Rough elbows and knees are so common that many people assume nothing can be done about them. The skin there is different from the skin on the rest of your arms and legs, and it does need more care. With a few minutes of attention each day, it becomes noticeably softer and smoother within a couple of weeks.
Why elbows and knees are different
- The skin is thicker, to protect the joints.
- There are few oil glands, so the area dries easily.
- The skin folds and stretches every time you bend, which creates deep creases.
- Pressure and friction from leaning on desks, kneeling and tight clothing make the skin thicken further.
As the outer layer thickens and dries, it looks rough, gray or ashy, and sometimes darker than the surrounding skin.
Why they can look darker
Repeated rubbing and pressure can make skin produce more pigment and thicken. Dry, built-up skin also looks dull. This is more noticeable in medium and deep skin tones. It is not dirt, and scrubbing hard makes it worse, because irritation triggers more pigment.
The daily routine
1. Wash gently
Use a mild cleanser and warm water. Do not scour with soap and a rough cloth.
2. Exfoliate lightly, two or three times a week
- Rub a soft, damp washcloth over the area in small circles for a few seconds, or
- Use a lotion that exfoliates chemically, which is usually gentler and more even.
See How to Exfoliate Your Body: Methods and Precautions.
3. Apply a softening cream every day
Look for creams made for rough, dry skin with ingredients such as:
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Urea, 10% or more | Draws in water and softens thick skin |
| Lactic acid or ammonium lactate | Moisturizes and loosens dead cells |
| Salicylic acid | Helps to shed thickened skin |
| Glycerin | Holds water in the skin |
| Shea butter, petrolatum, lanolin | Seal in moisture and protect |
Apply after bathing, on damp skin. These ingredients can sting on cracked skin. If so, use a plain ointment until the cracks heal.
4. Seal at night
At bedtime, apply a thick layer of ointment or body butter. Wearing long sleeves or soft pants to bed keeps the product in place. See Body Lotion vs Cream vs Butter: Key Differences.
5. Protect in the day
Apply sunscreen to elbows and knees when they are exposed. Sun deepens dark patches.
Reduce friction and pressure
- Avoid leaning on your elbows at a desk. Use a soft pad, if you must.
- Use a cushion or knee pads for gardening, cleaning or exercise on the floor.
- Wear soft fabrics, and avoid tight sleeves that rub.
Without this step, the skin keeps thickening to protect itself, whatever cream you use.
What not to do
- Scrub hard with pumice, stiff brushes or harsh scrubs.
- Use lemon juice, baking soda or similar home remedies. They irritate and can cause more darkening.
- Use unregulated "lightening" creams. Some contain harmful ingredients.
- Pick at dry flakes.
How long does it take?
- Softness: a few days to two weeks.
- Smoother texture: two to four weeks.
- More even color: several months, and only if friction is reduced and the area is protected from the sun.
Keep moisturizing daily once the skin has improved.
When it might be something else
Elbows and knees are typical places for some skin conditions.
| What you see | What it may be |
|---|---|
| Well-defined, red or dark, raised patches with silvery scale | Psoriasis |
| Itchy, inflamed, sometimes oozing patches, often in the creases | Eczema |
| Small rough bumps on the backs of the arms | Keratosis pilaris. See Keratosis Pilaris: A Gentle Body Care Routine |
| Dark, velvety thickening in skin folds, such as the neck and armpits | A change that can be linked to insulin resistance; see a doctor |
See a doctor if the skin is very itchy, painful, cracked and bleeding, or does not respond to a few weeks of regular care.
For dryness all over the body, see Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care. Heels behave in a similar way. See Cracked Heels: Care Tips and When to Get Help.
Related on ArniSun
- Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care
- How to Exfoliate Your Body: Methods and Precautions
- Body Lotion vs Cream vs Butter: Key Differences
- Keratosis Pilaris: A Gentle Body Care Routine
- Cracked Heels: Care Tips and When to Get Help
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Why are my elbows and knees darker than the rest of my skin?
Friction, pressure and dryness thicken the skin and increase pigment. Gentle exfoliation, daily moisturizing, sun protection and less rubbing gradually even the tone.
What is the best cream for rough elbows?
Creams with urea, lactic acid or salicylic acid soften thick skin. Follow with a thick ointment or butter at night.
Should I scrub my elbows to make them smooth?
No. Hard scrubbing irritates the skin and can make it thicker and darker. Use light exfoliation and a softening cream instead.