![]() The greatest risk with these treatments is scarring, which could ultimately make dark elbows look even darker. Talk to your healthcare professional about these options, including ingredients such as hydroquinone or other bleaching agents.įor severe cases, laser treatments are another option. There are also prescription-strength lightening products available if OTC products don’t cut it. Stop using a product if it causes redness, rash, and itchiness. Ingredients such as licorice and kojic acid have caused allergic reactions in some people. It can also take several weeks - or even months - to take effect. The downside to OTC products is that they can quickly become expensive for the amount of product you get in each bottle, since you need to use it on a large area. Try products with lipohydroxy acid, which helps lighten dark skin pigmentation. Over-the-counter (OTC) lightening products are the first step. ![]() If home remedies and healthy skin care practices don’t seem to do the trick for your dark elbows, you might need something stronger to address the underlying hyperpigmentation. ![]() It’s also important to keep in mind that sunscreen not only protects your skin, but it also helps preserve the effects of any treatments you use.Īccording to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, just one day of unprotected sun exposure can end up undoing several months’ worth of treatments. Since there’s a natural stretch in this area of the arm from bending your elbow, you’ll likely need to reapply your sunscreen often. Take special care in applying the product to your elbows. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a product with an SPF of at least 30. If your arms are exposed to the sun, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen 15 minutes beforehand. You should also wear sunscreen every day. Make sure you rub the product onto your elbows in a smooth, circular motion.Īlso, don’t rub too hard - this will only irritate the skin around your elbows and make any perceived imperfections more noticeable. You may use an exfoliating body wash, or a sugar scrub for extra intensity. You can do this by exfoliating once or twice a week. In addition to moisturizing your elbows for softness, you’ll need to take steps to get rid of dead skin cells and prevent their accumulation. Products containing soy, lignin, ellagic acid, and vitamin B-3 can also lighten skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. You can also put on a thicker moisturizing agent on top of your daily body lotion, such as coconut oil or aloe vera. Take time to make sure you wash your elbows daily when in the shower or bath, and always follow up with a moisturizer. Daily rituals, such as cleansing, moisturizing, and protection, can decrease the look of dark skin spots over time while also keeping your skin healthy. Leave on for up to 10 minutes and then rinse off.Īside from home remedies to lighten the color of dark elbows, you’ll want to invest some time and effort into your overall skin care routine. Mix the powder with water, and then apply directly to the elbows. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, turmeric powder may help a variety of skin conditions when used as a paste. This ingredient comes from an Indian root plant that’s like ginger. Like baking soda, these two ingredients work best as a mask.Ĭombine equal parts oatmeal and yogurt until mixed well, then apply to your elbows. Oatmeal and yogurtīoth oatmeal and yogurt have soothing qualities that can add extra moisture to dry skin. Then, use a cotton ball or wash cloth to apply the juice directly to your elbow. Simply squeeze the juices out of the citrus fruit into a cup. However, you can potentially reap some of the benefits by using lemons or other citrus fruits from your own kitchen without having to use supplements. Citrus fruitsĪ 2014 study suggested that oral supplements containing citrus fruit extracts were especially helpful in lightening dark skin patches due to sun exposure. But avoid using baking soda on your face. ![]() Treat the process as a face mask, where you leave the product on for about 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse off. Keep adding and mixing well until you have a desired amount of product. Start by adding a teaspoon at a time with water to a bowl. Baking sodaīaking soda has both exfoliating and skin lightening properties that may help treat dark elbows. Look for gels or lotions with aloe vera, and apply up to twice per day. This is because of a process called alpha adrenergic receptor stimulation, which occurs when you apply the product to your skin. One 2012 study suggested that aloe vera can lighten the skin. Try one or more of the following methods: Aloe vera They also don’t pose side effects like medicated products can. Home remedies are the most desirable for lightening dark elbows.
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