A dermatologist recommends 8 home hacks to brighten your dark knees

Summer is here and it’s time to bring out your shorts and skirts from the closet. Oops! We totally forgot about how darkened knees can totally wreck your look. Well, fret not ladies because we have some really cool home hacks that can help you lighten your dark knees in a jiffy.

If you’re wondering why despite sitting at home for a year and not going out in the sun your knees are still dark, then let us enlighten you. 

According to Dr Chytra Anand, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and beauty guru at Kosmoderma Clinics, Indian skin has melanin or pigment in it. For every 10 normal cells, Indian skin has one pigment-producing cell. And whenever there is any kind of friction, irritation, or inflammation the pigmentation increases due to increased melanin production. Not to mention, dry and sensitive skin are more prone to pigmentation. 

“The knee joint is an area of constant movement which causes friction in the skin. People tend to kneel on their knees which causes friction leading to inflammation. People with dry skin on their knees don’t usually think of moisturizing this area, leading to hyperpigmentation or dark end knees. Another cause is genetics, environmental changes, vitamin B12 and D deficiencies, and hypothyroidism,” she explains.

The good news is that you can totally transform your knee skin with some ingredients that are available right in your kitchen. 

So, here are eight ingredients from your kitchen that you can use to lighten your knees

1. Turmeric

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which is a potent antioxidant and skin-brightening molecule. When taken orally, this can help prevent darkening of the skin because of its anti-inflammatory mechanism. And when applied topically, it helps with skin brightening.

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2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a soothing, calming and hydrating ingredient that can lighten the pigmentation of the skin by hydrating it

3. Green tea extract

Green tea contains the compounds EGCG, which prevents melanin stimulation. Applying green tea or drinking green tea can help reduce pigmentation

4. Tomato pulp

Tomato contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant which has anti-inflammatory properties

5. Yoghurt

Yoghurt contains lactic acid, which acts as a gentle skin exfoliant lightening pigmentation.

6. Honey

Honey has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically can reduce hyperpigmentation or dark knees.

7. Cucumber juice

Cucumber has a soothing and calming effect on the skin as well as a hydrating effect which can reduce skin pigmentation by calming the skin

8. Milk

Milk, much like yogurt, contains lactic acid that helps to brighten the skin.

Dr Chytra also shares the right way and time to use these hacks 

Some ways to decrease pigmentation on the knees include applying topical ingredients that contain the actives mentioned above or taking oral supplements with antioxidants. Homemade packs help reduce some amount of pigmentation over time when used continuously  

Pack Tip: 

Mix one pulp of tomato with half a teaspoon of honey, one tablespoon of grated cucumber, 1 teaspoon of yoghurt, half a teaspoon of fresh turmeric and apply onto the knee area leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off. Apply aloe vera. 

“Homemade packs should ideally be left to dry on the knee area for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid homemade packs if your skin is chapped or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Do not use it if you have eczema or psoriasis,” she concludes.

So girls, bring out those micro-minis and flaunt your legs as those darkened knees are going to be a thing of the past.