Remedies for Dark Elbows

Dark elbows are spots of darker skin on your elbows, analogous to age spots on the back of your hands. They are caused by changes in pigment either due to sun exposure or an underlying medical condition.

1. the dryness of your skin.

2. Hyperpigmentation can worsen in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight.

3. birth control pills.

4. You may have had some baby acne or melasma from your recent pregnancy.

5. freckles and age spots.

6. Psoriasis and eczema are skin conditions that most people suffer from

7. There were indications of swelling and inflammation, which can happen when you have an injury.

Researchers have found that skin on your elbows is more likely to suffer from the negative effects of acne due to neglect. However, with regular care and attention, you can avoid these unpleasantries.

People with darker skin tones are also at an increased risk for dark elbows and knees.

Despite various causes and risk factors, there are steps you can take at home to minimize dark elbows.

Home remedies to lighten

Home remedies are desired when it comes to lightening dark elbows. Firstly, they’re cheaper and don’t pose any potential side effects like many medicated products do. These methods include:

Aloe vera

Baking soda

As a facial mask, apply the product for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse off. Repeat this process twice per week. But do not use baking soda on your facial skin.

Citrus fruits

A study conducted by Trusted Source showed that oral supplements containing citrus fruit extracts were effective in lightening dark skin patches due to sun exposure.

A lot of people are using citrus fruits from their kitchen to help with the detoxifying process, but some say that you might want to try supplements too.

Simply squeeze some citrus juice into a cup, dip a cotton ball or washcloth into it, and use it on your elbows. You can do this as often as you want during the day!

Oatmeal and yogurt

These two common ingredients, when used as a mask, can help to alleviate the negative effects of dry skin. The soothing effect of these two common ingredients can be used to help alleviate the negative effects of dry skin.

Mix equal parts oatmeal and yogurt in a bowl and then apply to your elbows. Leave on for up to 20 minutes at a time.

Long-term skincare

Aside from using home remedies to lighten the color of dark elbows, you should also invest some time and effort into your skincare routine. For example, cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin can make it seem less dark.

Cleanse and moisturize

Make sure to give your elbows attention by washing them daily during showers or baths and applying moisturizer afterward.

You could also apply a thicker moisturizer over your usual body lotion, such as coconut oil or aloe vera.

Exfoliate the elbows

You may choose to use an exfoliating body wash or sugar scrub for extra intensity. Start rubbing the product into your elbows in a circular motion.

Rubbing too hard will, however, cause inflammation around your elbows, which can make any perceived imperfections more visible.

Wear sunscreen

Make sure to use sunscreen every day if your skin is exposed to the sun. If not, make sure you apply 15 minutes before exposure to a broad spectrum SPF 30 product. The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends this.

Apply sunscreen to the area around your elbows often and close to the skin. This area naturally has a lot of movement so there might be times when you need to reapply it before going outside.

Sunscreen is not just important for protecting your skin, but for preserving the effects of any treatments you use.

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology says one day of unprotected exposure to the sun can undo months of treatment.

Over-the-counter treatments

If you have dark elbows but want to use something other than home remedies or an over-the-counter skincare product, you might need a prescription treatment agent for hyperpigmentation.

Among the many treatments for skin darkening, over-the-counter lighteners are a good idea. Products with hydroquinone, which are safe on your skin and help eliminate dark spots on your skin, are worth looking into.

Though over-the-counter ointments may be a little more expensive because you need to use a lot of them on a large area, they can still be worth the added cost if time is important to you. It can take anywhere from several weeks to months for the product to kick in, but as long as you plan ahead, it’ll work wonders.

Some side effects include:

1. irritation

2. peeling skin

3. increased sun sensitivity

If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in this product, including licorice or kojic acid, then it’s best to stop using the product. If you experience reactions such as redness, rash, or itchiness then it’s best to stop using all cosmetics while you figure out what your skin is reacting to.

If you don’t see an improvement with over-the-counter lightning products, talk to your doctor about prescription-strength treatments that may work better for your skin. You can inquire about ingredients like prescription-strength hydroquinone or other bleaching agents.

Some people may think that laser treatments are the only choice for dark elbows, but this could lead to scarring, which could make the issue worse. With clear treatment options in place, this issue can be tackled in a way that has minimal risk of scarring.

The bottom line

Dark elbows can be a real pain to deal with and may take some time to get back to the original color. But a solid skincare plan, along with home remedies or medicated products, can help lighten the darkness of your elbows.

Contact your healthcare professional for help if you don’t see any improvements after a couple of weeks. They can do an assessment of your treatment plan and other recommendations as needed.