Using Turmeric to Lighten Dark Knees & Elbows
Many people turn to natural remedies as a healthier way to lighten and tone their skin, avoiding chemicals like hydroquinone, which can sometimes damage the skin if not used correctly.
However, the question is: Is turmeric strong enough to lighten the kind of stubborn skin on your knees and elbows?
Using Turmeric for Dark Knees & Elbows – Will it work?
The answer is yes!
Turmeric is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to lightening dark skin naturally. It contains curcumin which is said to inhibit tyrosine kinase, which is the major enzyme that facilitates the production of skin pigment.
The keys here are consistency, and knowing what works best for your skin.
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How to Use Turmeric For Dark Knees & Elbows
Turmeric is best used on the skin as a paste or scrub that is left on for a few minutes and then washed off.
Many other ingredients can be used with turmeric to make this paste. These include (but are not limited to) things like:
- Milk
- Honey
- Yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Water
- Aloe Vera
- Coconut oil
You can basically use any liquid or semi-liquid ingredient that is safe for your skin to make your turmeric paste.
You can also opt to use turmeric in soaps. This is less messy and easier to use, but it may take longer to work.
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How long will turmeric take to lighten your skin?
This will depend on:
- How dark your skin is
- The recipe or product you use
- How often you use it
- And how your skin reacts to the treatment
However, generally, if you are consistent, you should start to see visible differences within 1-2 weeks of use.
Click here to see some other great remedies: 7 Best DIY Remedies For Dark Knees & Elbows.
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Side Effects of Turmeric For Dark Knees & Elbows
The most likely side effects seen with turmeric are allergic reactions and irritation (not very common).
Allergies to curcumin are rare but they can still be possible so you should always patch-test your skin before applying turmeric all over, even on your knees and elbows.
Additionally, even though turmeric is known to be anti-inflammatory, sometimes it can cause irritation, especially if left on too long or if used with other irritating ingredients.
Pay attention to your skin and test your recipes and regimens before committing to one that can harm your skin.
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Best Turmeric Recipes To Lighten Dark Knees & Elbows
Here are some of the easiest and most effective turmeric recipes for dark knees & elbows:
1- Turmeric, Honey & Milk Mask
Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric with enough water and honey to make a thick paste (if you make too much you can store this in the fridge for up to 3 days).
Apply the paste to your clean skin and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then, wash the paste off well (to avoid staining) and moisturize your skin.
You can do this daily.
Honey is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and moisturizing. Milk contains lactic acid which gently helps to exfoliate the skin to get rid of old and dead skin cells.
2- Turmeric and Yogurt Mask
Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric with enough yogurt to make a thick paste.
Apply the paste to your clean skin and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then, wash the paste off well (to avoid staining) and moisturize your skin.
You can do this daily.
Similar to milk, yogurt contains lactic acid which gently helps to exfoliate the skin to get rid of old and dead skin cells.
3- Turmeric and Lemon Juice Mask
Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric with enough lemon juice to make a thick paste (if you make too much, this can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days)
Apply the paste to your clean skin and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then, wash the paste off well (to avoid staining) and moisturize your skin.
You can do this daily.
Lemon juice is full of acids, primarily lactic acid (a gentle exfoliant), malic acid (another gentle exfoliant), and most importantly, Vitamin C, which also helps to inhibit tyrosine kinase and prevent pigment production in the skin. It is also a great hydrator for the skin.
Click here to read more about the Best Scrubs & Exfoliators for Dark Knees & Elbows.
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