I know it has been awhile since I put my fingers to typing and actually updated my blog. Unfortunately, I have been extremely busy so far this summer, but as you know by now my blog is my "baby". And therefore from this day on, I am now totally and completely dedicated to keeping it updated and fresh.
Awhile back I did a post on dark underarms and home remedies that can help you eliminate them. After this, I had a couple people asking me how to get rid of dark elbows, knees and knuckles. So, today I am going to do just that. Give you guys some ideas on how to eliminate these unwanted dark patches of skin.
- Lack of exfoliation can often lead to a build-up of dead skin cells on and around these areas causing them to become darker.
- Believe it or not, knees and elbows tend to attract more dirt and grime due to the manifold on them. It my be beneficial to take the time to wash these areas more specifically when showering.
- Finally, my personal reason as to why my knees and elbows are dark is because they have fewer oil glands than other parts of the body, this resulting in dryness. Dryness tends to make your skin darker especially in places like your knees, elbows and knuckles.
I thought it would be easiest to break this whole process down in steps, as I find that it will help in understanding the whole procedure a little better.
STEP ONE
Exfoliate. Often dry skin is a cause of dark elbows. To solve this, simply exfoliate these problem areas once or twice a week, followed by your favourite moisturizer to prevent further dryness. I have used just a Buff Puff or loofah and water in the past to exfoliate my rough elbows and have always been pleased with the results. But, to take it that step further try making your own homemade exfoliate. One that I have used and have had success with on other dry parts of my body has been a combination of olive oil and sugar. Simply mix these two ingredients together and then apply to your problem areas. Leaving on for 5-10 minutes and then rinse off.
Bleach. Alot of skin products have bleaching components in them to lighten your skin. But, considering we are reviewing at home, natural remedies, try lemon! Apply lemon juice to the dark areas and leave over night. After just one night of use you should be able to notice an amazing difference. Another way to control discolouration of these areas is to mix equal parts of plain/original yogurt and lime juice. After you have mixed them together simply apply to the problem area and leave on for however long you feel fit. One of the great things about homemade remedies is that they do not contain toxic chemicals that, if not used properly can do harm to our skin. Takes some of the pressure away. A more expensive home remedy that is perhaps the most effective is leaving a few strands of saffron on a tablespoon of milk cream overnight. Once it has settled over the course of the night apply it to the problem area and leave on for sometime. After this is done all you have to do is wash it off with water.
STEP THREE
Moisturize. Once you have completed step one and step two you should be able to notice a difference in these dark areas, almost immediately. But, this is quite the process to keep coming back to and therefore to maintain that even, soft and healthy skin. Just moisturize 1,2,3 times a day! As many times as you think of it! My personal favourite moisturizing cream to effectively eliminate dry skin is the Vitamin E Intense Moisturize Cream by The Body Shop. Nothing too fancy, but it works!!!
If your curious, try it out! : http://www.thebodyshop.ca/en/index.aspx?cm_mmc=LabeliumSearch-_-Google-_-Product+Lines-_-the%20body%20shop%20lotion
Simple. Three steps that you can take in order to restore beautiful elbows, knuckles, and knees. It is a problem that a lot of different people, with different skin types face.. ALL THE TIME! So, no longer be embarrassed by these rough, uneven, patches of skin! Try some of these homemade remedies and tell me what you think. Did they work for you??
Check out this Youtube video I made on how to cure dry/dark unwanted skin !
Yours as always,
Vicki xxoo