The skin on the elbows and knees is thicker and darker than other parts of the body. This is part of our body’s protective mechanism. Sometimes, they can present a problem, with the skin becoming excessively dry, dark and hard. Neglect and the unchecked loss of moisture causes keratinization, which is the process of living cells changing to dead, hard cells. Callouses can also develop.

The elbows and knees need special care. Bath time is appropriate to pamper the skin and supply it with the oils and moisture it needs. Applying body lotions and creams soon after bathing, while the skin is still damp, helps seal in moisture.

A variety of creams, lotions and oils are available for the body. You can get yourself a hand and body lotion, or a rich cream, depending on the extent of dryness. We recommend the use of a lemon-turmeric pre-bath cream. In fact, it has been helpful in treating cases of extreme dryness on the elbows and knees. It not only helps to soften the skin, but also lightens skin colour over a period of time. This cream also protects the skin from the drying effects of chlorinated water.

You would also need a loofah or rough towel to give the skin a rub, after applying oils or soap. This helps smoothen rough skin and also improves blood circulation to the skin surface. Rubbing the skin with a loofah or wash cloth is particularly helpful on rough areas like the knees and elbows. In winter, use soapless shower gels, or a glycerine soap. For extreme dryness, it is better to avoid soap. Oil massage and body rubs can help cleanse the skin adequately.

Before your bath, apply oil on the body and massage it into the skin. This helps to soften the skin. Sesame seed (til) oil can be used, or you can use any vegetable oil. According to Ayurveda, sesame seed (til) oil can be used all the year round. You can heat the oil before use. After applying the warm oil, use the lemon-turmeric cream, massaging it into the skin. While bathing, go easy on the soap and do not use very hot water. Give the knees and elbows a rub with the loofah or rough towel. If the skin appears to be excessively hard, you can use a pumice stone, rubbing it gently on the skin. But, do not use metal scrapers and scrubbers.

Immediately after your bath, apply a body lotion while the skin is still damp. If the skin on the elbows and knees is excessively dry, use a thicker cream on them. Massage the cream into the skin on these areas.

Another problem area is the armpits, which can also become dark. This happens mainly due to shaving or the use of hair removal creams. Both these methods can cause discolouration of the skin. Shaving does not remove hair by the roots. The hair growth also becomes harder, thicker and coarser, leading to a dark look. Hair removal creams are also known to cause skin discolouration. The best option of hair removal for the under-arm area is waxing. The wax that is usually made for hair removal contains lemon juice and sugar. This combination actually helps to lighten skin colour. Waxing also removes hair by the roots. This is said to gradually lessen hair growth. For dark armpits, mix besan (gram flour), curd, lemon juice and little haldi (turmeric). Apply the mixture at least three times a week. Wash it off after half an hour.

Regularity is the keyword. If you give the skin daily care, it is bound to show the positive results.

Here are a few tips:

• For dark elbows and knees, take two lemon halves and rub them on the skin 15 to 20 minutes before your bath.

• A body scrub can be used on the elbows and knees. The scrub should be rubbed on the skin and then washed off with water. This helps to remove dead cells. Over a period of time, it helps to soften the skin.

• Make a scrub at home, using rice flour and curd. The mixture will remove dead cells and also help to lighten skin colour.

• You can also use lentils (dal) to make a body scrub. Soak urad or moong dal (without skin) in water overnight. Next morning, grind it with milk and use it to scrub the skin, by applying it and rubbing the skin with the paste. Then wash thoroughly with water. In fact, this scrub can be used on the entire body too.

• You can also make your own body massage oil, using it on the knees and elbows and the rest of the body too. Mix almond oil with sunflower oil and add a few drops of rose or sandalwood oil. This leaves the body with a pleasant fragrance and is much better than using commercially available perfumed massage oils.