Lightening Knees, Knuckles & Elbows

Due to the anatomy of the body, the knees, knuckles and elbows are naturally prone to exertion, skin stretching, external stressors, and irritation. In many cases, individuals with darker skin types have more concentrated, darker pigment in these areas. As I've stated in my post about hyperpigmentation, the more the skin is being excessively pulled, stretched or irritated in some way will result in some change in the amount of melanin production.

Melanin being a defense mechanism is naturally increased when the skin undergoes mild to heavy trauma or repeated stress (just through basic movements of joints (natural anatomy), resting elbows on arm chairs, knees constantly being rubbed against the floor etc.). These hyperpigmented areas usually develop naturally, but can be treated and maintained with the right products.

The best place to start in treating darkened elbows, knuckles and knees is just by changing the body wash/soap that you use. A skin lightening/skin exfoliating soap is what I usually recommend. There are a lot of great ones out there on the market, a few suggestions are: Clinique's Derma White Purifying Bar (personally love this one), Likas Papaya Soap, Fairglow Soap etc.

Foam up the soap and exfoliate using a luffa or those textured hand gloves which you can purchase at most drugstores. Let the soap remain on the skin for at least 3 minutes to let the active ingredient absorb into the skin (remember skin is most receptive when wet). Using lightening soaps takes awhile, but if you do this daily, the results will definitley show. This also ensures a uniform complexion over your entire body.

When you step out of the shower, always moisturize those areas (I like to put lotion over my whole body). The best time to moisturize is right when you step out of the shower. Towel dry yourself, but make sure your skin is still a little damp. Smooth on your body lotion to allow the moisture to lock in. Moisturized skin is more resilient and less prone to irritation than dry skin. That's just a fact.

Another tip is to use a peel on those areas. Now there are several peels that will do: Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion Peel Kit, MakeupartistsChoice Lactic Acid Peel, Aloette Enzyme Restorative Peel.

Use your lightening creams/serums on your knees, knuckles and elbows. A lot of people forget to treat other areas besides the face and neck. The skin on your body (especially those areas prone to hyperpigmentation) need attention as well.

If you are going to be wearing a T-shirt, or shorts, or mini skirt that exposes your knees - use sunscreen on those areas. Again, the knees, elbows and knuckles are also prone to sun damage and will only further darken when exposed to the sun. In the winter, I always wear gloves when I drive.

The most vital point to remember is that lightening these areas takes time. They are caused by natural post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation so results might not be as rapid as lightening up sun damage that you acquired on your face. Just keep at it, treat your skin on your elbows, knees and knuckles like you would your face and always keep those areas moisturized.

=)

Picture: Beaut.ie