How to Prevent Dry Elbows
Many people experience dry elbows, especially during colder months. If the skin on your elbow turns dark and rough, this indicates that they suffer from lack of moisture. You can remedy the problem by exfoliating the dry skin and then re-hydrating the area. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Loofah
- Moisturizer scrub
- Hand towel
- Mineral oil, almond oil or petroleum jelly
- Plastic wrap
- 2 old knee socks
- Scissors
- Moisturizing lotion
Instructions
-
-
1
Moisten the loofah with warm water. Apply a small amount of moisturizing scrub to one elbow and work the scrub in with the loofah. Scrub for approximately two minutes. Rinse the elbow and repeat with the other elbow.
-
2
Dry the elbows well with a soft towel.
-
-
3
Apply the oil or petroleum jelly liberally to the entire elbow area to cover it completely. Rub it in well so the oil or petroleum jelly sinks into the skin. Repeat with the other elbow.
-
4
Cut the feet from two old socks so you have two long tubes.
-
5
Encase elbow with plastic wrap to seal in the oil or petroleum jelly. You must create a barrier with the plastic wrap so the oil or jelly can work into the skin without rubbing off.
-
6
Cover the plastic wrap around each elbow with a sock tube. Place the tube so it covers the plastic and the entire elbow area.
-
7
Leave the plastic and sock tubes on your elbows overnight, if possible. Remove the sock tubes and plastic in the morning and rub any remaining oil or petroleum jelly into the elbows.
-
8
Repeat the steps every other day for 10 days. After that, you should see marked difference in your elbow skin.
-
9
Apply moisturizer to your elbows every morning and every evening after the 10-day regimen. Exfoliate with the loofah once or twice a week.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Become aware of things you do that contribute to dry elbow skin. If you sit with your elbows resting on a table or desk often, consider trying to break this habit.
Reduce baths and showers to avoid drying out your skin unnecessarily--especially during the winter.
Increase your water intake to hydrate your skin from the inside out.
Contact a dermatologist if the exfoliating and moisturizing regimen above does not produce significant improvement. You may have some other condition causing the dry skin that needs treatment.
