It is easy to forget about parts of our bodies that we don't pay much attention to, like our elbows and knees. Still, these joints work hard and should get the same care and attention as the rest of our skin. Caring for your elbows and knees is very important, especially in Nigeria, where the sun's rays can be very strong, and the air can be dry. You're not the only one who has ever felt self-conscious about rough spots or uneven tones in these places. Caring for our elbows and knees can be challenging for many of us. This article explores skincare tips for your elbows and knees.

What's unique about taking care of knees and elbows?

Taking care of your elbows and knees differs from caring for the rest of your skin. This is why:

• Elbows and knees, the workhorses of our body, have a unique skin structure. Their skin, thicker than in other areas, is more prone to dryness, roughness, and the buildup of dead skin cells. This is why they demand extra care to stay soft and smooth.
• Movement: Your arms and knees bend and flex more often than other body parts during the day. Moving around all the time can irritate and roughen the skin by putting pressure and rubbing on it. So, taking care of these areas means keeping them from getting too rubbed and keeping the right amount of wetness in them.
• Sun exposure: Your arms and knees are often in the sun, especially since Nigeria is sunny. Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin caused by too much time in the sun. To avoid this, wearing protective clothes and sunscreen when you're outside is essential.
• Fewer oil glands: Your elbows and knees have fewer oil glands than other body parts. This makes it harder for them to keep water in, which makes them more likely to get dry and flaky. To prevent this, it's important to use moisturisers made just for these areas to keep them soft and replace any lost wetness.

Understanding the unique needs of your elbows and knees is key to providing them with the care they require. Their thicker skin, increased sun exposure, and fewer oil glands compared to other body parts necessitate a specialized skincare routine. By tailoring your skincare routine to these specific needs, you can take control of your skincare and ensure your elbows and knees stay healthy and vibrant.

Steps for taking care of the elbows and knees

You must make a skin care plan to keep your elbows and knees smooth and healthy. Here's a simple plan that will work for you:

1. Cleanse your elbows and knees with a mild wash that moisturises. Do not use rough scrubs or soaps on your skin because they can remove natural oils and make it even drier. Apply the cleaner gently to the wet skin and rub it in. Then, wash your face well with lukewarm water.
2. Rub your elbows and knees together to remove dead skin cells and smooth out rough spots. To soften the skin, use a gentle scrub or a towel to rub it in small circles. Pay attention to spots where the skin is rough or dark, but don't scrub too hard, or you could irritate it.
3. After washing and scrubbing, apply a thick moisturiser to your knees and elbows. Buy moisturisers in Nigeria with glycerin, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or other ingredients that keep your skin wet. Pay extra attention to dry or rough spots as you massage the moisturiser into your skin until it's fully absorbed.
4. Shield your knees and elbows from the sun's UV rays. Every day, even if you don't plan to be outside for long, put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher in these places. If you sweat or swim, put on more sunscreen every two hours or more often.
5. Keep your body hydrated to keep your skin healthy, especially on your elbows and knees. Drink a lot of water daily to keep your face moist from the inside out. To stay healthy, drink eight glasses of water every day. If it's hot, drink even more.

By incorporating these simple changes into your skincare routine, you can transform the health and appearance of your elbows and knees. Remember, consistency is key. So, why not start today and give your elbows and knees the care they deserve?

Lifestyle factors affecting elbow and knee skincare

Your elbows and knees can look and feel different depending on your life. Here are some changes you can make to your habits to get better skin:

1. Choices of clothing: How your clothes make your elbow and knee skin feel can change. Fabrics that are too tight or rough can rub against each other, irritating and rough. Choose loose clothes and let air flow through them, especially in places where your arms and knees often rub against the fabric.
2. What you eat and drink: What you eat significantly affects the health of your skin, even the skin on your elbows and knees. A healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats gives your face the nutrients it needs to heal and stay hydrated. Staying refreshed by drinking lots of water also helps keep skin flexible and prevents drying out.
3. Moving and working out: Regular exercise is good for your health in general, but it can also damage the skin on your elbows and knees. Weightlifting, yoga, and other activities that put pressure or repeat moves on these joints can irritate and rub them. Wear the right workout clothes and use pads or pillows to protect your skin.
4. When you rub or pressure your elbows and knees too much, skin problems like roughness and darkening can worsen. Do not rest your elbows on hard surfaces for prolonged amounts of time. Instead, use armrests or cushions to relieve pressure. In the same way, watch out for tasks that put stress on your knees and rest and stretch as needed.

Pay attention to these lifestyle factors to help your elbows and knees stay healthy and look good. Simple changes, like wearing easy clothes, eating well, and protecting your skin while active, can help your skin look smoother and healthier in these areas.

Conclusion

Taking care of your elbows and knees is integral to your skincare routine. Following the advice and tips in this article will help you deal with common skin problems like roughness, dryness, and darkening, and you'll feel great about your skin. At Nectar Beauty Hub, we can help you get smooth, healthy skin in these places. We're proud to be the most affordable skincare store in Lagos, offering a wide range of high-quality goods made to fit your needs. We have everything you need to care for your elbows and knees, from gentle cleansers and scrubs that remove dead skin to moisturising creams and focused treatments.