Dry, cracked elbows are annoying and can make you feel insecure when wearing sleeveless clothes. If left untreated, this problem can cause discomfort and pain. If you have dry, cracked elbows, you probably have dry skin and it's a good idea to read related articles on how to treat dry skin (you can find the link below). Dry elbow is a fairly common problem and is often difficult to treat. Read the tips below to make your skin smooth and soft again.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Dealing with Dry Elbows
Step 1. Use a mild soap
If you have dry, cracked elbows or dry skin in general, it's important to avoid harsh soaps that can dry out your skin even more. Choose products that are formulated for dry skin.
Step 2. Avoid products that contain fragrances and dyes
Fragrances and dyes often irritate the skin and cause the skin to become red and dry. Choose cleansers and moisturizers that are free of these two ingredients.
If you're having trouble choosing a product, try looking for a product designed for babies. Usually these types of products are gentler and are often free of fragrances and dyes
Step 3. Handle skin gently
Don't rub too much, because if you do, you'll lose even the important moisturizing oils. We recommend that you use your hands or a soft towel when exfoliating.
Step 4. Choose a moisturizer carefully
An important step in healing dry, cracked elbows is to moisturize them thoroughly. However, not all moisturizing formulas are the same.
- Products that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid can help the skin retain moisture.
- Products with dimethicone and glycerin are useful for drawing water into the skin.
- Products containing lanonlin, mineral oil, and/or petroleum jelly are also recommended and are great for helping skin retain moisture.
- Look for a moisturizer with lactic acid. In addition to moisturizing the elbows, lactic acid also exfoliates the dead skin cells of the elbows.
Step 5. Apply moisturizer (one that doesn't contain fragrance and color) right after showering
Do not dry the body completely, you should apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp.
Step 6. Try scrubs and moisturizers made from natural food ingredients
Dry, cracked elbows can be treated with a variety of home recipes with ingredients from your kitchen.
- Use yogurt on elbows. Yogurt contains a lot of lactic acid which can gently exfoliate. Greek variant yogurt is quite thick and has a high concentration. Leave this yogurt on your elbows for up to 15 minutes.
- Try applying organic honey to your problematic elbow. Organic honey has long been considered a great remedy for dry, cracked skin. You can mix honey and yogurt or apply it directly without mixing it on your elbows.
- Handle elbows with lemon. The citric acid in lemons can lighten dark, dry skin on the elbows. In addition, this citric acid also serves to gently exfoliate.
- Use natural food oils such as olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil as a moisturizer. Apply directly to your elbows to thoroughly moisturize them.
Step 7. Cover your elbows after moisturizing them
After you've applied the moisturizer or oil, cover your elbows with a sock (cut off both ends). This will help protect your elbows while you sleep and keep the applied product from sticking to other places and retain moisture while you sleep.
Part 2 of 2: Changing the Environment and Lifestyle
Step 1. Keep the ambient temperature low
Dry, cracked elbows can be a problem at any time, but they're more common when you're in an area that's going through winter because the air tends to be drier.
- If you're in this situation, experts recommend that you resist the urge to set the heater on high when it's cold outside.
- Keep the temperature slightly cooler, around 20 degrees celsius.
Step 2. Use a humidifier or humidifier
To overcome the dryness of the air in the room, you should use a humidifier to keep the air moist. Set the humidity level to 45-55%.
Step 3. Don't take a long hot shower
It is true that hot baths are very pleasant but the high temperature and exposure of the skin to the water makes it dry.
- So that you can maintain the skin's natural oils that protect it, it's best not to use too hot water when showering.
- Try to take a shower not too long, 5-10 minutes at most.
Step 4. Limit swimming time
Swimming is a great exercise, but if your skin is exposed to harsh chemicals like chlorine, it can dry out even more. It's a good idea to limit your time in the pool or avoid this exercise until your skin has completely healed.
Step 5. Cover the skin
If you have an overall dry skin problem, it's a good idea to protect your skin from the wind and sun. Elbows are most commonly exposed so when you want to heal it, it's best to wear long sleeves.
- Wear natural fabric fibers such as cotton and avoid synthetic fabrics, which can irritate the skin.
- Although wool is a natural fiber, it can irritate the skin. You might want to avoid wearing woolen shirts and sweaters even if they look warm to wear in a cold country.
Step 6. Keep your body hydrated
To treat skin problems and dry elbows from the inside, make sure you drink lots of water.
Step 7. Change your diet
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are proven to protect the skin from harsh environmental factors and preserve the natural oils that protect the skin.
- Fish such as salmon, halibut, and sardines are good sources of Omega-3.
- Walnuts, safflower oil and flaxseed are also good sources of Omega-3 and are easy to incorporate into your daily diet.
- Before changing your diet or taking fish oil supplements, you should consult your doctor first.
Tips
- Keep your new lifestyle for at least two weeks. If you don't see results, you should see a doctor.
- Start with the simplest products first, and avoid using several products at the same time. The more ingredients you use, the more likely it is that your body will react negatively or be unable to tell which products or methods are working (or not working) for you.
