldwide. According to a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, up to 30% of individuals experience hyperpigmentation in these areas due to various factors such as genetics, friction, sun exposure, and a buildup of dead skin cells . While it may seem like a cosmetic issue, uneven skin tone can have a significant impact on self-confidence.

In fact, a 2019 survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that 45% of respondents with skin discolouration reported feeling uncomfortable wearing sleeveless tops or shorts. 

But there’s good news: dark knees and elbows can be lightened effectively with the right approach.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation on Knees and Elbows

Image Source: Pexels 

It is essential to understand that there is no one particular reason for hyperpigmentation on the knees and elbows. In fact, it might surprise most that many factors resulting in that are similar to those affecting other areas of the body and here are some of them mentioned below:

Sun Exposure

Continuous exposure to the UV rays from the sun is one of the most significant contributors to hyperpigmentation. UV rays have the tendency to stimulate an increase in the production of melanin as a defensive strategy, leading to the formation of dark spots over time. This is particularly seen in areas such as knees, elbows, face and neck as they are exposed to the sunlight while outdoors. 

Friction and Pressure

Leaning on hard surfaces, kneeling and other day-to-day activities cause friction on the knees and elbows and this constant pressure tends to cause irritation on the skin and result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where the skin darkens after healing.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, lead to hyperpigmentation and conditions such as pregnancy, the use of birth control pills, and hormonal therapies can trigger melasma, which also affects the knees and elbows in some cases.

Skin Conditions

Certain skin conditions that cause inflammation, such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which results in darker patches after the skin is healed.

Genetics

Genetics also play a crucial role in how an individual’s skin responds to issues like continuous sun exposure and inflammation. People with darker skin tones tend to have more melanin, making them more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation.

Age

The number of melanocytes decreases as an individual ages. However, this may result in the existing melanocytes increasing in size and becoming more concerates, leading to age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. 

Medications

Antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs and hormonal treatments can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight and trigger an increase in melanin production which leads to hyperpigmentation.

Underlying Health Conditions

Certain health conditions that affect the hormone levels and adrenal gland functions like Addison’s disease, can increase the production of melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation, particularly in the areas that are exposed to friction or sunlight.

Factors that Contribute to Hyperpigmentation

In addition to the primary causes, several factors can worsen hyperpigmentation:

Skin Trauma

Injuries of any kind that lead to inflammation, such as cuts, burns or acne, might lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation as the skin heals. These types of injuries, on top of friction injuries, are more common in the knees and elbows, making them more prone to hyperpigmentation. 

Environmental Factors

Irritation on the skin caused by environmental factors such as pollution and exposure to certain chemicals can trigger hyperpigmentation. The knees and elbows being exposed to the elements more often mean that these areas are more likely to suffer from hyperpigmentation. 

Lifestyle Choices 

Poor skin care practices, such as neglecting sun protection or using harsh products, can lead to the development of dark spots in those particular areas. 

Diet and Nutrition

Lack of essential vitamins and antioxidants in an individual's diet can affect the health of their skin and cause pigmentation issues. 

Stress

Stress leads to hormonal imbalances, which worsens conditions like melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation.

Remedies for Lightening Dark Knees and Elbows

Ready to banish those dark spots? Try incorporating a few of these easy treatments into your skincare routine:

Exfoliate regularly

One of the keys to lightening dark knees and elbows is regular exfoliation. Exfoliating helps slough off dead, darkened skin cells to reveal the fresh, lighter skin underneath. You can use a store-bought scrub or make your own by mixing sugar or baking soda with a little lemon juice or coconut oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your knees and elbows in circular motions, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week.

Moisturize daily

Keeping your knees and elbows well-hydrated is crucial for preventing darkening caused by dryness and improving your skin's overall texture and tone. Apply a rich, nourishing moisturizer to your knees and elbows at least once a day, especially after exfoliating or bathing. Look for creams or lotions with ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and vitamin E to deeply hydrate and soften rough patches.

Try a lightening cream

There are many over-the-counter skin-lightening creams formulated specifically for reducing hyperpigmentation. Look for products containing ingredients lightening ingredients which work to inhibit melanin production and fade dark spots over time. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label and use sunscreen during the day, as some lightening ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage.

One effective option to consider is Masofta Dark Spot Reduction Cream. This gentle yet powerful formula contains a blend of proven ingredients like kojic acid, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin, which work together to target dark spots and even out skin tone. It's particularly suitable for addressing hyperpigmentation on areas like knees and elbows, as well as other parts of the body.

Apply potato slices

Believe it or not, the humble potato can be a powerful antidote for brighter knees and elbows. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which has natural bleaching properties. To try this remedy, slice a potato into thin rounds and rub them over your darkened areas for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and repeat daily for best results.

