How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows: Home Remedies, Treatment & Prevention

Dark elbows are often caused by hyperpigmentation from the sun or a buildup of dead skin cells, but there are tons of ways to treat and minimize their appearance. In this article, we’re providing all the ways you can get rid of dark elbows, including home remedies and professional treatments. We also spoke with FAAD board certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, MD, for advice on how to properly exfoliate and prevent the look of dark elbows.

How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows: Quick Tips

Apply diluted lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, turmeric powder and yogurt, baking soda and milk, or aloe vera onto your elbows to lighten them. Alternatively, use a lightening cream or talk to your doctor about laser therapy to treat dark elbows. Exfoliate your elbows once or twice a week and wear sunscreen daily.

Section 1 of 5:

Home Remedies

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1
Lemon juice Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is a natural bleaching agent that can help lighten your skin. Cut a large lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a bowl, then add equal parts of water. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture directly on your elbows, and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing with water. ^{[1]
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Research source} Repeat this every day until your elbows brighten up.
- Lemon juice can irritate your skin, so perform a patch test to ensure you can tolerate it. Rub a bit of lemon juice onto the inside of your wrist, then wait 24 hours to see if your skin is red or irritated. If so, rinse it off and do not apply it anywhere else on your body.
2
Turmeric & yogurt Some studies show that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can treat hyperpigmentation. ^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} To brighten your elbows, mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with two tablespoons of yogurt to make a paste. Apply the paste to your skin, then leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. ^{[3]
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Research source}
- Keep in mind that turmeric can dye your skin a yellowish-orange color. It’s especially noticeable on pale skin, but the color should fade after a day or two.
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3
Baking soda & milk Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that can get rid of dead skin cells. Milk contains lactic acid, which can exfoliate and lighten your skin. ^{[4]
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Research source} Together, these two ingredients can help brighten dark elbows. Just add enough milk to turn the baking soda into a paste, then apply the mixture on your elbows and gently scrub in a circular motion. Leave it on for about 3 minutes before rinsing with water.
- You can also substitute regular milk for buttermilk. Both are high in lactic acid, which is great for brightening the skin.
4
Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which decreases melanin production to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Dilute 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water, then apply the mixture to your elbows with a cotton ball. Leave it on for one minute before rinsing with water and moisturizing. ^{[5]
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Research source}
- If you have sensitive skin, dilute the apple cider vinegar even more and perform a patch test to check for an adverse reaction.
Buttermilk can help remove dead skin cells and lighten pigmentation. ^{[6]
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Research source} Oatmeal, on the other hand, is a natural exfoliant with soothing properties. To brighten your elbows, combine oatmeal with enough buttermilk to form a paste, then rub it onto your elbows in a circular motion. Let the paste sit on your elbows for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
6
Aloe vera Research shows that aloe can combat hyperpigmentation caused by the sun. ^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Apply pure aloe gel to your elbows before bedtime, and use it daily to brighten your elbows. ^{[8]
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Research source}
- To extract aloe gel from an aloe plant, cut the leaf off of the plant and slice down the center. Use a spoon to scoop the gel out of the leaf.
Some people believe that potato juice can help lighten dark skin, due to the enzyme catecholase. ^{[9]
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Research source} Grate a potato to extract its juice, then use a cotton pad to apply the juice to your elbows. Leave it on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Section 2 of 5:

Other Treatments

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Over-the-counter lightening creams Look for products with kojic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, retinoids, or a combination of these ingredients. They have been proven to fade existing dark spots, and in some cases, slow down the production of melanin. ^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Some side effects of over-the-counter lightening creams include irritation, peeling skin, and increased sun sensitivity. Stop using a product if you experience any irritation, redness, or itchiness.
Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in skin lightening products because it limits the skin’s production of melanin. It is not approved for over-the-counter sale in the U.S, but you can get a prescription skin product containing hydroquinone from your health care provider. ^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
US Food and Drug Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health
Go to source}
3
Laser therapy If you’ve tried at-home remedies and other treatments with no success, your doctor may suggest laser therapy. With this treatment, a laser is tuned to a specific frequency to break down melanin (the substance that causes pigmentation). The body absorbs the melanin, which helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. ^{[12]
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Research source}
- Keep in mind that there is a risk of scarring and skin irritation, which can make dark skin look worse.

