Beauty Tips

How to treat dark knees and elbows

Tanning, friction, hormonal imbalance and accumulation of dead skin cells tend to result in dark knees and elbows. These areas do not have glands that secrete natural oils and hence require extra care and attention. Well, don’t let that stop you from wearing those sleeveless shirts and short dresses! Here are a few tips on how you can treat them easily at home.

Milk and baking soda

Baking soda proves to be a good exfoliator by not just cleansing but also thoroughly getting rid of the dead skin cells. Milk, on the other hand, helps soothe and moisturise due to the properties it contains such as lactic acid, amino acids and antioxidants.

Step 1: Take one tablespoon each of baking soda and milk.

Step 2: Mix it well to create a paste.

Step 3: Apply this paste on your elbows and knees by gently scrubbing in circular motions.

Step 4: Do this for 2-3 minutes and rinse it with water.

Tip: Repeat the process every alternate day.

Coconut oil

It has hydrating and moisturising properties that prevent skin from drying. The vitamin E present in the coconut oil helps to lighten the skin and repair it.

Step 1: Apply required amount of coconut oil to the affected areas after shower.

Step 2: Massage gently for a couple of minutes till the oil gets absorbed into your skin.

Step 3: You can also try this method: Add 1/2 a teaspoon of lemon juice to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.

Step 5: Apply it on the affected areas and cleanse with water after a few minutes.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider or ACV acts as an amazing bleaching agent and helps to brighten the skin. It also has antioxidants that boost your skin health.

Step 1: Take equal parts of both apple cider vinegar and water and mix it properly.

Step 2: Apply this solution using a cotton ball onto your knees and elbows.

Step 3: Leave the solution for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse with water.

Tip: Repeat this process 3 to 4 times a week until the affected area starts to lighten.

Aloe vera gel

This natural ingredient has immense benefits for your skin. It not only moisturises but helps reduce uneven skin tone. Aloe vera also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Step 1: Take an aloe vera leaf and cut it to extract the gel.

Step 2: Apply the gel on your elbows and knees and massage it for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Leave it on for a good 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse the area with lukewarm water.

Tip: Repeat this twice a day.


This vegetable is rich in an enzyme called catecholase, which has skin lightening properties. A daily use of potatoes will moisturise your skin and help to get rid of dark areas on the skin.

Step 1: Take a medium-sized potato and grate it to extract the juice.

Step 2: Apply the potato juice onto your knees and elbows.

Step 3: Leave it for 15 minutes onto your skin.

Step 4: Then rinse it off with water.

Step 5: Apply your choice of moisturiser.

Tip: Alternatively, you can also take a slice of potato and rub it on your knees and elbows for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off.


This hydrating vegetable has bleaching properties and hence makes for one of the most effective methods to reduce the dark skin on knees and elbows. It aids in the removal of any dead skin cells as well. Rich in vitamin A and C it aids in keeping your skin soft and fresh.

Step 1: Take a thick slice of fresh cucumber and gently rub it on your knees and elbows for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Leave the cucumber juice on the affected area for another 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse with cold water.

Tip: Repeat it daily.

Turmeric and milk

This root consists of a compound called curcumin that regulates the melanin, which is responsible for the darkness on your skin. It is considered to have beauty and medicinal benefits, as it contains antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Turmeric acts as a natural exfoliant and helps remove dead skin cells and impurities. Mixed with milk, they aid in nourishing your skin.

Step 1: Take a tablespoon of milk and add ½ a teaspoon of turmeric powder to it.

Step 2: Mix it well till it becomes a paste and apply it on your elbows and knees using a cotton ball.

Step 3: Massage the paste for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Let it dry naturally and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

So, these were some of the natural remedies you can try at home to treat dark knees and elbows. Follow them regularly and you’ll be left with beautiful skin that you can flaunt away.

Click here to know about the natural ingredients for flaky dry skin.

1 comment on “How to treat dark knees and elbows

  1. maryachieng

    Wow!! Nice tips there. I’ll try out some of the methods.

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