10 Effective home remedies to lighten dark elbows and knees
With time and age, our skin tends to lose its glow and, at times, we see some dark patches covering areas like knees and elbows. These areas lack oil glands, and if not properly moisturized, the dead skin cells around these get darker. However, with appropriate hygiene and care, one can easily lighten these dark patches. No amount of scrubbing with soap will make the dark patches go away, but there are some very useful home remedies that can help to lighten the skin in those areas.
These are 10 natural and easy home remedies to get rid of dark elbows and knees:
1) A mixture of vinegar and yogurt
Vinegar is rich in acetic acid while yogurt is rich in lactic acid and both of these will result in cleaner elbows and knees. One tablespoon of yogurt and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar should be mixed in a bowl and applied on the skin using cotton balls. Proceed to leave the mixture on for around for 15 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. For the best results, make sure to repeat this process for about 3-4 weeks.
2) Make your own Oatmeal scrub
Oatmeal is generally very good for health and also acts as a great skin cleanser. To make the oatmeal scrub, you will require half a lemon, half a tablespoon of oatmeal, and a little bit of salt. Mix up the ingredients in a bowl and add around two teaspoons of milk. Using a circular motion, apply the mixture on your elbows and knees and then proceed to rinse off with warm water. This process needs to be repeated around 3-4 times a week.
3) Using Cucumber to rub the dark patches
Cucumber's bleaching property is one of the most effective ways to lighten the dark skin. All you need to do is rub a slice of cucumber over the affected areas for a period of 15 minutes. Leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Another way to use cucumber is by extracting its juice and mixing it a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply the mix of liquid on your dark elbows and knees. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
4) Combination of lemon and baking soda
One of the most popular home remedies for lightening skin is using some form of lemon. Cut the lemon into two halves and sprinkle one tablespoon of baking soda on top of the sliced lemon. Rub your elbows and knees for about a minute and let it rest for around 15 minutes. Proceed to wash it off using warm water. Repeat this process once in every two days until you start to see the desired result.
5) Milk and Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has many anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which help to moisturize your skin. You need to mix equal amounts of milk and aloe vera gel, then apply this mixture to the affected area. Leave the mixture overnight, and then wash it off the next morning. You can also extract aloe vera gel and apply it directly to the darker areas on your elbows and knees. Proceed to leave the gel on your skin for approximately 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
6) Squeezing out Potato juice
All you need to do is grate the potato and squeeze out any excess water, then apply it to the skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with water. You could also rub your elbows and knees with a slice of cut potato for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off. Following the procedure, apply a moisturizer.
7) Sugar and olive oil paste
A good and clean homemade scrub made from sugar and olive oil is a great remedy to deal with dark skin patches. A mix of an equal amount of sugar and olive oil is enough to clean and hydrate your skin. Apply this mixture to your elbows and knees and rub in circular motions. Leave it on for 5 minutes, and then rinse. Repeat this process on a weekly basis for best results.
8) Lemon and honey mix
Mix around 2 tablespoons of honey into the juice of half a lemon. Now add one tablespoon of baking soda to the above mixture. Apply it on the darkened areas and leave it on for around 20 minutes and then rinse.
9) Turmeric paste
Turmeric has a lot of healing properties and is good for your health, as well as, your skin. Mix turmeric powder with a tablespoon of milk and proceed to apply it to the affected areas. Massage the paste on your knees and elbows and let it dry naturally. Rinse it off with warm water. For better results, it is advisable to add a bit of honey to your mixture.
10) Coconut Oil massage
The fatty acids and vitamin E which are present in coconut oil helps to lighten the skin. After a shower, apply coconut oil to some of the affected areas, and massage for around 2-3 minutes, until the oil is well-soaked by your skin.