The skin on the knees often folds and stretches over the course of the day, which can make the area noticeably darker and drier than the skin on the rest of the body. If you have dark knees, you can make natural scrubs and pastes to lighten them. Alternatively, you can buy lotions and creams to treat dry skin and hyperpigmentation. In some cases, the problem is due to underlying diseases and a doctor should therefore be consulted.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Moisturize and Exfoliate Skin at Home
Step 1. Make a sugar and olive oil scrub to exfoliate your knees
In a bowl, mix 80ml of olive oil and 140g of sugar until smooth. Then use your hands to massage the scrub on your knees. After massaging them for about 30 seconds, let the exfoliator act on the affected area for 5 minutes before proceeding with rinsing.
Using an exfoliant on the skin helps remove dead skin cells and this treatment can make it visibly clearer and brighter
Step 2. Mix baking soda and lemon juice to make a natural whitening paste
Pour equal parts of baking soda and lemon juice into a small bowl, then mix until you get a paste. Massage it on your knees for about 1 minute using your hands, then rinse it off.
Baking soda and lemon juice perform a naturally whitening function that gives good results to many people. The grainy texture of baking soda is also effective for exfoliating the skin. Both of these ingredients help to visibly lighten it over time
Step 3. Massage sweet almond oil on your knees to make a cheap moisturizer
Every night, apply 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of sweet almond oil to your knees. Make sure to coat them well with the product, then cover them with a piece of fabric or a towel and let the oil sit overnight.
Sweet almond oil has a naturally whitening effect, but it also allows you to hydrate the skin. It therefore helps to reduce stains making it more elastic
Step 4. Make an aloe vera mask in case your knees show scars or spots caused by the sun
Mix 1/2 cup (120ml) of plain yogurt with 2 tablespoons (30ml) of freshly extracted aloe vera gel. Use a spatula to apply the mask to your knees and leave it on for 15-30 minutes. When the time runs out, proceed with rinsing.
- Numerous studies have shown that aloe vera helps eliminate scars naturally.
- To extract the gel from an aloe vera plant, simply peel off a leaf and cut it in the center. Then, take the gel from the leaf using a spoon.
- If you don't have an aloe vera plant, you can buy pure gel, which is readily available at a drugstore or supermarket.
Step 5. When you shower, wipe a loofah or coarse sponge on your lap
If you don't want to make a scrub, you can use a loofah or other type of sponge to perform a physical exfoliation, which removes dead skin cells. These sponges are available in the supermarket, pharmacy or perfumery and can be used in the shower. Massage each knee for at least 30 seconds.
Physical exfoliation with a loofah, sponge, or gentle pumice stone is a treatment commonly used to combat symptoms caused by psoriasis and other conditions associated with dry skin
Method 2 of 3: Apply Creams and Lotions
Step 1. Apply lotion to your knees every day to combat dry skin
Use a moisturizing lotion morning and night focusing on your knees. Look for products containing petrolatum, which form a protective barrier on the skin to retain water.
- Dryness is one of the most common causes of dark spots forming on the skin.
- If you stop applying the lotion regularly, the dark spots may reappear on your knees.
Step 2. Apply sun protection factor cream every day to prevent sun damage and hyperpigmentation
If you have a dark complexion, you may be more prone to sun damage and scarring in the knee area. Apply sunscreen to the area every morning, especially when wearing shorts, skirts, or short dresses. Many experts claim the following:
- While it is not easy to remedy the hyperpigmentation and scarring, it is possible to prevent the situation from getting worse by applying sunscreen.
- In some cases, using a sunscreen can even promote complete stain removal!
Step 3. Apply a chemical whitening cream or gel to treat blemishes
If you have persistent blemishes, look for a whitening cream that contains 2% hydroquinone. Massage it into your lap every day for 4-6 weeks to get the best possible result.
- If you have sensitive skin, hydroquinone can cause inflammation. If you feel a burning or tingling sensation during application, immediately rinse your knees with cold water.
- Bleaching creams should not be used for more than 6 weeks. They can cause irritation and damage to the surface layer of the skin. Additionally, prolonged use of whitening creams has been associated with certain types of cancers.
Method 3 of 3: Addressing the Underlying Causes
Step 1. Drink more water to hydrate yourself better
If you are concerned that the spots are due to dryness problems, increase your water consumption! In general, aim for at least 2 liters of water per day for healthy, glowing skin.
If increasing your fluid intake doesn't work, try using a natural remedy or applying a moisturizer, as well as drinking more water
Step 2. See a dermatologist to diagnose any pigmentation problems or skin disorders
If you've tried a variety of ways to get rid of blemishes but are not getting results, make an appointment with your dermatologist. The specialist will be able to carry out tests and observe the knees to identify the possible causes of the spots affecting this area.
- Be sure to indicate what methods you used to try to get rid of the stains.
- Your doctor will be able to explain the causes of hyperpigmentation and offer you more effective treatments to lighten your knees.
Step 3. If your knees have persistent dark spots, get tested to determine if you have diabetes
If you have undiagnosed or untreated diabetes, dark spots may appear on the knees and shins. If they don't go away in any way, see your doctor for specific tests.
