10 Home Remedies To Treat Dark Knees

Why do our elbows and knees tend to be darker than the rest of our body? Why is the skin on our knees often dry and flaky? And is there a natural way to lighten dark knees without using harsh chemicals? The herbal remedies we’re about to share will help you say goodbye to dark knees for good!

The skin on your knees is naturally thicker than other areas of your body. Additionally, since there are no oil glands in this region, it becomes dry and more prone to darkening if not properly cared for.

Several factors contribute to this condition, including frequent friction, genetics, sun exposure, dead skin buildup, and hormonal imbalances.

To prevent dryness, make moisturizing a habit—apply a good moisturizer to your elbows and knees regularly. Never skip sunscreen, even on cold or cloudy days, as UV rays can still cause damage. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water also helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin nourished.

Now, let’s explore some homemade masks to naturally lighten dark knees!

# Mustard Oil

Mustard oil contains linoleic, erucic, and oleic acids, which help brighten and lighten dark knees. Massage mustard oil onto your knees for about 15 minutes before bed, leave it overnight, and rinse it off with mild soap in the morning.

# Baking Soda & Milk

Baking soda acts as an exfoliant, while the lactic acid in milk hydrates the skin. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with enough milk to form a thick paste. Apply it to your knees, let it dry, then scrub and rinse. Use this remedy twice a week for best results.

# Onion & Lemon Juice

Rich in sulfur and citric acid, this combination helps remove dead skin buildup and brighten the area. Blend a diced onion into a smooth paste, then mix in one teaspoon of lemon juice and glycerin. Apply it to your knees, leave it for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

# Petroleum Jelly

A powerful emollient, petroleum jelly deeply nourishes dry and flaky skin. Massage a generous amount onto your knees every night before bed. By morning, your skin will feel softer and appear lighter over time with consistent use.

# Besan & Turmeric

Gram flour (besan) exfoliates the skin, turmeric helps fade dark spots, and yogurt provides moisture. Mix one tablespoon of besan with a pinch of turmeric and enough yogurt to form a paste. Apply it to your knees, leave it for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. This mask can also be used for full-body exfoliation.

# Vinegar

Acetic acid in vinegar works as a natural peel to remove tan. Soak a cotton ball in vinegar and dab it onto your knees. Leave it for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

# Orange Peel

Rich in vitamin C, orange peel can naturally lighten the skin. Dry orange peels under the sun and grind them into a fine powder. Mix one teaspoon of the powder with rose water to form a paste. Apply it to your knees, let it dry, then scrub and rinse.

# Potato

Potatoes contain natural bleaching agents that help fade dark patches. Mash a boiled potato into a paste, mix in a few drops of lemon juice, and apply it to your knees. Leave it on for 20–30 minutes, scrub gently, and rinse. Use this twice a week for visible results.

# Tomato

Beta-carotene in tomatoes helps reduce tanning. Slice a tomato, sprinkle some sugar on top, and rub it over your knees and elbows for about 5 minutes. Rinse with plain water. Regular use will gradually lighten the skin tone.

# Grapes

Like potatoes, grapes have natural bleaching properties. Extract one tablespoon of juice from ripe grapes and apply it to dark areas using a cotton ball. Leave it for 20 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp towel. Follow up with a light moisturizer for added hydration.