How to Lighten Dark Knees

Last Updated: September 4, 2022 References

The skin on your knees bends and stretches frequently throughout the day, which can cause the area to appear darker and drier than the rest of the skin on your body. If you have dark knees, you can make natural scrubs and pastes to lighten them, or you can purchase commercial lotions and creams for treating dryness and dark skin. In some cases, dark knees are caused by an underlying medical condition which might require you to visit a doctor.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Moisturizing and Exfoliating at Home

1
Make a sugar and olive oil scrub to exfoliate your knees. Mix ¹⁄₃ cup (79 ml) olive oil and 2/3 cup (134 g) of white sugar in a bowl until they’re thoroughly combined. Then, use your hands to rub the scrub into your knees. After rubbing for about 30 seconds, let the scrub sit on your knees for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with water.^{[1]
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- Using an exfoliating mixture on your skin helps to remove dead skin cells, which can make the skin appear lighter and brighter.^{[2]
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2
Mix baking soda and lemon juice to make a natural lightening paste. Add equal parts baking soda and lemon juice to a small bowl, and stir them until a paste forms. Use your hands to rub the paste into your knees for about 1 minute, and then rinse with water.^{[3]
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- Both baking soda and lemon juice work well as natural lightening agents for many people, and the grittiness of the baking soda helps to exfoliate your skin. Both of these can help to make dark skin look lighter over time.
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3
Rub almond oil on your knees for an inexpensive moisturizing treatment. Every night, apply 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of almond oil to your knees. Make sure your knees are coated with the oil, and then cover them with a strip of fabric or a towel overnight.
- While almond oil is a natural lightener, it will also add moisture to your skin, which helps to reduce darkness by making the skin more supple.
4
Apply an aloe vera mask if you have scars or sun damage on your knees. Mix ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) of plain yogurt with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of freshly extracted aloe gel. Use a spatula to apply the mask to your knees, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Then, rinse your knees with water.^{[4]
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- Aloe has been proven as a natural healing for scars in a number of studies.^{[5]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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- To extract aloe gel from the leaves of an aloe plant, simply cut the leaf off of the plant and slice down the center of the leaf. Then, use a spoon to scoop the gel out of the leaf.
- If you don’t have fresh aloe gel available, you can purchase pure aloe from most pharmacies or supermarkets.
5
Use a loofah or rough sponge on your knees in the shower. If you don’t want to make a scrub, you can use a physical exfoliator like a loofah or sponge to scrub away the dead skin cells. Purchase one at your local supermarket, pharmacy, or beauty supply store, and use it to wash your body in the shower, scrubbing each of your knees for at least 30 seconds.^{[6]
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- Physical exfoliation with a loofah, sponge, or gentle pumice stone is a common treatment for the symptoms of psoriasis and other dry-skin conditions.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Creams and Lotions

1
Use lotion on your knees everyday to reduce dryness. Apply a moisturizing lotion every morning and evening, focusing on your knees. Look for lotions that contain petrolatum as an ingredient, which forms a protective barrier on the skin to trap moisture.^{[7]
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- Dryness is one of the most common causes of dark skin throughout the body.
- If you stop applying moisturizer regularly, the dark spots on your knees may return.
2
Wear sunscreen every day to prevent sun damage and hyperpigmentation. If you have a darker skin tone, you may be more susceptible to skin damage and scarring on your knees. Each morning, apply a sunscreen to your knees, especially if you’re wearing shorts, a skirt, or a dress. Many experts recommend that ^{[8]
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- While it’s not easy to reverse hyperpigmentation or scarring, you can prevent it from getting worse by wearing sunscreen.
- In some cases, using sunscreen can even remove dark spots entirely!
3
Apply a chemical whitening cream or gel to treat dark knees. If you do have permanent dark spots, look for a whitening cream that contains 2% hydroquinone as an ingredient. Rub the cream on your knees everyday for 4-6 weeks for the best results.^{[9]
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- For people with sensitive skin, hydroquinone can cause inflammation. If you feel a burning or tingling sensation when you apply the cream, rinse your knees with cold water immediately.
- Avoid using lightening creams for longer than 6 weeks. They can cause skin irritation and damage to the outer layer of skin, and long-term use of whitening cream has been linked to certain types of cancer.
- Always use these hydroquinone creams under the direction of a dermatologist.^{[10]
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  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Addressing Underlying Issues

1
Increase your water intake to improve hydration. If you suspect that your dark knees are caused by dry skin, drink more water! In general, aim to consume at least 68 fluid ounces (2.0 L) of water every day for healthy, glowing skin.^{[11]
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- If you don’t see results from increasing your water intake, consider using a natural remedy or applying a moisturizer in addition to drinking water.
2
Visit a dermatologist to diagnose pigmentation issues or skin diseases. If you’ve tried multiple methods to get rid of your dark knees but haven’t had any results, make an appointment with a dermatologist. There, the doctor will be able to do tests and look at your knees to identify a likely cause for the dark skin in that area.^{[12]
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- Be sure to explain which methods you’ve used to try to get rid of your dark knees.
- Your doctor may be able to explain why your skin is darker in that area, and can offer more potent treatments for lightening the skin.
3
Get tested for diabetes if you have permanent dark spots on your knees. Sometimes, individuals with undiagnosed or untreated diabetes will develop dark spots on their knees and shins. If you have spots that won’t go away, visit your doctor to get tested for diabetes.^{[13]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- This condition is called “diabetic dermopathy,” and people often mistake these marks for age spots.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I get rid of dark knees and elbows within a day or less?

Community Answer

It would be very hard to get rid of dark knees in less then a day. I'd suggest having a warm bath or shower and then applying a soft cream like Nivea or Sudocream.
Question

Can I use pumice instead of a loofah?

Community Answer

A loofah is much more gentle than a pumice stone, but if you scrub extremely lightly this could be an alternative method.
Question

Can the olive oil be extra virgin?

Community Answer

Yes, the extra virgin won't change the results or make your knees darker, the extra virgin just means that it is a higher quality oil.