Make a turmeric paste

Turmeric, a vibrant yellow spice used in many Indian dishes, is another natural ingredient that can help fade dark spots. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has skin-lightening and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix a tablespoon of turmeric powder with enough milk or yogurt to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to your knees and elbows, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Use this treatment a few times a week.

Dab on some lemon juice

The citric acid in lemons is a natural bleaching agent that can help lighten dark patches over time. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side over your knees and elbows. Leave the juice on for 20 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. Be careful with this remedy if you have sensitive skin, as the acidity may cause irritation. Always do a patch test first and avoid going out in the sun right after applying lemon juice.

Massage with aloe vera gel

Aloe vera is an amazing plant that's packed with skin-loving vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can help fade pigmentation, soothe inflammation, and keep your skin moisturized. Break off a leaf from an aloe plant and scoop out the clear gel inside. Gently massage the gel onto your knees and elbows, let it absorb for 20-30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat daily for maximum benefits.

Apply a yogurt mask

Plain yogurt contains lactic acid, a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid that can gradually lighten discolouration by exfoliating the top layer of darkened skin cells. It's also super hydrating and can help improve your skin's texture. Spread a thick layer of full-fat, unflavored yoghurt over your knees and elbows. Let it work its magic for 15-20 minutes before washing off with cool water. Use this treatment 2-3 times per week.

Use sunscreen religiously

If sun exposure is a major contributor to your dark knees and elbows, one of the best things you can do is start using sunscreen consistently. Whenever your knees and elbows are exposed to the sun, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will help prevent further darkening and protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Remember to reapply every 2 hours or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

Consult a dermatologist

If you've tried several at-home remedies and aren't seeing the results you want, it might be time to consult a dermatologist. A skincare professional can assess your specific case and recommend more targeted treatments, such as prescription lightening creams, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion. They can also rule out any underlying health issues that could be causing your hyperpigmentation.

Home Remedies for Dark Knees and Elbows

Certain natural ingredients that are found in everyday life can help lighten dark knees and elbows when they are used consistently. Here are some effective home remedies:

Lemon and Sugar Scrub

As lemon contains high levels of vitamin C, it is a natural bleaching agent whereas sugar acts as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.

Instructions:

1. Mix equal quantities of fresh lemon juice and white sugar.
2. Gently massage the mixture onto clean, dry knees and elbows for 2-3 minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry.
4. Use 1-2 times per week.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

Baking soda is slightly abrasive by nature and helps exfoliate, while hydrogen peroxide has skin-lightening properties.

Instructions:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
4. Use this once a week.

Oatmeal and Yoghurt Scrub

Oatmeal is a gentle exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells, while yoghurt contains lactic acid that helps lighten the skin.

Instructions:

1. Grind 1/2 cup of oats into a fine powder.
2. Mix the oat powder with 1/4 cup of plain yoghurt to form a paste.
3. Gently massage the mixture onto your knees and elbows for 2-3 minutes.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
5. Use this scrub 2-3 times per week.

Turmeric and Milk Paste

Curcumin is present in turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties. Milk contains lactic acid, which helps exfoliate and brighten the skin.

Instructions:

1. Mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with two tablespoons of milk to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to your knees and elbows and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
4. Use this remedy 2-3 times per week.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel contains vitamins C and E and is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and also helps in the lightening of the skin.

Instructions:

1. Cut open an aloe vera leaf and scoop out the gel.
2. Gently massage the gel into your knees and elbows.
3. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
4. Use aloe vera gel daily for best results.

Coconut Oil and Honey Mixture

Coconut oil is very moisturising and contains fatty acids that can help improve the texture of the skin, whereas honey has antibacterial and skin-lightening properties.

Instructions:

1. Mix equal amounts of virgin coconut oil and raw honey.
2. Gently massage the mixture into your knees and elbows.
3. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
4. Use this remedy 2-3 times per week.

Medical Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

If home remedies and over-the-counter treatments are not effective, several medical treatments are available for hyperpigmentation:

1. Chemical peels: These treatments use acids to remove the outer layer of skin and stimulate new skin growth.
2. Microdermabrasion: This procedure uses tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to gently exfoliate the skin.
3. Laser therapy: Various laser treatments help reduce the appearance of dark spots and even our skin tone.
4. Hydroquinone creams: These prescription-strength creams contain a skin-lightening agent that can help reduce the production of melanin.

Wrapping up 

Achieving brighter knees and elbows is a process that requires patience and consistency. By incorporating these remedies and preventive measures into your regular skincare routine and using products from trusted brands like Masofta, you'll be well on your way to the even, radiant skin you've always wanted.