The skin over our knees & elbows is designed to move along with our joints and for this reason, its structure over these areas differs slightly from the skin over the rest of the body. and has less number of sebaceous glands.
These glands produce oil which naturally moisturises the body. Because of lesser oil production in these areas & a considerable amount of friction, the skin over the knees & elbow is thicker & is more prone to dryness. Dr Neha Dubey, Consultant Medical & Cosmetic Dermatologist, Medical Director at Meraki Skin Clinic, Gurugram recommends some tips to get rid of your dry and rough skin!
Some people who suffer from eczematous skin conditions like psoriasis are more prone to develop patches of excessively dry & itchy skin in these areas. This requires proper medical management under expert guidance. Other factors responsible for dry skin over knees & elbows include no or very low humidity during winters, deficiency of vitamin D & E, dehydration, smoking & ageing.
Here is what you can do to get rid of it:
Do not use harsh soap – Most OTC soaps are alkaline in nature & contain surfactants, thus it adds to the roughness of the skin. Opt for mild cleansers or soaps instead which have mild or no fragrance.
Exfoliation – Gentle exfoliation once a week will aid in removing the dead skin layer & generous use of moisturiser post-bathing would help in regaining the suppleness.
Moisturise – If you want to seal in the moisture, moisturise within a minute if stepping out of the shower. Choose moisturisers with ceramides & oatmeal extracts as these not only deeply moisturise but also heal the skin.
Actives for dry skin – The use of creams containing urea, ammonium lactate & salicylic acid help in the removal of thick scales & allow better penetration of moisturisers, thus making the skin smooth & soft.
Occlusion therapy – If the dry skin on your knees, elbows or heels is really bad and affecting your quality of life, first see a Dermatologist to help you understand the cause. Covering the areas with a cling film overnight after applying repair creams helps in faster healing.
Nourish your skin from within – By including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, D & E in your routine diet, you help your skin stay healthy in the long run.
