7 ways to remove tan from elbows corners and knees
Dark elbows and knees have always been a great concern for the fashionistas as sporting sleeveless jackets and short skirts would pose a problem. In fact, sleeveless dresses are the in thing and sleeves are just an option completely depending on personal choice. With people growing more conscious of their complexion and bodies, removing the stubborn tan on elbows and knees is a real challenge.
Here are a few tips to avoid embarrassing situations with tanned elbows while sporting sleeveless outfits.
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Sugar and olive oil
Sugar is an effective exfoliator as its granules are coarse while olive oil, which has the goodness of Vitamin E, acts as a moisturizer. Mix both oil and sugar in equal quantities and make a paste. Apply this on the tanned elbows or knees and rub it on the skin for five minutes. Then wash it using a mild soap.
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Lemon Juice and Honey
It is a very effective agent in removing tan on elbows/knees due to its bleaching and exfoliating properties. Cut a big lemon into two halves and scrub the juice the elbows for 10-15 minutes. Allow it to remain on the skin and use petroleum jelly or vaseline to keep the area moisturized. This will help your elbows and knees feel smoother.
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, while honey moisturizes the skin. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and honey, apply to the affected areas, and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Repeat this process daily for best results.
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Baking soda and milk
Baking soda cleans and reduces darkness of the skin. Milk has bleaching properties that also clean the skin. Mix baking soda and milk in equal proportions to make a paste. Scrub it on the tanned skin in circular motion and allow it to dry. Repeat the process every alternative day till you notice a change in the color in the affected area.
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Gramflour and lemon
Apart from having cleansing properties, gram flour also is an exfoliating agent. As you know, lemon is a natural bleach and helps in reducing dark spots. Add lemon juice to gram flour and make it into a paste. Apply it on the dark elbows, knees and rub it in circular motion. Wash it off after it dries.
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Turmeric, milk and honey
The goodness of turmeric’s antiseptic property and milk’s bleaching quality can help get rid of dark elbows and knees. Mix some turmeric, milk and honey, which acts as a moisturizer. Apply the paste on the black areas and allow it to remain for 20 minutes. Then wash it off with water.
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Moisturisers/sunscreen lotions
While moisturizers hydrate the skin and avoid dryness which can prevent darkening of the skin, generous use of sunscreen lotions while going into the open reduce the likelihood of darkening of exposed parts.
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Salt, fresh lemon juice and olive oil
Mix two tablespoons of lemon juice, with one tablespoon of olive oil and half-a-tablespoon of sea/table salt. Lemon juice and the coarse grains of salt remove the dead skin while olive oil acts as a moisturizer. Rub this mixture on the dark areas, allow it to dry and then clean it every day for a few weeks.
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Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has soothing and lightening properties. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly from the plant to your elbows, corners, and knees before bedtime. Leave it overnight and wash it off in the morning.
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Baking Soda and Milk
Baking soda acts as an exfoliant and helps in removing dead skin cells. Mix baking soda with enough milk to form a thick paste. Gently scrub the paste onto the tanned areas in circular motions, then rinse off after 15 minutes.
A word of caution: Lemon can sting your skin and if this happens, apply a moisturizer before further use.
