Dark neck, elbows and knees: viral social media mix versus simple skin care

Most people pay attention to the beauty of the face, but the neck, elbows and knees are often neglected. These areas are not cleaned properly, so dirt keeps collecting there and they gradually start to look dark. You may also have noticed that the neck is often darker than the face. The reason is that it is not cleaned properly.

Many remedies for removing this darkness are doing the rounds on social media. But there is no guarantee that every such remedy is effective and safe for the skin. According to skin experts, darkness on the body is not caused only by tanning or pigmentation. Proper skin care is equally important.

A mixture of lemon, Eno, shampoo, coffee and coconut oil is trending widely on social media these days. It is claimed that it removes all the dark dirt from the skin in just 15 minutes. However, it has been pointed out that there is not enough scientific evidence to support this claim. The acid in lemon and products such as Eno can cause skin irritation. Shampoo, too, is not a cleanser made for the skin of the body. For this reason, applying the mixture on the neck, elbows or knees can prove dangerous. Other measures have been suggested instead.

The first suggestion is to rub the neck, elbows and knees gently with soap while bathing. Sunscreen and moisturiser should also be applied regularly. Sunscreen protects the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays, while moisturiser relieves dryness.

If dust and sweat have settled on the skin, it is best to rub it lightly with lukewarm water while bathing. Various body washes are also available in the market for cleansing the body. Do not forget to apply moisturiser after a bath. It keeps the skin moist and stops it from drying out.

Exposure to the sun tans the skin and makes it darker. To remove this tan, it has been suggested to make a paste of one spoon of turmeric, one spoon of milk and one spoon of honey. Leave the paste on the neck and knees for 10 minutes and then wash the skin with water.