To avoid and treat dry elbows, try natural, homemade scrubs and moisturizers. Know the causes of dryness and how to avoid and treat it
Dry elbows are caused by thickening of the outer layer of the skin that contains a protective protein called keratin.
Keratin is also a basic component of hair and nails, which gives it 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.
In addition, they are areas that we do not usually take care of, such as the skin of the face or hands. As a result, the skin cracks, flakes and dries out.
In addition to being unsightly, the skin on your dry elbows “pulls” and tears when you bend your arm, it cracks, scrapes and itches.
Learn in the next article home remedies for dry elbows.
Causes of parched elbows
There are many factors that can cause the appearance of dry and rough skin in the elbow area.
For example:
- Cold, dry winter air
- Personal hygiene products, such as strong soaps and detergents
- Spending a lot of time in the hot tub
- Hormonal factors
- The lifestyle
- The diet
- Lack of moisture and hydration of the area
- A chronic condition like psoriasis
What to do if you have dry elbows
Depending on the reason for dry elbows, you can choose between different care and treatment options:
- If the dryness is due to a chronic skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema, see a doctor for proper treatment and relief of symptoms.
- Use soft and natural cosmetics, if the most powerful dry your skin.
- Avoid very dry environments.
- Put a humidifier in the room.
- Avoid long, overly hot showers.
- Perform a weekly exfoliation on dry areas.
- Hydrates the skin on dry elbows.
Exfoliation and hydration of dry elbows
Hyperkeratosis or thickening of the skin is very common, although few pay attention to it, beyond aesthetics. However, it should not only be treated for appearance but fundamentally for health.
Exfoliation
It is important to exfoliate the area, for example during the shower. You can rub your elbows with a massage glove or loofah, being careful not to hurt.
If the skin is too rough, you can choose to gently roll the pumice stone. Thus, you can remove the layers of dead skin.
You could repeat the exfoliation once a week, always with circular massages, although you should first consult your dermatologist.
Some homemade scrubs:
- Sugar and olive oil:
- Mix ¼ cup brown sugar with 1/8 cup olive oil
- Gently massage your elbows,
- Let act 10 minutes
- Then rinse with cold water.
- You can add a few drops of vanilla essential oil for a delicious aroma.
- Salt and lemon:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and ½ cup of salt.
- Rub this paste on your elbows gently.
- Then put a lemon wedge on each
- Leave to act 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 place 25 grams of flax seeds
- Stir to form a paste
- Take to the refrigerator for 3 hours
- Apply on the elbows with circular movements
- Leave to act 5 minutes
- Finally, rinse.
Hydration of parched skin
After exfoliation, the next step is wetting. If you do not 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 lowered with water because they can irritate the skin. Once you apply them, put a film plastic for a better result and leave it to act for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Melted butter: it is a natural moisturizer and you can use it several times a week.
- Lemon Citric Acid: Cut a lemon in half and rub your elbows. Rinse with warm water and repeat 2 or 3 times a week.
- Cucumber milk: mix 100 grams of grated cucumber with 50 cm3 of milk. Place on the elbows and let it absorb.
- Mayonnaise and oil mask. You only need 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of oil (it can be baby, almonds, etc). Mix both ingredients and spread on the skin. Leave to act for 20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water. You can repeat this treatment up to 3 times a week.