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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #14206
11 days ago
35

knee darkness removal - #14206

Diya

I am dealing with this weird issue, and I really need some advice on knee darkness removal. For the past few months, I’ve noticed that the skin around my knees has gotten really dark, almost like it’s a shadow or something. It looks kinda ashy too, and I'm super self-conscious about it especially when I'm in shorts or at the gym. I tried exfoliating regularly and used some creams claiming to help with knee darkness removal, but nothing seems to work. I’m not sure if it’s just dry skin or something worse. Also, I’ve read that knee darkness removal can sometimes be related to certain medical conditions – I haven’t been sick or anything, but my diet has been a bit off (too many takeouts lately!). I also sometimes get red spots when I scratch my knees, which I don't think is helping with the darkness. Should I see a doctor, or are there home remedies you guys would recommend for knee darkness removal? Do you think any over-the-counter cream would actually make a difference? Feeling frustrated here trying to figure this out on my own, any help would be really appreciated!

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Doctors’ responses

Darkened skin around the knees can be frustrating, but let’s try to pinpoint the cause and see what could help. Often, the darkening you’re noticing is due to a combination of factors like friction, increased pigment production, or dryness, which can be exacerbated by too much sun exposure or not using enough moisturizer. Since you’re not seeing results from exfoliating and over-the-counter creams, a couple of things to consider would be the type of products and the frequency of use. For exfoliation, if you haven’t already, use a mild exfoliant 2-3 times a week, as over-exfoliating can actually irritate the skin and make it worse. Follow up with a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer, ideally one with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, which help retain moisture.

Regarding creams, those containing urea, ammonium lactate, or glycolic acid could be more effective, as they help in skin renewal process and can lighten those dark patches over time. You also might consider creams or lotions with niacinamide or vitamin C, which can reduce pigment production and improve skin tone. Given your mention of red spots when scratching, be gentle with your skin to prevent further irritation or scarring.

Regarding diet, while vitamin deficiencies are unlikely to be the cause, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins like A, C, and E can support skin health. Over-the-counter treatments can take several weeks or even months to see results, so patience is key. However, since there are conditions like acanthosis nigricans or skin disorders that can cause hyperpigmentation, if the darkness persists or you notice other troubling symptoms, it might be worth visiting a dermatologist for a correct diagnosis. They can offer specific treatments like stronger creams or other medical interventions that can be more effective. Keep an eye on any changes and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if things aren’t improving or you’re concerned something more might be going on.

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