Creamed by cracks?

BEAUTY CORNER

The skin on the elbows and knees is thicker and darker than skin in other parts of the body. This can present a problem if the skin becomes excessively dry, dark and flaky. So the right time to attend to this problem area and supply it with oils and moisture is when having a bath. In fact, applying a body lotion or cream soon after a bath, while the skin is still damp, helps to seal in precious moisture. 

A variety of creams, lotions and oils are available in the market. Get yourself a hand and body lotion, or a rich cream, depending on the extent of dryness. A lemon-turmeric cream is helpful in treating cases of extreme dryness on the elbows and knees. It not only helps to soften the skin, but also lightens skin colour over a period of time. You would also need a loofah to give the skin a rub, after applying oil. This helps to smoothen rough skin and improve blood circulation.  During winter, use soap-free bath gels or glycerine. 

Before a bath, treat yourself to a body massage. This helps to soften skin. Use sesame seed (til) oil or any vegetable oil. While bathing, go easy on the soap and avoid steaming hot water. Give the knees and elbows a good rub with a loofah. If the skin appears to be excessively hard, use a pumice stone, rubbing it gently over the skin. Do not use a metal scrub. 

Before you dry off, apply a body lotion while the skin is still damp. If the skin on the elbows and knees is dry, use a richer/ heavier cream. Massage cream into the skin with gentle, circular movements. 

The armpits, which can also become dark, must be given special attention. This happens mainly due to prolonged or excessive use of hair removal creams or shaving. Both these methods can cause discolouration of the skin. Shaving does not remove hair from the roots. The hair growth also becomes thicker and coarser over time.

Hair removal creams are sometimes known to cause skin discolouration. The best option of hair removal for the underarm area is waxing. The wax, which is made for hair removal, contains lemon juice and sugar. This combination actually helps lighten skin colour. Waxing removes hair from the roots. This is said to gradually reduce hair growth. To treat dark armpits, mix besan (gram flour), curd, lemon juice and a little haldi (turmeric). Apply the mixture at least thrice a week. Wash off after half an hour. 

If you give your skin daily care, it is bound to show positive results. 

Take two lemon halves and rub them on your knees and elbows every day. Wash off the residue with plain water.

Use a body scrub twice a week on the elbows and knees. This helps remove dead cells. Over a period of time, it will also soften the area. Make the scrub at home, using rice flour and curd. The mixture, if applied regularly, can remove dead cells and help lighten skin tone. 

You can also use lentils (dal) to make a body scrub. Soak urad or moong dal (without skin) in water overnight. After 12 hours, grind it with milk and use it as a scrub. Then, wash off thoroughly with water.

You can also make your own body massage oil for use on the knees and elbows and the rest of the body too. Mix almond oil with sunflower oil and add a few drops of rose or sandalwood essential oil to this mix. It’s a far better option than using commercially-available, perfumed massage oils.