Dark Elbows & Knees: What Causes Them & How to Fix It

One of the most common questions about the appearance of skin is, “why do knees and elbows become black?”. The dark look of certain areas leaves many African Americans wondering why these dark patches even exist and how to fix the issue. The answer to this question lies within hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is common amongst African Americans and persons of color and occurs due to an increase of melanin.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Knees and elbows are areas that become darker than others because these are areas of the body that experience frequent friction from bending. Hyperpigmentation can also happen during pregnancy, from the use of certain medications and as a result of several diseases, infections or conditions. If you notice unusual darkening of the skin, consult your personal physician for more information and an official diagnosis of the cause.

How Do I Fix This?

The dark appearance of knees and elbows can be lightened by using a loofah pad or brush while in the shower or while taking a bath to exfoliate away dead skin cells. Scrub the knees and elbows lightly in a circular motion for about a minute. Using over-the-counter fading creams will also help with lightening the appearance of the areas affected.

Using natural lightening agents such as lemon juice can help as well. Using freshly squeezed lemon juice as an astringent, apply the juice to the elbows and knees using a cotton ball.

Hyperpigmentation is something that can’t be avoided on certain areas of the body, but by understanding the cause of the darkening and how to treat it, its appearance will even out.