It’s very easy to forget about your knees and elbows, especially since they’re parts of the body that we don’t usually focus on unless they’re in pain. When we don’t give them the attention they deserve, the skin in these areas start feeling and looking neglected. Over time the skin on our knees and elbows can start to feel hard, dry and wrinkly, and can appear saggy, dull, and discoloured.
Throughout the day, our knees and elbows tend to rub against things constantly such as our clothes, desks and the floor. This encourages dead skin to accumulate, which can eventually cause the skin to become rough and thick.
To help you give your knees and elbows the attention they deserve, read the tips below and incorporate them into a beauty regime for your skin.
Cleanse your knees and elbows
It’s important to keep the skin in these areas clean from dirt, dead cells, pollutants, oil, and bacteria. Try this mixture for a thorough cleanse of your knees and elbows – mix equal amounts of yoghurt and apple cider vinegar together in a bowl. Massage the mixture lovingly over your knees and elbows and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Allow the mixture to dry before washing away with warm water. Gently dab dry with a soft towel. The cider vinegar acts as a great cleanser for the skin and disinfectant for bacteria.
Moisturise your knees and elbows
In the same way you apply moisturiser to your face and hands to keep the skin soft, supple, and hydrated, you should also apply moisturiser to your knees and elbows. Body butter is great for knees and elbows because of its deep hydrating effect. You can also apply aloe vera and petroleum jelly as well. All parts of your body deserve to be loved this way.
Exfoliate them once a week
Exfoliating the skin can remove dirt, oil and dead cells that have accumulated on your knees and elbows. This will allow new regenerated cells to come to the surface, giving a new glow to your skin. Try this mixture if you’re not sure what to use – Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar, half a tablespoon of honey and half a tablespoon of coconut oil and make a paste. Gently wet your knees and elbows and gently massage the paste onto the skin in a circular motion. Do this for a few minutes before washing away with warm water. Gently dab the skin dry with a soft towel.
Apply SPF
Don’t forget to apply SPF lotion on your knees and elbows to protect the skin being damaged by UV rays from the sun. You can use the same SPF lotion that you use on your face and body. All parts of your skin need to be protected
Avoid sun exposure
The sun will help your skin to make vitamin D which is good for your bones, however, overexposure to the sun for long periods of time can cause hyperpigmentation. The skin on your knees and elbows can be thin and can get damaged easily so cover them and protect them.
Avoid crash diets
If you’re trying to lose weight, try to avoid doing crash diets as these diets will encourage your skin to sag. The drastic loss of weight will loosen your skin so it could hand over your knees and elbows. Lose weight slowly and allow your skin to adjust accordingly. This is an overall healthier method of weight loss for your body.
Wear protective pads
If you tend to lean on your knees or elbows a lot, try and wear protective pads so they are cushioned. This will stop your skin from being scraped and damaged. You can wear soft clothing that is less likely to cause fiction against your skin. If you’re working out on the floor, e.g. doing yoga, then try to use a softer, protective yoga mat.
Buy a humidifier
A humidifier is effective against dryness and itchiness of skin. This is because if there is more moisture in the air that surrounds you, then less moisture will evaporate from your skin. Essentially, it keeps your skin better hydrated. This won’t only help your overall skin, but also the delicate skin on your knees and elbows. You’ll start to notice softer skin forming in these areas that are typically more dry or rough.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking water in general is a great tip to keep the overall body healthy. It reduces skin puffiness, reduces the amount of wrinkles, and improves complexion. But as far as knees and elbows are concerned, water will keep the knee and elbow joints flexible and lubricated and will reduce any inflammation present due to its removal of toxins and inflammatory substances from the body. So keep your body hydrated!
Stop smoking
Smoking has a drying and ageing effect on our skin, and your elbows and knees are not exempt! It reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients getting to your skin cells.
People who smoke are also more likely to experience joint pain and develop conditions that have long-term effects on the body, such as osteoarthritis.
If you would like to share your remedies about how you keep your knees and elbows looking and feeling great please let us know on our forum and social media! Share some of your thoughts with others and start a conversation.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
