Are you avoiding short skirts and sleeveless tops because of dark knees and elbows? Do you want to lighten your dark elbows and knees? Don’t worry, we are here to help you. The appearance of dark skin on knees and elbows is a common issue, which can make you feel self-conscious and can cause quite an embarrassment, especially for women. However, you don’t need to spend your money on expensive treatments in large beauty salons to improve your skin tone. There are plenty of different methods which you can use to lighten your dark skin without punching a hole in your wallet. These simple and effective home remedies have helped many and are time-tested.

Baking soda and lemon

A paste of lemon juice and baking soda works wonders when it comes to lightening your skin. Baking soda acts as a gentle cleanser which exfoliates the skin and scrubs away dead skin cells. Both lemon juice and baking soda also share strong bleaching properties. Prepare a paste with 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and lemon juice. Simply rub it on affected areas. Wash it off with clean water and dry the area thoroughly. If you want better results quickly, follow this tip every day.

(Read more: Lemon for face and skin)

Turmeric

Turmeric is an age-old home remedy that solves a large number of skin problems. It is highly recommended due to its antiseptic properties. It clears skin impurities and adds a nice glow to the skin. Prepare a paste from equal amounts of milk cream and turmeric powder. Apply it on your knees and elbows, rub it well for 5 minutes. Allow it to dry and rinse it with warm water. 

Apply olive oil with sugar

Olive oil and sugar is a simple and effective combination that exfoliates and moisturizes the skin. It acts as a scrub and is very efficient in dealing with dark spots. Simply mix equal quantities of olive oil and sugar to make a paste. Run it gently on your knees and elbows and wait for 5 minutes. After the said interval, wash off the application with water and mild soap. It will nourish and hydrate your skin, lighten the colour and remove dead skin cells.

Combine honey with oatmeal

Honey is a natural moisturizer and an organic antiseptic for the skin. It has antibacterial properties that work amazingly on the skin. Oatmeal is also super effective in dealing with patchy elbows and knees. It can be combined with honey which keeps the skin hydrated. Simply mix organic honey, oatmeal and egg white in equal quantities. Massage your knees and elbows for 5-7 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. Do this 2 or 3 times a week. It will also leave your skin soft and glowing.

(Read more: Face skin tightening tips)

Overall, this problem is not as serious as it may appear at the outset. Try to include all of the remedies to see early results in 2-3 weeks. Just be patient as the results might take a little time but they do last long. Appropriate care and hygiene are also important when it comes to complete skin care. You can always consult your doctor if the above methods are ineffective or if you are allergic to some ingredients.

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