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Making Skin Look Lighter
How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows: Home Remedies, Treatment & Prevention Download Article Plus, discover what causes dark elbows and when to see a derm Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and Bailey Cho
Last Updated: July 23, 2025 Fact Checked
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Home Remedies
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Other Treatments
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Ways to Prevent Dark Elbows
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What causes dark elbows?
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When to See a Dermatologist
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Video
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Expert Q&A
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Warnings
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This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,529,301 times.
Dark elbows are often caused by hyperpigmentation from the sun or a buildup of dead skin cells, but there are tons of ways to treat and minimize their appearance. In this article, we’re providing all the ways you can get rid of dark elbows, including home remedies and professional treatments. We also spoke with FAAD board certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, MD, for advice on how to properly exfoliate and prevent the look of dark elbows.
How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows: Quick Tips
Apply diluted lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, turmeric powder and yogurt, baking soda and milk, or aloe vera onto your elbows to lighten them. Alternatively, use a lightening cream or talk to your doctor about laser therapy to treat dark elbows. Exfoliate your elbows once or twice a week and wear sunscreen daily.
Steps
Section 1 of 5:
Home Remedies
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1 Lemon juice Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is a natural bleaching agent that can help lighten your skin. Cut a large lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a bowl, then add equal parts of water. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture directly on your elbows, and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing with water.[1]XResearch source Repeat this every day until your elbows brighten up.
Lemon juice can irritate your skin, so perform a patch test to ensure you can tolerate it. Rub a bit of lemon juice onto the inside of your wrist, then wait 24 hours to see if your skin is red or irritated. If so, rinse it off and do not apply it anywhere else on your body.
2 Turmeric & yogurt Some studies show that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can treat hyperpigmentation.[2]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source To brighten your elbows, mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with two tablespoons of yogurt to make a paste. Apply the paste to your skin, then leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.[3]XResearch source
Keep in mind that turmeric can dye your skin a yellowish-orange color. It’s especially noticeable on pale skin, but the color should fade after a day or two.
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3 Baking soda & milk Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that can get rid of dead skin cells. Milk contains lactic acid, which can exfoliate and lighten your skin.[4]XResearch source Together, these two ingredients can help brighten dark elbows. Just add enough milk to turn the baking soda into a paste, then apply the mixture on your elbows and gently scrub in a circular motion. Leave it on for about 3 minutes before rinsing with water.
You can also substitute regular milk for buttermilk. Both are high in lactic acid, which is great for brightening the skin.
4 Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which decreases melanin production to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Dilute 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water, then apply the mixture to your elbows with a cotton ball. Leave it on for one minute before rinsing with water and moisturizing.[5]XResearch source
If you have sensitive skin, dilute the apple cider vinegar even more and perform a patch test to check for an adverse reaction.
5 Oatmeal & buttermilk Buttermilk can help remove dead skin cells and lighten pigmentation.[6]XResearch source Oatmeal, on the other hand, is a natural exfoliant with soothing properties. To brighten your elbows, combine oatmeal with enough buttermilk to form a paste, then rub it onto your elbows in a circular motion. Let the paste sit on your elbows for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
6 Aloe vera Research shows that aloe can combat hyperpigmentation caused by the sun.[7]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Apply pure aloe gel to your elbows before bedtime, and use it daily to brighten your elbows.[8]XResearch source
To extract aloe gel from an aloe plant, cut the leaf off of the plant and slice down the center. Use a spoon to scoop the gel out of the leaf.
7 Potato juice Some people believe that potato juice can help lighten dark skin, due to the enzyme catecholase.[9]XResearch source Grate a potato to extract its juice, then use a cotton pad to apply the juice to your elbows. Leave it on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off.
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Other Treatments
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1 Over-the-counter lightening creams Look for products with kojic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, retinoids, or a combination of these ingredients. They have been proven to fade existing dark spots, and in some cases, slow down the production of melanin.[10]X Trustworthy Source American Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Some side effects of over-the-counter lightening creams include irritation, peeling skin, and increased sun sensitivity. Stop using a product if you experience any irritation, redness, or itchiness.
2 Prescription-strength creams and ointments Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in skin lightening products because it limits the skin’s production of melanin. It is not approved for over-the-counter sale in the U.S, but you can get a prescription skin product containing hydroquinone from your health care provider.[11]X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug AdministrationU.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
3 Laser therapy If you’ve tried at-home remedies and other treatments with no success, your doctor may suggest laser therapy. With this treatment, a laser is tuned to a specific frequency to break down melanin (the substance that causes pigmentation). The body absorbs the melanin, which helps reduce the appearance of dark spots.[12]XResearch source
Keep in mind that there is a risk of scarring and skin irritation, which can make dark skin look worse.
