Dark elbows that show every time you raise your arm can be a real source of embarrassment for many women and girls. It is exactly why so many shy away from sleeveless or short-sleeved tops, t-shirts and shirts. The trouble is that the skin on the elbows is a little thicker than on the rest of the body, so once dirt, grime and dead skin build up there, they do not come off easily and the darkness lingers. The simplest fix is to treat your elbows the way you already treat your face and neck—clean them regularly instead of ignoring them. If that dark patch is stopping you from wearing sleeveless clothes, try the home remedies below.
5 Ways to Clean Your Elbows at Home
1. Lemon and Honey
Mix lemon and honey together, apply the blend to the dark elbow, and leave it on for about 10 minutes. After that, gently rub with a scrubber or just your hands so the stubborn grime lifts off. Lemon has natural bleaching properties, while honey keeps the skin moisturised. The results show with consistent use, so be sure to apply it two to three times a week.
2. Baking Soda and Milk Paste
Take two to three spoons of raw milk in a bowl and add 1 small spoon of baking soda to it. Apply this paste to the elbow and leave it on for 15 minutes. Baking soda is effective at removing dead skin, and the lactic acid in milk softens the skin. Once the time is up, massage gently and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
3. Potato Juice
Blend one potato in a mixer and squeeze out its juice. Apply it to the elbow with a cotton pad and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then rub gently and wash off with water. The natural enzymes in potato help clean the skin, and with regular use the darkness on your elbows begins to fade.
4. Curd and Besan Pack
If stubborn grime just won't budge, make a pack of curd and besan (gram flour) and apply it to the elbow. Rub it in gently and let it dry for 10 minutes, then clean off with lukewarm or normal water. Curd contains lactic acid and besan removes dirt—together they help exfoliate the skin.
5. Coconut Oil Massage
Sometimes dark elbows are caused by dry skin. In that case, massage the area with coconut oil for 4-5 minutes before going to bed at night. Coconut oil adds moisture to the skin and keeps it soft.
Tips to Keep Elbows From Turning Dark
- Apply moisturiser to your hands and elbows every day.
- Use sunscreen whenever you step out in the sun.
- Avoid resting your elbows on hard surfaces.
- Do light exfoliation at least 2 times a week.
- Drink 3 litres of water through the day and eat a healthy diet.
