Are you one of those who have accepted that elbows are meant to be dark and dry? Does no amount of loofah, body scrubs or oiling seem effective enough to shirk away those stubborn dark patches on your elbows? Worry not because Shahnaz Husain, Beauty And Ayurveda Expert, has recently divulged remedies that can help you get smooth and flawless elbows.
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Shahnaz Husain's Remedies To Reverse Dark Elbows
If you look at the skin of a newborn, their elbows are soft, supple, and match their skin tone. That means none of us was born with darker elbows, and in fact, it is a consequence of our lifestyle, which means that it can be fixed. Sharing this sentiment, Shahnaz Husain relayed the following remedies for your dark and dry elbows:
Body Lotions
Using a hydrating body lotion can soften your crusty elbows. Massage an appropriate amount of lotions or cream on damp elbows to allow it to be soaked into the pores. Using moisturisers twice a day can nourish your elbows and prevent itching. Husain shared that you can also use pumice stone or body scrub twice a week to exfoliate your elbows while bathing, and then use a lotion right after. This will allow your lotion to penetrate deeper into your elbow skin.
Oils
Another great remedy shared by Husain is sesame oil for elbows. She recommended using sesame oil on elbows before bathing and cleaning the skin with a wash towel or loofah after you have showered. Before bathing, rub some oil on your elbows. Apparently, this method can restore blood flow to your elbows and help you get rid of pigmentation. You can also use sunflower oil, almond oil or olive oil too.
Vinegar
This acidic condiment has the power to soften the toughest scabs and lighten the darkest marks. Mixing water and vinegar in a three is to one ratio, and dabbing it on the skin gently using a cotton pad can help you soften and brighten your elbows. Try this remedy daily after your shower.
Fruits, Plants, And Spices
Another remedy suggested by Husain is mixing lemon juice and turmeric, which are famous Indian remedies for brightened and glowing skin. You can also use lemon to exfoliate your elbows. Simply cut it in half and rub each part on either of your elbows before bathing. cut a lemon in half and rub each part on your elbows before bathing.
Also Read: Frustrated Of Dry Elbows? Here Are 8 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Them
Other natural remedies recommended by the celebrated beauty and wellness expert are an aloe vera gel and turmeric mask, and a papaya pulp and lemon juice mask. Applying these masks to your elbows for 20 minutes before bathing can soften your skin, prevent irritation and dullness, and even out the skin tone of your elbows.
How To Prevent Dark Elbows
Since dark elbows are caused over time due to friction, dehydration, and other lifestyle factors, Husain also recommends following these steps to prevent further darkening of your elbows:
- Do not rub your elbows too harshly with a loofah or washcloth. It will make your skin dry and rough.
- Avoid applying chemical products to the area around the elbows. These harsh products can cause your elbow skin to become red and irritated.
- Avoid hot water during baths.
- Opt for soapless bath gels in winter. As most of us use hot water to bathe during winter, it causes our pores to open up and absorb the harsh chemicals present in the soap. A beneficial alternative for winters can be glycerine soaps which will not just prevent itchiness, but also keep your elbows moisturised.
It’s natural to have dark and dry elbows. Our elbows go through a lot of wear and tear throughout our lives. Fortunately, through persistent efforts, you can reverse your elbows back to their supple and smooth state. However, keep in mind that there can be medical issues that might be the cause of your dark elbows. So if these remedies do not work out for you, consult a credible dermatologist who can recommend targeted and personalised solutions to help you achieve flawless skin.