A
re you familiar with the annoying feeling when your entire body is glowed up but your knees just stand out in the most rebellious way possible? The tendency is to ignore the hyperpigmentation on your knees and cover it up with clothing. But if you would rather take a different route in hopes of getting your summer body ready, there are certain steps you can take to get rid of dark knees for a head-to-toe glow.
Causes of hyperpigmentation on the knees
Dark knees are the result of a number of factors, including:
- Prolonged exposure to UV rays can stimulate melanin production, leading to darkening of the skin on the knees.
- If you constantly rub your knees against surfaces through activities like kneeling down or experience friction from clothing, it can irritate the skin and cause dark knees.
- Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or due to hormonal treatments, can contribute to hyperpigmentation in the knees.
- Also, skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can cause inflammation, which may lead to hyperpigmentation as the skin heals.
- Some individuals may be more prone to hyperpigmentation due to genetic factors.
- As people age, the skin may become more susceptible to hyperpigmentation due to cumulative sun exposure and changes in hormone levels.
Understanding the underlying cause can help determine the most appropriate treatment and prevention strategies.
Treatment for dark knees
- Regularly applying sunscreen with a high SPF can prevent further darkening of the skin and protect it from harmful UV rays.
- Natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, yogurt mask, turmeric paste, lemon juice, and aloe vera gel are natural remedies beauticians swear by.
- Over-the-counter or prescription creams containing ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, kojic acid, or vitamin C can help lighten hyperpigmented areas over time.
- Dermatologists may recommend chemical peels containing ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation.
- Laser treatments, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy or fractional laser resurfacing, can target and break down excess melanin in the skin, leading to a more even skin tone. This exfoliation technique uses a device to gently sand away the outer layer of the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation and promoting skin renewal.
- Freezing the hyper-pigmented areas with liquid nitrogen can help lighten the skin by destroying excess melanin-producing cells.
It’s crucial to consult a dermatologist to determine the most suitable treatment option based on the severity and underlying cause of hyperpigmentation on the knees. Additionally, maintaining a consistent skincare routine and avoiding factors that aggrandize hyperpigmentation, such as excessive sun exposure and friction, can help improve the effectiveness of treatment.
Featured image: Prostock-Studio/iStock
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