7 Top Tips to rid Dark Knees and elbows

It's time to bring out those short-sleeved tops and tiny skirts that you buried somewhere deep in your cupboard. If you've been embarrassed to show off those knees and elbows because they are darker than the skin around them - there are ways to fix this problem instead of masking it.
Dark elbows and knees are extremely common as these areas have thicker skin and dead skin cells. This build-up of dead skin increases because of the pressure we apply when we rest our elbows on the table or the friction caused by kneeling.
Fortunately, there are some home remedies you can try to lighten elbows and knees. Here are some of them:
  • Baking Soda and Milk
Why: Both milk and baking soda are useful cleaning and bleaching agents. Baking soda balances the pH level of the skin while deep cleansing it.
How: Mix a tablespoon each of baking soda with milk and apply it on the darkened areas. Let it sit until it dries and rinse off with lukewarm water. You can try this every other day for quicker results.
  • Lemon
Why: Lemon is a common home remedy for lightening skin.

It contains vitamin C and citric acid, which is capable of reducing acne, marks, clearing dark patches and even out the skin tone.
How: To lighten knees and elbows apply the juice of a lemon and massage gently. Leave this on for about ten minutes before rinsing off.
  • Curd
Why: The lactic acid in it lightens the skin while also adding moisture to it.
How: Mix equal parts of curd and white vinegar. Apply it to the knees and elbows and let it dry before rinsing off. Pat it dry and then apply a moisturiser.

You can also add few spoons of gram flour instead of vinegar.
  • Turmeric, Milk and Honey
Why: Milk bleaches the skin while turmeric acts as an antiseptic and honey adds to the moisture. Turmeric also contains curcumin, which reduces hyperpigmentation and lightens the skin.
How: Mix all ingredients to form a thick paste. Apply it on the darkened areas and leave on for about 20 minutes before washing it off.
  • Olive Oil and Sugar Paste
Sugar exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells while the olive oil moisturises the skin. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E that helps maintain the skin's elasticity, keeping it soft and young.

Olive oil also allows the skin to regenerate faster. Mix equal parts to form a paste and use it.
  • Aloe Vera
Why: Aloe vera gel hydrates the skin, reduces sun damage and keeps the skin supple. It also removes dead skin cells.
How: Break open a fleshy aloe vera leaf and apply the gel to affected areas. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

You can also mix the following ingredients with the aloe vera flesh:
  • Honey and milk
  • Turmeric and honey
  • Rosewater
  • Coconut Oil
Why: Coconut oil softens the skin, and it also has vitamin E, which lightens the skin and prevents dryness. It also repairs damaged and dull skin.
How: After a bath, apply some coconut oil to the affected areas and massage it into the skin. Alternatively, you can also add lemon juice or walnut powder to the oil before using it. Wipe off the mixture with a paper towel
  • Almonds
Why: Almonds are rich in essential fatty acids, amino acids and vitamin E, all of which work wonders on the skin.

Dried almonds as well as almond oil help give the skin an even tone and also keep it looking young and healthy.
How: Just massage the darkened areas with almond oil for at least 5 minutes every day. Alternatively, you can mix powdered almonds to curd and combine it to form a paste. Apply this paste to the elbows and knees and let it dry before rinsing it off with cold water.
  • Besan
Why: Gram flour is a natural cleansing and exfoliating agent that makes skin softer and lighter.
How: Mix 2 teaspoons of besan with about two tablespoons of tomato juice and apply this mixture to the affected areas. Let it dry before washing off.

You can also just mix equal parts of besan and milk and leave this paste on for 20 minutes.
  • Cucumber
Why: Refreshing and soothing, cucumbers contain vitamins A and C that keep the skin radiant and protect it from UV rays.
How: Mix together the juices of cucumber and lemon. Apply this solution and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off.
Try one or more of these home remedies, and you won't have to hide your knees and elbows anymore.