Section 3 of 5:

Ways to Prevent Dark Elbows

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Exfoliate your elbows once or twice a week. Use a loofah or washcloth to exfoliate the dead and flaky skin cells from your elbows. Dead skin cells can become trapped in the creases of your elbows, causing your skin to have a dark or dull appearance. Just be sure not to scrub too hard or too frequently, as this can cause irritation. ^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Alternatively, you can make your own sugar scrub by mixing 2 parts sugar (white or brown) with one part oil (almond, coconut, or olive).
- If you have extra dry skin, you can exfoliate your body “two to three times a week,” according to Tareen. If you have sensitive skin, exfoliate “about once a week.” ^{[14]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mohiba Tareen, MD
  FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
- If you’re starting to get red, get cracks in your skin, or experience burning or irritation, you should “take at least a week break from exfoliation to let your skin barrier recover,” says Tareen. ^{[15]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mohiba Tareen, MD
  FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
2
Cleanse and moisturize your elbows daily. Keeping your elbows clean and moisturized can decrease the appearance of dark skin over time. Wash your skin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, then slather on moisturizer immediately after drying your skin. According to Tareen, it’s extremely important to “moisturize after you exfoliate…to lock in hydration to the deeper skin cells.” ^{[16]
X
Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
- Look for moisturizers that contain moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lecithin, lanolin, petrolatum (petroleum jelly), linoleic, linolenic, and lauric acids. ^{[17]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
  Go to source}
- If your elbows are extremely dry, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or pure shea butter directly to your elbows before bedtime, then wrap the area with saran wrap. Leave it on overnight so the product can penetrate deeply into your skin.
3
Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Regardless of your skin type and color, sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and darken your elbows and knees. Use a water-resistant sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it to your skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every 2 hours (or after swimming or sweating). ^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Harmful UV rays are present even when it's cloudy or raining, so you should make a point to wear sunscreen all year round. It might even be a good idea to make sunscreen application part of your morning routine.

Section 4 of 5:

What causes dark elbows?

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Dark elbows are often caused by excess dead skin cells and hyperpigmentation. There are many factors that can cause dark elbows, from an accumulation of dead skin cells to hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. Here are some common causes: ^{[19]
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Research source}
- A buildup of dead skin cells
- Hyperpigmentation
- Birth control pills
- Melasma
- Age spots and freckles
- Skin conditions (psoriasis and eczema)
- Inflammation from a previous injury

Section 5 of 5:

When to See a Dermatologist

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Visit a dermatologist to diagnose pigmentation issues or skin diseases. Home remedies may help lighten your skin, but the best way to treat dark elbows is to make an appointment with your dermatologist. They’ll be able to run tests to identify what’s causing the hyperpigmentation and offer more effective treatments for lightening your skin. ^{[20]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- If you’re having trouble finding a dermatologist, search the American Board of Dermatology’s database for a doctor who specializes in hyperpigmentation.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Why do I have dark elbows?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Dark elbows can be caused by dryness, dirt, or some dark elbows are simply due to hereditary reasons.

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Question

Can we use these remedies on our knees? Or any other dark area?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can use these remedies on knees but they should not be used on sensitive areas, such as your face. On other areas such as hands, I'd recommend either yogurt and vinegar or lemon juice. The turmeric remedy is not recommended for hands and feet as it will stain skin and nails.

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Question

Can I use lemon and turmeric together?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You should not combine lemon and turmeric, as the acid in the lemon turns the turmeric bright red, which can stain the skin noticeably.

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Some studies show that applying vitamin C topically may brighten your skin. ^{[21]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source} Consider applying a vitamin C serum to your elbows daily to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Make sure you don't go outside after putting lemon juice on. It can cause blisters.
Make sure to test any product on a small area first if you have sensitive skin.

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Warnings

Do not apply apple cider vinegar or lemon juice directly to your skin. Always dilute it with water to prevent irritation and chemical burns.

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Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

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How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows: Home Remedies, Treatment & Prevention

How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows: Quick Tips

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Home Remedies

Other Treatments

Ways to Prevent Dark Elbows

What causes dark elbows?

When to See a Dermatologist

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Tips from our Readers

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