Use a gentle scrub to exfoliate elbows. Thick dark elbows are usually a result of a buildup of dead skin cells. Apply a thick layer of the scrub on elbows, rub for a half a minute before washing it off. Use a store bought scrub made with gentle ingredients or make a homemade scrub using ingredients like almond meal, sugar and olive oil.
Step 2
Keep skin on elbows moisturized. Use a thick emollient moisturizer with ingredients like shea butter or cocoa butter to soften up the thick skin on elbows. The skin on elbows is prone to dryness because of a lack of oil glands in the area.
Step 3
Use a natural home treatment of lemon juice to brighten up the dark skin of elbows. Lemon juice is a natural skin lightener and its acidity help both in brightening and softening up skin.
Step 4
Consider a special cream or lotion which is hydroquinone free for clarifying the dark blotchy skin on elbows. A facial cream used for hyperpigmentation can brighten up elbow skin too. Look for ingredients like Vitamin C, niacinamide, or azelaic acid when looking for a brightening cream.
Step 5
Use sunscreen religiously on the treated elbows. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect freshly exfoliated and treated skin from further damage. Applying sunscreen will also prevent the recurrence of thick dark elbows.
