Dark knuckles, in some parts of the world, are signs that a person is lightening his/her skin with a cream.
Whatever knuckles discolouration portray to you, there are different reasons a person could have them, other than cream.
You could inherit dark knuckles from your parents or get them as a result of exposure to sun.
Also, this skin pigmentation could be a sign of underlying health conditions or even vitamin B12 deficiency (1).
An accumulation of dead skin cells can also make a person have dark knuckles.
However, modern age has now seen a common trend due to the use of chemical or organic creams, basically for skin toning.
How To Remove Dark Knuckles
If you have dark knuckles here are some methods that would help remove them from your fingers:
1. Exfoliation
Gently exfoliating the dark knuckles with a mixture of sugar and lemon juice can help to remove dead skin cells and lighten the skin tone.
You see, lemon contains acids that could naturally lighten the skin.
This compounds can also remove effects of ageing, spots and acne scars.
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Basically, regular exfoliation with this sugar and lemon scrub will help remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin.
2. Moisturisation
Here, you will need to get an ointment which you will moistorise your skin with. One ointment that works is coconut oil. Cold pressed, preferably.
Using a moisturiser or coconut oil on the dark knuckles can help to keep the skin soft and supple.
Also, it will help prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells.
3. Lemon Juice
This time you do not need to add sugar. All you do is get lemon and extract the juice.
Afterwards, apply this juice on the affected area and leaving it for 15-20 minutes before washing it off.
This will help lighten the skin tone.
4. Turmeric
Apart from taking yoghurt through the mouth, here is another way it is of benefit to you.
You will need to get turmeric powder and mix some tablespoon with yoghurt to make a paste.
Afterwards, apply it on the dark knuckles.
This will help to lighten the skin tone and remove dark knuckles.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is another good compound for removal of dark skin in finger.
This amazing plant contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound.
This helps to lighten your skin and work effectively as a nontoxic hyperpigmentation treatment.
According to a study, aloe vera contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants. It also contains vitamin B12 and this is one reason it helps remove dark knuckles (2).
Remember that one of the causes of dark knuckles is a deficiency in vitamin B12.
Apply this aloe vera gel to the area of the finger or face where the knuckles are.
This will help to lighten the skin and soothe any irritation.
6. Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serum can be applied on the dark knuckles as it can help to brighten the skin and even out the skin tone.
Remember that lemon, talked about earlier, is a rich source of vitamin C and that is why it works.
You can get vitamin C tablets, grind it and mix in honey and then apply to the dark areas.
7. Hydration
Also, keeping the skin hydrated can help improve its overall appearance, including the knuckles.
8. Sun Protection
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher can help protect the skin from further darkening.
9. Consult A Dermatologist
Finally, it is important that you get experts involved, especially when the methods above do not give you a satisfactory effect.
A dermatologist can recommend medical treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or microdermabrasion. But all of those have their side effects.
It’s important to note that the natural methods may take time to show results.
Also, it is not recommended to use any methods that may cause irritation or damage to the skin.
Consult with a dermatologist before trying any new methods if you have sensitive skin or any other skin condition.
It is also important to protect your knuckles from sun exposure by using sunscreen, wearing gloves and covering up with clothing.