How to lighten your elbows: 5 natural options

To lighten your elbows and reduce stains in this area, there are several natural treatments that can be used, such as bicarbonate, lemon and hydrogen peroxide, for example. In addition to ointments that contain substances such as vitamin A, retinol, vitamin C and niacinamide, which can be found in pharmacies and cosmetics stores.

It is worth remembering that during and after the whitening process it is important to take daily care, such as gently exfoliating the area weekly and applying moisturizing creams or oils every day, to prevent them from turning dark again.

Typically, the dark spots that appear on the elbows are due to friction with clothing, accumulation of melanin, dry skin and genetic predisposition.

The best natural treatments to whiten your elbows are:

1. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a great natural whitening agent and its effect can be seen in the first few days.

Ingredients:

• 10 volume hydrogen peroxide;
• Water;
• Gaze;
• Moisturizing cream or oil.

Preparation mode:

In a plastic container, mix the hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts. Then moisten the gauze with the mixture and apply it to the elbows for 20 minutes. At the end, wash with soap and water and apply moisturizing cream or oil. Repeat this process twice a week.

2. Olive oil and sugar

This mixture will exfoliate and hydrate dark elbows while removing layers of dry skin, thus helping with the lightening process.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Preparation mode:

Mix all the ingredients and exfoliate your elbows for 2 minutes, then wash the area with soap and water and dry with a soft towel.

3. Baking soda and lemon

The citric acid present in lemon together with bicarbonate will lighten the skin while removing dead cells.

Ingredients:

• Juice of half a lemon;
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

Preparation mode:

Mix the ingredients and apply to the elbows, massaging gently for 1 minute, then wash well and apply moisturizing oil or cream.

After applying lemon to your skin, you should avoid any type of sun exposure before washing your skin well, as lemon can cause new spots to appear or lead to the development of a sunburn.

4. Rice water

Rice water has astringent properties, as well as niacin and kojic acid, substances that can help in the elbow whitening process.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rice tea;
• 250 mL of water.

Preparation mode:

Leave the raw rice to soak in water for 12 hours. Then, use a cotton pad to apply it to your elbows and let it dry. Repeat this process twice a day.

5. Aloe vera

The gel present inside the aloe vera leaf, also called aloe vera, has astringent and moisturizing properties that prevent the skin from darkening.

Ingredients:

• 1 aloe leaf;
• 1 glass of water.

Preparation mode:

Cut the aloe leaf in half and remove the gel, then leave the gel to soak in filtered water for 30 minutes. Then strain the water and apply the gel to the elbow for 15 minutes. Finally, wash and apply moisturizing cream or oil.