How to take care of dry knees and elbows –

With simple measures and using the right cream, as explained by dermatologists Márcia Pontes Fajardo and Silvia de Mello, both from Rio de Janeiro, you can keep your elbows and knees hydrated and protected from dryness.

Why is the dryness in these areas worse than the rest of the body?

The skin at these two points is already wrinkled and full of folds to protect the joints and ensure range of motion. They also have fewer sebaceous glands, which produce the natural oil that lubricates the skin. Also, knees and elbows are subject to a lot of chafing and friction, another factor in dryness.

In addition to being dry, my knees turn dark. It’s normal?

Darkening is a response to aggressions: exaggerated exposure to the sun in the summer, physical activities that increase friction in the area, constant use of tight pants and the natural drying of the area. In addition to avoiding the trauma that may be causing the problem, it is worth resorting to treatments with depigmenting substances, such as kojic acid and hydroquinone, which help to lighten the region. “But you need medical supervision, because the skin in this area is very delicate”, says Silvia de Mello.

What should I do so that the skin on my elbows is not thick and whitish?

It sounds silly, but not forgetting to apply cream on your elbows is essential. It is the dryness that leaves the skin with a hardened touch and a whitish appearance. “But it’s worth keeping an eye out: sometimes, the flaking can be a sign of some type of allergy or even a sign of psoriasis”, warns Silvia de Mello.

Does a normal moisturizer solve the problem?

Not always. It is better to do an intensive treatment for two or three months with a more potent moisturizer. For knees and elbows, products with a high dosage of urea (about 20%) are recommended, which have a keratolytic action, that is, they exfoliate and thin the skin, removing that hardened layer. Other ingredients, to hydrate and soften, are welcome: almond oil, lactic acid, ammonium lactate and allantoin – look on the labels.

Using the scented moisturizer I love no way?

These products generally form a barrier on the skin to prevent water loss, but do not contain specific actives capable of replacing it in the inner layers. Apply it to less dry areas.

What else can I do to avoid the problem?

Dryness is also a result of insufficient water consumption in winter. At that time, we sweat less and therefore feel less thirsty. But she remains essential to maintain body hydration. Even if you follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (which also provide you with liquid), you still need to drink 1.5 liters of water a day (and, yes, it can be in the form of tea to warm you up in the morning). cold).

What about the temperature of the bath. Is the way to face a warm shower in the cold?

No, but the water doesn’t have to be boiling hot! It’s also worth not exaggerating the time under the shower. One option is, before showering, to spread almond oil all over your body, not forgetting your knees and elbows, of course. As oil and water don’t mix, this care protects your skin, preventing hot water from drying it out. Also avoid exfoliants and loofahs. Both remove the natural oiliness of the skin and, in excess, can cause the opposite effect and further thicken the knees and elbows. Even ordinary soap requires moderation. Stick with a liquid version that contains moisturizing actives.