Dark-Knees
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Dark-KneesEmbarrassed about dark knees and elbows? Stop avoiding short skirts and sleeveless tops! You’re about to discover 21 easy, natural, affordable ways to soften and lighten knee and elbow skin so you won’t have to feel self-conscious anymore.

There are no oil glands in knee or elbow skin, so these areas dry out easily and collect dirt and impurities that are difficult to remove. Sun exposure, friction, pressure, and the buildup of dead skin cells also contribute to dark knees and elbows.

You don’t have to spend tons of money on salon treatments to get the even skin tone you want. The inexpensive remedies listed below are just as effective, and the results are long-lasting. They combine exfoliation, bleaching, and moisturizing techniques that will get rid of dark patches for good.

Home Remedies for Dark Knees and Elbow:

Follow these effective home remedies to get rid of dark elbows and knees.

1. Oil Massage

The oil massage is one of the oldest, most widely used, and most effective ways to lighten dark skin. You can use olive oil, sesame, oil, coconut oil, almond oil, or any other natural oil in its purest form.

Process

  • Massage the oil into your knees and elbows for a few minutes.
  • Leave it on for an hour.
  • Wash it off with water.
  • Repeat daily until you see results.

2. Mustard Oil

Mustard oil contains linoleic, erucic, and oleic acids that moisturize and brighten elbow and knee skin by helping them retain melanin pigment.

Process:

  • After a bath or shower, massage mustard oil into knees and elbows for 10-15 minutes.
  • Leave it on for a few hours, then wash it off with warm water and mild soap.
  • Wait until the oil is completely absorbed before getting dressed or it may leave stains.
  • Repeat regularly.

3. Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is used to treat almost all skin problems. It evens and brightens skin tone.

Process:

  • Puncture 2-3 vitamin E oil capsules to extract the oil.
  • Massage the oil into knees and elbows until it is completely absorbed.
  • Repeat regularly for a few weeks.

4. Baking Soda and Milk

Baking soda exfoliates the skin and scrubs away dead skin cells while milk bleaches and cleanses the skin.

Process:

  • Mix one tablespoon of baking soda into milk to make a thick paste.
  • Apply to knees and elbows, scrubbing gently in circles.
  • Wash off with water.
  • Repeat daily or every other day.
  • Once you see results, reduce to once a week.

5. Onion and Garlic

Onions and garlic contain essential minerals and oils that will lighten skin.

Ingredients:

  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 onion
  • Lemon Juice
  • Rosewater
  • Glycerin
  • Mild soap
  • Grating tool

Process:

  • Peel your garlic and your onion.
  • Grate garlic and onion into small chunks.
  • Mix them together and rub them on dark knees and elbows for 10-15 minutes.
  • Wash off with water and mild soap.
  • Mix 1 part glycerin, 1 part lemon juice, and 2 parts rosewater.
  • Apply to dark skin.
  • Repeat regularly.

6. Mint and Lemon Juice

Mint has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and it contains essential oils that help synthesize white blood cells and collagen. It clears away scar tissue and rejuvenates skin.

Process:

  1. Bring ½ cup of water to a boil.
  2. Add handful of mint leaves and boil for a few more minutes.
  3. Squeeze half lemon juice into the water.
  4. Turn off heat and let cool a few minutes.
  5. Use a cotton ball to apply to knees and elbows.
  6. Leave on 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
  7. Repeat regularly.

7. Gram Flour

Gram flour (or chickpea flour) contain essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins, and they exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and blemishes. Yogurt moisturizes and evens skin tone.

Process 1: Gram Flour and Yogurt

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons of gram flour with yogurt to make a paste.
  2. Apply to knees and elbows and leave on 15-20 minutes.
  3. Massage in circles for another 5-10 minutes.
  4. Repeat regularly.
  5. Note: for dry skin, replace yogurt with fresh cream. For oily skin, replace it with milk.

Process 2: Gram Flour and Lemon Juice

  1. Mix equal quantities gram flour and lemon juice to make a paste.
  2. Massage into knees and elbows and leave on for a few minutes.
  3. Wash off with water.
  4. Repeat regularly.
  5. Note: This method shows instant results.

Process 3: Gram Flour, Turmeric, and Milk

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup gram flour
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • High fat milk

Instructions:

  1. Boil high fat milk until it is thick and clotted.
  2. Add turmeric and gram powder, blend into a paste.
  3. Massage into knees and elbows, rubbing in circles.
  4. Leave on 10-15 minutes.
  5. Wash off with water.

8. Chickpea Flour, Turmeric, Milk, and Lemon Juice

Ingredients:

  • 2 heaps chickpea flour
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Rosewater

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix chickpea powder, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and milks to make a paste.
  2. Apply to knees and elbows and let dry.
  3. Wash off with water and mild soap and pat dry.
  4. Apply rosewater and leave on.
  5. Repeat twice a week.