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Ways to Prevent Dark Elbows
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1 Exfoliate your elbows once or twice a week. Use a loofah or washcloth to exfoliate the dead and flaky skin cells from your elbows. Dead skin cells can become trapped in the creases of your elbows, causing your skin to have a dark or dull appearance. Just be sure not to scrub too hard or too frequently, as this can cause irritation.[13]X Trustworthy Source American Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Alternatively, you can make your own sugar scrub by mixing 2 parts sugar (white or brown) with one part oil (almond, coconut, or olive).
If you have extra dry skin, you can exfoliate your body “two to three times a week,” according to Tareen. If you have sensitive skin, exfoliate “about once a week.”[14]X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview
If you’re starting to get red, get cracks in your skin, or experience burning or irritation, you should “take at least a week break from exfoliation to let your skin barrier recover,” says Tareen.[15]X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview
2 Cleanse and moisturize your elbows daily. Keeping your elbows clean and moisturized can decrease the appearance of dark skin over time. Wash your skin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, then slather on moisturizer immediately after drying your skin. According to Tareen, it’s extremely important to “moisturize after you exfoliate…to lock in hydration to the deeper skin cells.”[16]X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview
Look for moisturizers that contain moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lecithin, lanolin, petrolatum (petroleum jelly), linoleic, linolenic, and lauric acids.[17]X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
If your elbows are extremely dry, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or pure shea butter directly to your elbows before bedtime, then wrap the area with saran wrap. Leave it on overnight so the product can penetrate deeply into your skin.
3 Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Regardless of your skin type and color, sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and darken your elbows and knees. Use a water-resistant sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it to your skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every 2 hours (or after swimming or sweating).[18]X Trustworthy Source American Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Harmful UV rays are present even when it's cloudy or raining, so you should make a point to wear sunscreen all year round. It might even be a good idea to make sunscreen application part of your morning routine.
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What causes dark elbows?
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Dark elbows are often caused by excess dead skin cells and hyperpigmentation. There are many factors that can cause dark elbows, from an accumulation of dead skin cells to hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. Here are some common causes:[19]XResearch source
A buildup of dead skin cells
Hyperpigmentation
Birth control pills
Melasma
Age spots and freckles
Skin conditions (psoriasis and eczema)
Inflammation from a previous injury
Section 5 of 5:
When to See a Dermatologist
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Visit a dermatologist to diagnose pigmentation issues or skin diseases. Home remedies may help lighten your skin, but the best way to treat dark elbows is to make an appointment with your dermatologist. They’ll be able to run tests to identify what’s causing the hyperpigmentation and offer more effective treatments for lightening your skin.[20]X Trustworthy Source American Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
If you’re having trouble finding a dermatologist, search the American Board of Dermatology’s database for a doctor who specializes in hyperpigmentation.
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Expert Q&A
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Question Why do I have dark elbows? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Dark elbows can be caused by dryness, dirt, or some dark elbows are simply due to hereditary reasons. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 59
Question Can we use these remedies on our knees? Or any other dark area? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer You can use these remedies on knees but they should not be used on sensitive areas, such as your face. On other areas such as hands, I'd recommend either yogurt and vinegar or lemon juice. The turmeric remedy is not recommended for hands and feet as it will stain skin and nails. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 47
Question Can I use lemon and turmeric together? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer You should not combine lemon and turmeric, as the acid in the lemon turns the turmeric bright red, which can stain the skin noticeably. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 62
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Some studies show that applying vitamin C topically may brighten your skin.[21]X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source Consider applying a vitamin C serum to your elbows daily to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
Make sure you don't go outside after putting lemon juice on. It can cause blisters.
Make sure to test any product on a small area first if you have sensitive skin.
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Do not apply apple cider vinegar or lemon juice directly to your skin. Always dilute it with water to prevent irritation and chemical burns. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. This article has been viewed 1,529,301 times. 4 votes - 50% Co-authors: 43Updated: July 23, 2025 Views: 1,529,301 Categories: Featured Articles | Making Skin Look LighterArticle SummaryX
To get rid of dark elbows, start by gently scrubbing elbows with a loofah twice a week to remove dry skin. After you scrub, apply a thick moisturizer that contains shea butter to moisturize your elbows. You can also try rubbing each elbow with a half of a cut lemon. Let the juice stay on your skin for 3 hours, then rinse. For even more ways to lighten your elbows from our Beauty reviewer, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Anonymous
Apr 19, 2017
"The baking soda and milk was the one my daughter tried. She is a very busy mom of 3, with many other teens considering her 'mom'. She needed the double action of exfoliating/lightening in one step. We both love the moisturizing at night with socks!"..." more
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist 4 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 43Updated: July 23, 2025 Views: 1,529,301
Anonymous
Apr 19, 2017
"The baking soda and milk was the one my daughter tried. She is a very busy mom of 3, with many other teens considering her 'mom'. She needed the double action of exfoliating/lightening in one step. We both love the moisturizing at night with socks!"..." more
Umi Yankee
Apr 18, 2016
"This really helped my elbow become whitest ever since I tried this. You guys should try it too, I hope it helps you as well."..." more
Anonymous
Jul 27, 2016
"I liked the tip that told me that you shouldn't put weight on your elbows and knees, which can cause them to become darker."..." more
Anonymous
Oct 8, 2017
"I am scrubbing my elbows with a soft bath brush when I take a shower and moisturizing well with coconut oil."
