Home remedies: Dark elbows an embarrassment? Not anymore!

Zee Media Bureau/Udita Madan

​New Delhi: Can't wear that amazing sleeveless dress that you love so much because you're embarrassed of your dark elbows? We don't blame you. Having an uneven skin tone can make you feel self-conscious.

Dead skin cells, ageing, pigmentation, etc., are some reasons why you have to see those darkened elbows everyday. Yes, we also know that no amount of soap or skin lightening creams seem to be working on those.

However, going to an expensive salon is not the solution to your answer. Why give up so easily when you have everything you need right in your kitchen?

Scroll down to find four easy natural home remedies that can work wonders on your dark elbows. Have a look!

1. Lemon juice:

This seems to be a solution to everything, doesn't it? Well, its properties are such! Lemons are considered to be natural bleaching agents. So cut a lemon in half and rub, rub and rub on those elbows to make the skin on your elbows more even. Let the lemon juice stay on your elbows for at least 3 hours before you wash it off. And when you do, rinse it with warm water and later, moisturize well, since lemons can make the skin dry. Repeat this method everyday for effective results.

2. Heavy cream and turmeric:

Turmeric again, is a natural bleaching agent and has healing properties as well and helps reduce melanin in the skin as well. All you need to do is boil the heavy cream till it thickens and becomes clotted. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric and add the same amount of gram flour (Besan) for good measure. Massage the affected area with it in slow circular motion for 15-20 minutes and then wash off with water. Your skin may acquire a yellowish tinge due to the turmeric, but that will go away in a couple of days. Repeat the process once everyday.

3. Baking soda and milk:

You might be aware of the properties of milk, if your grandmother or mother told you to bathe with milk. Milk contains lactic acid which reduces skin pigmentation, while the baking soda helps exfoliate dead skin cells. Simply mix milk and baking soda, adding enough milk so that the mixture acquires a paste-like consistency. Scrub the paste onto your elbows and then wash off. Do note that baking soda is also an abrasive and slightly harsh on the skin. Therefore, either reduce the amount or do this only twice a week.

4. Yogurt and vinegar:

The acetic acid in vinegar also has the potential to lighten skin. Mixed with the lactic acid in milk, it packs a mean punch when used for skin-lightening purposes. Simply mix one teaspoon of yogurt with one teaspoon of white vinegar and mix until they form a consistent paste. Apply to elbows, rubbing in a circular motion. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse off and moisturize.