We constantly use our hands to do day to day activities such as writing, typing, washing the dishes, holding hands with our love ones and so on. A lot of us have the problem of having dark knuckles. It can happen to dark skin, brown and light skin and can happen in any age group. Dark knuckles are often caused by hyperpigmentation, constant friction, sun exposure, internal factors, lack of care for hands and feet, harsh chemicals, accumulation of dead skin cells and so on. There are simple remedies that you can use to remove these dark patches. Below are some easy and natural home remedies to remove dark knuckles and joints.
Salted Milk
It’s as easy as its name! This amazing natural remedy can be done with two simple ingredients that you can easily find at home. You can use this everyday to help lighten your knuckles. Milk and salt combined create an exfoliating and lightening mixture that can help smoothen and lighten the skin. Create this remedy by mixing half a cup of fresh raw milk and 5 tablespoons of salt – mix well. Soak your hands in lukewarm water and dip a few cotton balls on the mixture. Apply the cotton balls with damp hands and leave it to dry. Re-apply 4 to 5 times a day or reapply once it lightens. This is a very easy remedy that you can do every day. IT can be used to lighten the elbows, knees and feet too.
Egg White and Gram Flour
This is a quick and easy remedy that you can do at home. You will be needing an egg, honey and gram flour. Start this home remedy by separating the egg white and yolk. Store away the egg yolk for another day. Add 2 tablespoons of gram flour and a teaspoon of honey. Mix it together to create a thick paste. Use this paste on clean hands daily. Massage onto the knuckles for a few minutes and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Once it dries wet it with water and use a rough cloth or pumice stone to rub the area. Continue this for a few minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Do not rub too hard though! Rubbing can cause your knuckles to darken. The key here is to exfoliate the area and lighten it.
Potato Paste
Potato contains lightening properties that make it great for lightening the under eye area and dark knuckles. You can rub fresh sliced potatoes on your knuckles or knees. Though, there is a more effective recipe using potato. Potato paste can be easily applied in most areas of the body, especially the knuckles. All you’ll need is lemon juice, honey, milk, turmeric powder, almond oil and potato. Boil your potato and place it in a bowl. Mix in half a teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon of milk, a pinch of turmeric powder, tablespoon of almond oil and 4 to 5 drops of lemon juice. Mix until it creates a creamy paste. Wash your feet or hands before rubbing this mixture on your knuckles. Repeat these remedies twice a week to see visible results. You can create a whole batch and store it in the fridge.
Rose Water and Baking Soda
Baking soda is great for exfoliating the skin and removing impurities and rose water can help soften the skin. Mix in a tablespoon of rose water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to create a paste. Use this paste on damp, dark knuckles and leave for 5 minutes. Use a soft brush to exfoliate the area or dip it in glycerin and rub with your fingers. Leave the mixture on for a few more minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. This is a very effective remedy on tough areas such as the knees, ankle and knuckles. You can use a freshly cut lemon to exfoliate the area if you want something stronger.
Lemon and Sugar
Lemon contains strong bleaching properties that can help lighten skin, even though areas such as the knuckles and elbow. Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice in a small container and add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Use this mixture to rub on the hands for 10 to 15 minutes. If your skin becomes too red or irritated to the lemon stop immediately.
We cannot guarantee the effectiveness of these remedies, especially if the cause of the problems is from internal factors such as hormone problems. Before using any of these home remedies make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients and use a test patch. Dark knuckles and joints can also be caused by friction and pressure, such as leaning on the table with your elbow or constantly rubbing your knuckles on your fabric. If you are prone to these habits – avoid them, especially in rough surfaces and fabrics.
