Dry elbows are caused by the thickening of the outer layer of skin that contains a protective protein called keratin.
Keratin is also a basic component of hair and nails, giving them strength and resistance.
Dry skin, medically known as hyperkeratosis, is very common in areas where there is more pressure and friction, such as the elbow area.
These are also areas we don’t usually take care of, like the skin on our face or hands. As a result, the skin cracks, flakes, and dries out.
Besides being unsightly, dry skin on the elbows “pulls” and tears when bending the arm, cracks, scratches, and causes itching.
Causes of dry elbows
Many factors can cause dry, rough skin to appear on the elbows.
For example:
- Cold, dry winter air
- Personal hygiene products, such as strong soaps and detergents
- Spending a lot of time in the hot bath
- Hormonal factors
- Lifestyle
- The diet
- Lack of moisture and hydration in the area
- Chronic condition such as psoriasis
What to do if you have dry elbows
Depending on the cause of your dry elbows, you can choose from different care and treatment options:
- If the dryness is due to a chronic skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema, consult a doctor for appropriate treatment and symptom relief.
- Use gentle, natural cosmetics if stronger ones dry out your skin.
- Avoid very dry environments.
- Place a humidifier in the room.
- Avoid long and excessively hot showers.
- Exfoliate dry areas weekly.
- Moisturizes dry skin on elbows.
Exfoliation and hydration
Hyperkeratosis, or thickening of the skin, is very common, although few people pay attention to it beyond its cosmetic aspect. However, it should be treated not only for appearance but, fundamentally, for health reasons.
Exfoliation
It’s important to exfoliate the area, for example, while showering. You can gently rub your elbows with a massage glove or a loofah, being careful not to hurt yourself.
If your skin is too rough, you can gently use a pumice stone. This will remove layers of dead skin.
You could repeat the exfoliation once a week, always with circular massages, although you should consult your dermatologist first.
Some homemade exfoliants:
Sugar and olive oil:
- Mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1/8 cup of olive oil.
- Gently massage your elbows.
- Leave on for 10 minutes.
- Then rinse with cold water.
You can add a few drops of vanilla essential oil for a delicious aroma.
Lemon and salt:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of salt.
- Gently rub this paste on your elbows.
- Then, place a slice of lemon on each one.
- Leave on for about 10 minutes.
- Finally, rinse with warm water.
Honey and flax:
- Mix 1 cup of honey with 1/2 cup of warm water.
- Then add 25 grams of flax seeds.
- Stir until a paste forms.
- Place in the refrigerator for 3 hours.
- Apply to the elbows with circular motions.
- Leave on for 5 minutes.
- Finally, rinse.
Hydration of dry skin
After exfoliating, the next step is moisturizing. If you don’t want to buy a commercial cream, you can opt for homemade recipes.
Some natural and homemade moisturizers:
- Almond, olive, or lavender oils nourish the skin. Keep in mind that essential oils should be diluted with water because they can irritate the skin. Once applied, cover with plastic wrap for best results and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
- Melted butter: It is a natural moisturizer, and you can use it several times a week.
- Citric acid from lemon: Cut a lemon in half and rub it on your elbows. Rinse with warm water and repeat 2 or 3 times a week.
- Cucumber milk: Mix 100 grams of grated cucumber with 50 ml of milk. Apply to your elbows and let it absorb.
- Mayonnaise and oil face mask. You only need 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of oil (baby oil, almond oil, etc. will work). Mix both ingredients and apply to your skin. Leave on for 20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water. You can repeat this treatment up to 3 times a week.