Are your elbows and knees dark? Try this elbow mask

Flawless even-toned skin contributes to your beauty, while dark patches detract from it. I didn’t realise how dark my elbows were until someone commented on them. I started wondering if it was the result of years of planking, or whether it was a hormonal cause.

So I started looking at other peoples knees and elbows, and realised that darkened knees and elbows are a common problem. The skin in this area is thicker and prone to moisture loss. This, coupled with the fact that we usually lean on our elbows and knees, leads to dark, coarse skin. Other factors that contribute to dark elbows and knees are genetics, overexposure to the sun, dead skin buildup, and frequent rubbing and scratching.

You don’t have to panic when you look at your elbows and knees. You can even out and brighten these areas using natural, safe, home remedies.

1. Lemon

Lemon contains bleaching and exfoliating properties therefore it is excellent for getting rid of dark patches. Lemon gets rid of dead skin cells while simultaneously lightening the skin. Cut a lemon in half and rub it on the affected areas every evening for about 10 to 15 minutes. Wipe dry and moisturise. Repeat this daily for about two weeks. Keep the affected areas away from direct sunlight as lemon increases the skin’s sensitivity which could result in burning.

2. Bicarbonate soda and milk

Bicarbonate soda is a natural exfoliant that effectively gets rid of dead skin, while milk contains lactic acid which works to gradually diminish the skin pigmentation.

Mix four tablespoons of bicarbonate soda with just enough milk to form a thick paste. Apply it to the affected areas, rub, and leave it as a mask for at least 10 minutes. Rinse off and moisturise. You can do this daily or just twice a week, until the desired effect is achieved.

3. Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains Vitamin E which helps prevent dryness. Apply to the affected areas several times a day as needed. If you keep your skin moisturised and hydrated, it will contribute to the repair of darkened skin.

4. Yogurt and vinegar

Yogurt contains lactic acid while vinegar contains acetic acid. These acids are mild but help to even out skin tone through gentle micro-dermabrasion. Mix an equal amount of yogurt and vinegar and apply on affected areas. Rub it for a few minutes and wash off.

5. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide contains bleaching properties and is safe to use on the body in diluted form. Soak a cotton ball in a solution of 50:50 H2o and H2o2 (Hydrogen peroxide with water) liquid and apply on the dark areas. Use daily for two weeks. Don’t forget to moisturise.

Dark elbow mask

Ingredients 1 teaspoon coconut oil

2 teaspoons bicarbonate soda

Juice from half a lemon

1 tablespoon honey

Step 1 – Mix

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until it forms a paste.

Step 2 – Apply

Apply onto the affected areas and massage for a few seconds.

Step 3 – Wrap

Cover with gauze and leave overnight.

Step 4 – Wash

In the morning, wash off the mixture with warm water and pat dry.

Step 5 – Moisturise

Massage coconut oil on the area until it penetrates the skin. Remember that brightening your elbows is a three-pronged process involving exfoliation, applying a mask, and keeping the area moisturised. Do this every day for at least two weeks to a month for noticeable results. If your knees or elbows are bruised, avoid using products such as lemon until the area has healed.