9. Olive Oil and Sugar

This simple, effective combination exfoliates and moisturizes the skin to brighten dark patches.

Process:

  1. Mix equal quantities warm olive oil and sugar to make a paste.
  2. Rub into knees and elbows until sugar granules shrink and dissolve.
  3. This will take 5-10 minutes.
  4. Wash off with water and mild soap.
  5. Repeat daily until you see results, then weekly to maintain lighter skin tone.

10. Yogurt and Almond

Yogurt moisturizes and evens skin tone while almond oil exfoliates to lighten dark knees and elbows.

Process:

  1. Grind 8-10 almonds until coarse but not powdered.
  2. Mix with 2 tablespoons yogurt to make a paste.
  3. Using wet fingertips, apply to knees and elbows, rubbing in circles.
  4. Leave on 15-20 minutes or until dry.
  5. Wash off with water.
  6. Repeat 1-2 times weekly.

11. Yogurt and Vinegar

Yogurt exfoliates the skin while its lactic acid acts as a bleaching agent. The acetic acid in vinegar also bleaches dark skin. When combined, the two even skin tone and produce a soothing effect.

Process:

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon yogurt and 1 teaspoon vinegar to make a paste.
  2. Apply to knees and elbows and leave on 20-30 minutes.
  3. Wash off with water.
  4. Repeat daily.

12. Coconut Oil and Walnut

Coconut oil is rich in minerals, fatty acids, and other nutrients that nourish skin, and walnut exfoliates skin to lighten tone.

Process:

  1. Grind 3-5 walnuts until coarse but not powdered.
  2. Mix with 1 tablespoon coconut oil to make a paste.
  3. Massage into knees and elbows, rubbing in circles for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Wash off with warm water.
  5. Repeat regularly.

13. Turmeric

Turmeric and honey have antiseptic properties that clear impurities from the skin. Milk acts as a bleaching agent while honey moisturizes and serves as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Process 1: Turmeric, Honey, and Milk

  1. Mix milk, honey, and turmeric powder to make a paste.
  2. Apply to knees and elbows and leave on 20 minutes.
  3. With wet fingers, massage gently for 2 minutes.
  4. Rinse with water.
  5. Repeat regularly.

Process 2: Turmeric and Milk

  1. Mix milk cream and turmeric powder to make a paste.
  2. Massage into elbows and knees, then leave on 15-20 minutes.
  3. Scrub gently while washing off.
  4. Repeat regularly.

Process 3: Turmeric and Sandalwood

  1. Mix turmeric powder, sandalwood powder, and rosewater to make a paste.
  2. Apply to knees and elbows.
  3. Repeat regularly until you see results.

14. Lemon and Honey

Lemon juice is one of the most effective natural bleaching agents, and honey is one of the most effective natural moisturizers.

Process:

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon honey with the juice of one lemon.
  2. Apply to knees and elbows, leave on 15-20 minutes, wash off with water.
  3. Repeat daily for one week, then gradually decrease usage.

15. Bleaching Fruits and Vegetables

In addition to lemons, there are many other fruits and vegetables with bleaching properties. You can slice, grate, or juice them. Massage the skin with them for 15 – 20 minutes. Try all of the following:

  • Oranges
  • Cucumber
  • Grapes
  • Tomatoes
  • Potatoes

16. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contains several oils that deep into the skin to heal sun damage and moisturize. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce irritation and pain.

Process 1:  Aloe Vera Gel or Juice

  1. Cut the edges off your fresh Aloe Vera leaf and squeeze to extract gel.
  2. Apply to knees and elbows and leave on 30-45 minutes.
  3. Or juice the gel and apply it.
  4. Wash off with water.

Process 2: Aloe Vera and Honey

Honey is a natural moisturizer, and when combined with Aloe Vera, it heals and lightens skin.

  1. Mix equal parts fresh Aloe Vera gel and organic honey.
  2. Massage into knees and elbows and leave on 15-20 minutes.
  3. Wash off with soap and water.
  4. Repeat regularly.

17. Buttermilk, Oatmeal, and Almonds

Buttermilk has moisturizing, bleaching, acidic, and exfoliating properties that help lighten skin. Ground oatmeal and almonds also act as exfoliating agents to clear away dead skin cells.

Process:

  1. Grind oatmeal and almonds.
  2. Combine oatmeal and almonds with buttermilk to make a paste.
  3. Massage into knees and elbows, rubbing in circles.
  4. Leave on 10-15 minutes.
  5. Wash off with water.
  6. Repeat once a week for 2-3 months.

18. Butter

Cocoa butter and Shea butter contain natural fats that moisturize and lighten skin.

Process:

  1. Massage cocoa or shea butter into knees and elbows until completely absorbed.
  2. Leave on a few hours, then wash off with water.
  3. Do this before bed and leave on all night for best results.

