To get rid of dark elbows and reduce darkening in the area, there are several natural treatments that you can try, such as sodium bicarbonate or lemon and hydrogen peroxide. There are also ointments available that contain substances such as vitamin A, retinol, vitamin C and niacinamide, which can be found in pharmacies and cosmetic stores.
It is important to remember that during and after the whitening process, it is important to take care of the skin on a daily basis. You should gently exfoliate the area weekly and apply moisturizing creams or oils every day to prevent the skin from darkening again.
Typically, the dark spots that appear on the elbows are due to friction with clothing, melanin accumulation, dry skin and genetic predisposition. Also check-out ways to lighten dark inner thighs.
The best way to get rid of dark elbows using home remedies are:
1. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a great natural whitening agent and its effect can be seen in the first few days of use.
Ingredients:
- 10% hydrogen peroxide
- Water
- Gauze
- Moisturizing cream or oil
Directions
In a plastic container, mix the hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts. Then moisten the gauze with the mixture and apply it to the elbows for 20 minutes. At the end, wash with soap and water and apply moisturizing cream or oil. Repeat this process twice a week.
2. Olive oil and sugar
This mixture will exfoliate and hydrate dark elbows while removing layers of dry skin. This helps to promote lightening.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
Directions
Mix all the ingredients and exfoliate your elbows for 2 minutes, then wash the area with soap and water and dry with a soft towel.
3. Baking soda and lemon
The citric acid present in lemon together with bicarbonate will lighten the skin while removing dead cells.
Ingredients:
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
Directions
Mix the ingredients and apply to the elbows, massaging gently for 1 minute. Then rinse well and apply moisturizing oil or cream.
After applying lemon to your skin, you should avoid any type of sun exposure before washing your skin, as lemon can cause new dark spots to appear or promote the development of a sunburn.
4. Rice water
Rice water has astringent properties, as well as niacin and kojic acid. These are substances that can naturally help in the elbow whitening process.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice tea
- 250 mL of water
Directions
Leave the raw rice to soak in water for 12 hours. Then, use a cotton pad to apply it to your elbows and let it dry. Repeat this process twice a day.
5. Aloe vera
The gel present inside the aloe vera leaf, also called aloe vera, has astringent and moisturizing properties that prevent the skin from darkening.
Also recommended: Aloe Vera: 12 Health Benefits, Side Effects & Contraindications tuasaude.com/en/aloe-veraIngredients
- 1 aloe leaf;
- 1 glass of water.
Directions
Cut the aloe leaf in half and remove the gel, then leave the gel to soak in filtered water for 30 minutes. Then strain the water and apply the gel to your elbow for 15 minutes. Finally, wash and apply moisturizing cream or oil.
Learn more about the benefits of aloe vera for your hair.