Anonymous
May 16, 2018
"Please include more home remedies with different ingredients. Everything else is superb." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Plus, discover what causes dark elbows and when to see a derm Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and Bailey Cho 
A Doctor-Approved Guide to Lightening Skin on Your Hands and Feet 
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Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. This article has been viewed 1,529,301 times. 4 votes - 50% Co-authors: 43 Updated: July 23, 2025 Views: 1,529,301 Categories: Featured Articles | Making Skin Look Lighter Article SummaryX
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1 Lemon juice Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is a natural bleaching agent that can help lighten your skin. Cut a large lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a bowl, then add equal parts of water. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture directly on your elbows, and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing with water.[1] Repeat this every day until your elbows brighten up. 
2 Turmeric & yogurt Some studies show that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can treat hyperpigmentation.[2] To brighten your elbows, mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with two tablespoons of yogurt to make a paste. Apply the paste to your skin, then leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.[3] 
3 Baking soda & milk Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that can get rid of dead skin cells. Milk contains lactic acid, which can exfoliate and lighten your skin.[4] Together, these two ingredients can help brighten dark elbows. Just add enough milk to turn the baking soda into a paste, then apply the mixture on your elbows and gently scrub in a circular motion. Leave it on for about 3 minutes before rinsing with water. 
4 Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which decreases melanin production to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Dilute 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water, then apply the mixture to your elbows with a cotton ball. Leave it on for one minute before rinsing with water and moisturizing.[5] 
5 Oatmeal & buttermilk Buttermilk can help remove dead skin cells and lighten pigmentation.[6] Oatmeal, on the other hand, is a natural exfoliant with soothing properties. To brighten your elbows, combine oatmeal with enough buttermilk to form a paste, then rub it onto your elbows in a circular motion. Let the paste sit on your elbows for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with water. 
6 Aloe vera Research shows that aloe can combat hyperpigmentation caused by the sun.[7] Apply pure aloe gel to your elbows before bedtime, and use it daily to brighten your elbows.[8] 
7 Potato juice Some people believe that potato juice can help lighten dark skin, due to the enzyme catecholase.[9] Grate a potato to extract its juice, then use a cotton pad to apply the juice to your elbows. Leave it on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off. Advertisement 
1 Over-the-counter lightening creams Look for products with kojic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, retinoids, or a combination of these ingredients. They have been proven to fade existing dark spots, and in some cases, slow down the production of melanin.[10] 
2 Prescription-strength creams and ointments Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in skin lightening products because it limits the skin’s production of melanin. It is not approved for over-the-counter sale in the U.S, but you can get a prescription skin product containing hydroquinone from your health care provider.[11] 
3 Laser therapy If you’ve tried at-home remedies and other treatments with no success, your doctor may suggest laser therapy. With this treatment, a laser is tuned to a specific frequency to break down melanin (the substance that causes pigmentation). The body absorbs the melanin, which helps reduce the appearance of dark spots.[12] 
1 Exfoliate your elbows once or twice a week. Use a loofah or washcloth to exfoliate the dead and flaky skin cells from your elbows. Dead skin cells can become trapped in the creases of your elbows, causing your skin to have a dark or dull appearance. Just be sure not to scrub too hard or too frequently, as this can cause irritation.[13] 
2 Cleanse and moisturize your elbows daily. Keeping your elbows clean and moisturized can decrease the appearance of dark skin over time. Wash your skin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, then slather on moisturizer immediately after drying your skin. According to Tareen, it’s extremely important to “moisturize after you exfoliate…to lock in hydration to the deeper skin cells.”[16] 
3 Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Regardless of your skin type and color, sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and darken your elbows and knees. Use a water-resistant sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it to your skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every 2 hours (or after swimming or sweating).[18] 
Dark elbows are often caused by excess dead skin cells and hyperpigmentation. There are many factors that can cause dark elbows, from an accumulation of dead skin cells to hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. Here are some common causes:[19] 
Visit a dermatologist to diagnose pigmentation issues or skin diseases. Home remedies may help lighten your skin, but the best way to treat dark elbows is to make an appointment with your dermatologist. They’ll be able to run tests to identify what’s causing the hyperpigmentation and offer more effective treatments for lightening your skin.[20] 
Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. 
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