Dark Knees Causes and 8 Best Remedies to Lighten Them

Having dark knees can be pretty embarrassing and can make you self-conscious let alone prevent you from wearing your favorite mini, or just showing off your svelte legs.

You don’t have to feel this way anymore and definitely yes, you can show off your amazing legs once more. Having dark knees is very common and can happen to anyone.

Having dark knees can be such a nuisance especially if they keep occurring almost immediately after you tried to get rid of them, and seems like the symptoms keep getting worse and worse.

Anyway, don’t worry, there are numerous dark knees treatment methods to try and keep the problem at bay.

Causes or why they darken

First things first, you need to understand that the area around your knees lacks oil glands causing the region to dry out quickly as compared to other parts of your skin notes Live strong.

• If you carefully look at the skin on your knees you will notice some crevices which usually trap dirt and dust, therefore if you neglect proper hygiene the area tends to darken and appear patchy notes Live strong. However, the process isn’t as simple as it sounds, it’s a gradual occurrence whereby there is a buildup of dead skin cells whose purpose is to protect your knees, but due to hygienic neglection, the skin ends up becoming darker than what is seen as natural.
• In some other cases dark knees may result from hormonal imbalances, side effects of the medicine or even hyperpigmentation of the skin notes Vivia center.
• Additionally, When the skin is subjected to a lot of friction, it tends to react and establish a protective mechanism, basically, this involves growing an extra layer of thick skin to lower the risk of damage to the more sensitive layers of skin notes Vivia center. Clothes tend to cause friction leading to the growth of a protective layer made up of dead skin cells which is darker than the surrounding areas.
• Genetics
• Ignoring the knee area when exfoliating
• Dry skin

Treatment remedies to get rid of dark knees

The common home remedies include the following

1. Almond oil

The presence of vitamin E in almond oil ensures the restoration of your skin around the knee area to its original state as well as lightening it.

All you need is a few drops of the oil, gently applied and massaged on your knees until the oil is fully absorbed.

Apply the oil at least twice a day to achieve the best outcomes.

2. Olive oil

All you need is 2 tablespoon of olive oil and sugar, mix the ingredients up and apply the mixture on the affected area, gently massaging it for at least 3-5 minutes then wash it off with water.

This is a good exfoliation mask to get rid of dead skin cells as well as hydrate and nourish the skin around the knees.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is famous for its ability to even out skin tone, repairing the skin and also act as a skin lightening agent.

4. Citrus fruit

Citrus fruits for example lemons and oranges act as natural bleaching agents this is because they are rich in vitamin c. therefore are perfect for skin lightening.

You can opt to use lemon or orange fruit. Both the peel and the juice are beneficial for skin lightening.

5. Apple cider vinegar(ACV)

All you need is equal amounts of ACV and water for diluting the concentration of ACV. Use a cotton wool to gently dab the solution on your knees, leave for 15-20 mins before washing it off.

All you need is to either extract the gel from the aloe leaf (if available) or use commercial aloe Vera gels, apply it and leave it for 20-30 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.

You can do this at least twice a day.

6. Coconut oil

You can either choose to use coconut oil or together with other ingredients such as lemon juice or walnut powder.

If you are using coconut oil alone, gently massage it on your knees for a couple of minutes, several times a day to reduce the dryness around the region.

If you opt to use coconut oil and lemon juice; all you need is 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and half a tablespoon of any citrus fruit juice (lemon or oranges), apply the mixture on the knees and leave it for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off.

If you choose to use coconut oil and walnut powder; mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with some walnut powder and apply the mixture on your knees to scrub off dead skin cells.

7. Turmeric powder

Turmeric powder acts as a cleanser and is perfect for an evening out the skin tone and restoring the skin’s natural glow.

All you need is 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder and honey, 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix the ingredients to form a paste, then massage using the paste in circular motions and let it stay for 15-20 minutes before washing it off.

Milk is a natural skin lightening agent whereas honey ensures that the skin remains hydrated and nourished.

8. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in numerous skin lightening creams and lotions, due to its mild bleaching property.

All you need is hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3% and a cotton ball. Dip the cotton wool into the hydrogen peroxide and apply it on your knees, letting it stay for 10-20 minutes then rinse it off with lukewarm water and remember to moisturize the area.

Tips to prevent black knees

• Hydrate: Lack of proper hydration and moisturization in some cases causes darkening of the knees, so ensure you moisturize and hydrated to prevent this problem.
• Avoid leaning on your knees as this causes friction resulting into darkening them.
• Ensure you clean your knees properly when showering to prevent dust and dirt from darkening them.
• Always wear sunscreen to protect them from direct sunlight.