Dark elbows occur when your elbows accumulate darker skin than the rest of your arm. There are various causes and risk factors, but you can take steps at home to minimize the effects.
Dark elbows can be caused by:
- an accumulation of dead skin cells
- hyperpigmentation increased by sun exposure
- birth control pills
- melasma (dark spots) from a recent pregnancy
- freckles and age spots
- certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema
- inflammation from a previous injury
- phytophotodermatitis, a skin inflammation that may be triggered by sunlight reacting to citrus juices or other plant chemicals
While such causes can affect any part of your skin, your elbows are perhaps more vulnerable due to a lack of attention and care compared with other more prominent parts of your body, such as the face.
People with naturally darker skin tones are also at an increased risk of dark elbows.
Home remedies are the most desirable for lightening dark elbows. For one, they’re relatively inexpensive. They also don’t pose side effects like medicated products can. Try one or more of the following methods:
Aloe vera
One
Baking soda
Baking soda has both exfoliating and skin-lightening properties that may help treat dark elbows. Start by adding a teaspoon at a time with water to a bowl. Keep adding and mixing well until you have the desired amount of product. Then, apply directly to your elbows.
Treat the process as a face mask, leaving the product on for about 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse off. Repeat twice per week. But avoid using baking soda on your face.
Oatmeal and yogurt
Both oatmeal and yogurt have soothing qualities that can add extra moisture to dry skin. Like baking soda, these two ingredients work best as a mask.
Combine equal parts oatmeal and yogurt until mixed well, then apply to your elbows. Leave on for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Turmeric
This ingredient comes from an Indian root plant that’s like ginger. According to the
Mix the powder with water and apply it directly to the elbows. Leave on for up to 10 minutes, then rinse off.
Aside from home remedies to lighten the color of dark elbows, you’ll want to invest some time and effort into your overall skin care routine. Daily rituals, such as cleansing, moisturizing, and protection, can decrease the look of dark skin spots over time while also keeping your skin healthy.
Cleanse and moisturize
Take time to make sure you wash your elbows daily when in the shower or bath, and always follow up with a moisturizer.
You can also put on a thicker moisturizing agent on top of your daily body lotion, such as coconut oil or aloe vera.
Products containing soy, lignin, ellagic acid, and vitamin B-3 can also lighten skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Exfoliate the elbows
In addition to moisturizing your elbows for softness, you’ll need to take steps to remove dead skin cells and prevent their accumulation. You can do this by exfoliating once or twice a week.
For extra intensity, you may use an exfoliating body wash or a sugar scrub. Make sure you rub the product onto your elbows in a smooth, circular motion.
Also, don’t rub too hard — this will only irritate the skin around your elbows and make any perceived imperfections more noticeable.
Wear sunscreen
You should also wear sunscreen every day. If your arms are exposed to the sun, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen 15 minutes beforehand. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a product with an SPF of at least 30.
Take special care when applying the product to your elbows. Since bending your elbow causes a natural stretch in this area of the arm, you’ll likely need to reapply your sunscreen often.
It’s also important to keep in mind that sunscreen not only protects your skin, but it also helps preserve the effects of any treatments you use.
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, just one day of unprotected sun exposure can end up undoing several months’ worth of treatments.
If home remedies and healthy skin care practices don’t seem to be working for your dark elbows, you might need something stronger to address the underlying hyperpigmentation.
Over-the-counter (OTC) lightening products are the first step. Try products with lipohydroxy acid, which helps lighten dark skin pigmentation.
The downside to OTC products is that they can quickly become expensive for the amount of product you get in each bottle, since you need to use it in a large area. It can also take several weeks — or even months — to take effect.
Some side effects include:
- irritation
- peeling skin
- increased sun sensitivity
Some people have had allergic reactions to ingredients such as licorice and kojic acid. Stop using a product if it causes redness, rash, or itchiness.
If OTC products don’t work, prescription-strength lightening products are available. Talk to your dermatologist about these options, which may include ingredients such as hydroquinone or other bleaching agents.
For severe cases, laser treatments are another option. The most significant risk with these treatments is scarring, which could ultimately make dark elbows look even darker.
Dark elbows can be frustrating, and reversing this type of skin issue can take time. However, a solid skin care plan coupled with home remedies or medicated products can help you lighten the color of dark elbows.
If you don’t see results within a few months, check in with your dermatologist. They can help you assess your current treatment plan and make other recommendations as needed.