19. Potatoes

Potatoes contain bleaching agents that reduce the appearance of marks on the body. When applied regularly, it will help to lighten dark elbows and knees.

Process:

  1. Cook potatoes.
  2. Mash in a bowl and mix with yogurt to make a paste.
  3. Apply to knees and elbows and leave on 20-30 minutes.
  4. Wash off with water.
  5. Repeat regularly.

20. Papaya

Papaya contains many natural properties that helps to lighten and moisturize skin.

Process:

  1. Cut a papaya into slices.
  2. Mash a few slices with water to make a paste.
  3. Apply to knees and elbows and leave on 10 minutes.
  4. Wash off with water.
  5. Store remaining papaya in refrigerator for future use.
  6. Repeat every other day for a few weeks.

21. Lemon and Sugar

Lemon is a natural bleaching agent and sugar granules exfoliate skin. When combined, the two work to clear away dead skin cells and lighten dark skin.

Process:

  1. Mix equal parts lemon juice and sugar.
  2. Apply to skin, rubbing in circles for few minutes.
  3. Wash off with soap and water.
  4. Note: Regular use may cause skin to feel sticky.

22. Milk

The lactic acid in milk reduces skin pigmentation, moisturizes, and clears away dead skin cells. It works more slowly than other methods.

Process:

  1. Use a cotton ball to apply full fat milk to knees and elbows.
  2. Let it absorb completely into the skin.
  3. Repeat every day.

23. Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice

Coconut oil soothes and hydrates skin while acting as a natural bleaching agent. Lemon juice is also a natural bleaching agent.

Process:

  1. Mix 1 teaspoon coconut oil with ½ teaspoon lemon juice.
  2. Apply to knees and elbows and leave on 15-30 minutes.
  3. Wipe off excess oil with paper towels.
  4. Repeat regularly.

24. Lemon, Olive Oil, and Salt

Lemon has natural anti-oxidant, bleaching, and exfoliating properties that clear away dead skin cells and lighten skin tone. Salt exfoliates while olive oil moisturizes to leave skin soft and smooth with even tone.

Process:

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and ½ cup sea or table salt.
  2. Massage into knees and elbows and leave on 10-15 minutes.
  3. Wash off with soap and water.
  4. Repeat daily.
  5. Remember to moisturize as lemon juice can dry out skin.

Tips for Preventing Dark Elbows and Knees

  • Use sunscreen regularly.
  • Apply moisturizers after showers to reduce dryness and friction.
  • Rub knees and elbows with a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells.
  • Use an exfoliating brush or loofa in the shower.
  • Apply olive oil before bed and leave on overnight to soften and bleach skin.
  • Cut the toes off some old socks. Apply Vaseline to elbows and knees and wear the socks over them every night for a few weeks.
  • Cut a lemon in half and squeeze while rubbing in knees and elbows. Never apply lemon juice or salt to bruised or cracked skin as it can cause burning and irritation.
  • Rub a cucumber slice on elbows and knees regularly.
  • Apply moisturizers with Shea butter, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, or coconut oil after using any of the above methods and before going to bed to prevent re-darkening of skin.
  • Don’t scrub excessively, as this causes skin to produce extra cells. Scrub gently 2-3 times weekly.
  • Always use natural bleaching agents rather than chemicals.
  • Drink plenty of water to detoxify the body and promote good health.
  • Limit your intake of sugar, breads, cereals, energy drinks, soft drinks, caffeine and other processed foods.
  • Don’t lean on knees and elbows. The strain encourages darkening of skin.
  • Always keep knees and elbows covered to restore moisture and prevent rubbing.
  • Test each remedy once to make sure you’re not allergic to any ingredients.
  • If the above methods are ineffective, ask your doctor to prescribe skin bleaching lotion.

All of the above remedies will show results in 2 – 3 weeks. While results take time, they are also long-lasting. Just be patient and soon you’ll be able to wear those short skirts and sleeveless tops again.

Have you tried any of the above methods for lightening dark knees and elbows? Do you know of others we haven’t mentioned? Share your experience with us!

 

32 comments
  1. Is it okay to use all of the natural remedies together? I mean you’d use that certain remedy on monday and that remedy on tuesday etc.?

    1. It is really difficult to tell the exact time as everyone’s skin type is different. Be patient and repeat the application regularly.

    1. Yes. Combine the sufficient amounts of sugar and olive oil in equal quantities. Massage on the required areas until the sugar dissolves. Rinse with water and pat dry. Yes, you can use it on ankles.

  2. How can i reduce the darkness around my inner thighs and vaginal area.
    Really im soo sad because nothing worked for me..
    My inner thighs which are closer to my vagina is soo dark..
    Please tell me some tips to lighter

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