Dark knuckles are one of the common problems that many people deal with. There can be several reasons behind dark knuckles. The main reason is the melanin that forms in the body, which causes hyperpigmentation. The reason for melanin formation is over exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
1. Take Care of Your Hands
To deal with dark knuckles, the first thing you need to do is take proper care of your hands.
Be gentle when you are washing or massaging your hands. At the same time, avoid washing them with extremely hot water and refrain from rubbing them too hard.
Also, care for your knuckles by using a soft loofah and pumice stones on a regular basis to clean them. Exfoliation helps get rid of the darkened skin.
2. Lemon and Sugar Scrub
Gently exfoliating your hands with a homemade lemon and sugar scrub can help lighten the tone of your skin by removing dead cells from the skin’s surface.
Being rich in vitamin C, lemons help get rid of dead skin cells and improve overall skin tone. It also aids new cell growth. The sugar granules help exfoliate dead skin cells and soften the skin.
Sprinkle some sugar on a halved piece of lemon. Scrub your knuckles with it to get rid of dirt and dead skin cells. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Do this once a week.
Another option is to mix equal amounts of lemon juice and sugar. Apply it on your hands and feet. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then scrub off the paste. Rinse off the rest with water. Do this once or twice a week.
Caution: After using lemon, avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight for at least 1 to 2 hours.
3. Coconut Oil
A source of remarkable skin-benefiting goodness, coconut oil is a good home remedy to treat dark knuckles.
It has vitamin E that can help lighten the skin tone and prevent dryness by keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized. It can also repair dark and damaged skin.
A 2004 study published in Dermatitis reports that coconut oil significantly improves skin hydration and was just as effective as mineral oil.
Rub extra-virgin coconut oil all over the knuckles and massage the area before going to bed. Do this daily.
Alternatively, prepare a mixture with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and ½ teaspoon of lemon juice. Rub this oil on your dark knuckles and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe it off with paper towels. You can rinse your skin the next morning. Do this once daily.
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