SMOOTH DRY ELBOWS AND KNEES

Since they are out of sight, are they also out of your mind? Please do spare some thought to them as well.

No matter what your skin type, in winters elbows and knees, much like your heels need special attention and a lot of TLC. There are numerous heel healing creams but what about elbows and knees? Take care of them, treat them and nurture them with ingredients out of your kitchen. Here are three steps to follow:

1. Cleanse

In winters one needs to be careful while cleansing as the harsh soaps can aggravate the dryness. While choosing a cleanser keep in mind that it should not have alcohol or salicylic acid as both can strip moisture off the skin. Natural cleaners can help retain moisture.

Turmeric Paste

Turmeric powder has healing powers and smoothes skin remarkably when mixed with olive oil. Apply and massage a generous quantity of turmeric powder and olive oil paste on dry knees and elbows for about 15 minutes and wash off.

Honey & Rose Pack

Mix 1 teaspoon of rose water with 1 teaspoon of honey and massage on dry skin areas. Wash off with lukewarm water.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliation shouldn’t be missed. This should be done at least once a week. To remove dead cells from elbow and knees use a natural loofah or scrubs.Here are some scrubs to try:

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar has the dual benefit of exfoliator and moisturiser. When used as a scrub it can remove dead skin cells and its humectants nature helps absorb moisture from the environment. And that’s not it; the glycolic acid present in brown sugar can also help remove pigmentation. Mix ¼ cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of olive oil/coconut oil and then massage on problem areas of elbows and knees and wash off after 30 minutes.

Lemon Scrub

Mix lemon juice with baking soda to make a paste. Use this to gently exfoliate dry areas. Allow the paste to remain on skin for about 15 minutes. Rinse off with water.

3. Moisturise

Never ever skip moisturising your skin, especially after exfoliation.

Emollients

Dry skin can be nourished using natural oils like almond oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil or with petroleum jelly, honey or shea butter. If honey is used then keep it for 30 minutes and wash off after that and pat dry. Whichever natural moisturiser is used just remember to wear cotton socks or gloves before bed to hold the moisture to the skin.

Curd Paste

Mix curd with honey and few drops of lime to make a paste. Apply it on elbows and knees and keep it for 10 minutes. Wash off with water. This will help in relieving dryness.