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Dry & Ashy Elbows: Symptoms, Causes & Care

Why are your elbows dry? Here is everything you need to know about the causes and care of dry, rough, and ashy elbows.

How to care for dry elbows

The elbows are normally one of the driest areas of the body and can become itchy and rough as a result. Some people even notice black or white discoloration, while ashy elbows are not uncommon. 

Find out why elbows are prone to dryness, symptoms of dry elbows and how to adapt your skincare routine to treat dry, rough elbows.
 
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Why are my elbows dry?

Elbows are more prone to dryness than other parts of the body. One of the main reasons for this is that, as the elbows are more exposed to friction, the skin of the elbows is thicker than the skin on the rest of the body to help protect them. The elbows are in contact with different surfaces a lot more than other areas – whether you are leaning on a desk, holding your head in your hands, or reading a book. They also have fewer sebaceous glands, the oil-secreting components of the skin, so they are less lubricated. 

Dry elbows symptoms

If your elbows are dry, you may notice some the following: 

  1. Black or white patches
  2. Ashy or dark appearance
  3. Itching 
  4. Roughness 
  5. Scaly areas
 
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What causes dry elbows?

The elbows are exposed to a great deal and there are a few reasons they can become excessively dry , rough, discolored in appearance or itchy. Here are some common causes of dry elbows:
A woman sitting with her elbow on her knee

FRICTION

Those of us who spend a lot of time behind a desk complain about dry elbows. While working at a computer, your elbows are in constant contact with the desktop or chair armrests, and the friction can cause drying and thickening of the skin.

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IRRITATING CLOTHING

Certain materials, including synthetics like polyester, can irritate the skin on the elbows as they rub against it. Sweat can contribute to this by clinging to clothing, causing friction between your skin and your clothing. This can strip the skin of its natural oils and leave it dry and dehydrated, particularly in areas, like the elbows, that are already prone to dryness.

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MOVEMENT

Your elbows are a joint and as a result, the skin on them bends and stretches constantly throughout the day as you move, which puts further strain on the elbow skin which can cause dryness. This can stress  the skin on the elbows  to a point where it can become cracked if it is not looked after.

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THE WEATHER

Dry elbows appear most often in colder weather as chilly air can cause the skin to dry out, so be sure to protect them. But the sun can also dry out the skin on your elbows, which are particularly susceptible to damage from UV light. Make sure to apply a good broad- spectrum sunscreen , paying special attention to your elbows  before going out into the sun and remember use and reapply as directed. 

A woman's elbow

DIET AND WATER INTAKE

Insufficient fluid intake can lead to dry skin, including the elbows, while consuming a small amount of unsaturated fats will help build up the skin's hydrolipid moisture barrier - that’s your skin’s protective layer - to help prevent your elbows from becoming dry.

A woman sitting with her elbows on her knees

HEATING

During the winter months, heating can often draw the moisture out of the air which can leave skin dehydrated - another reason you may notice you have dry elbows more in the winter months than you do during spring and summer. Hot showers can also strip the skin of its natural oils which can lead to rough and dry elbows.

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AIR CONDITIONING

In the same way that heating can dry out the skin, air conditioning can have the same effect by upsetting the skin's natural moisture balance. This can often cause dry elbows that feel rough to the touch.

A woman sitting with her elbow planted on her knee

HORMONAL CHANGES

Hormonal changes such as menopause dehydrate the skin and can cause dry elbows. 

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INSUFFICIENT SKINCARE

Your skin needs moisture and with all the work your elbows do, they need a bit of a hydrating helping hand. Keeping the skin hydrated on a regular basis using a rich moisturizer is essential for avoiding dry skin on elbows.

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CHLORINE

If you arere a regular swimmer, there is a chance that the chlorine is drying out your elbows. Rehydrate your skin after a swim with a moisturizer or sunscreen. 

I'VE GOT DISCOLOURED OR ASHY ELBOWS-
should I be worried?

Dark or white patches on the elbow are completely normal. Discolored or ashy elbows are simply caused by a buildup of dead skin cells which can make the area look dark, patchy, or even scaly. Make sure to exfoliate regularly to remove these dead skin cells for bright and smooth elbow skin.
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How to get rid of dry elbows appearance

Dry and ashy elbows may be common, but there are steps you can take at home to keep your skin looking smooth and supple. While you may not be able to get rid of ashy elbows completely, you can help to manage their appearance through the following ways:

  • Be conscious of water temperature
    Use lukewarm water when you wash, or shower, as hot water is drying to skin and can worsen the appearance of dry elbows.
  • Exfoliation
    Exfoliate your skin to help remove the dry, flaky skin with a gentle body scrub. It is important that the scrub is really gentle on your skin as your dry skin can become more sensitive. Ensure to moisturize afterwards.
  • Regularly moisturize
    Moisturize your skin regularly, including after you shower to help lock in moisture to hydrate and nourish skin to help prevent  dry elbows. 
  • Switch up your shower products
    Wash with gentle, nourishing shower gels as some ingredients could be harsh on skin. Creams and gels with shea or cocoa butter such as the NIVEA Cocoa & Shea Butter Body Wash With Nourishing Serum are great for keeping your skin pampered. In-shower body lotions such as the NIVEA Cocoa Butter In-Shower Body Lotion can also be a great option to provide a little extra moisture boost to the skin for a soft and smooth feel.
     

     

     
 
  • Consider what you wear

    Wear clothing made from soft and breathable materials such as cotton, which will be gentle on your skin.

  • Be wary of laundry products

    Change your laundry detergent or fabric softener if your skin is reacting or becoming sensitive to it - skin can commonly react to laundry products and cause dry, itchy elbows.

  • Apply sunscreen

    Whenever your skin is exposed to the sun, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to help protect against UV light. If you are swimming, make sure it is water resistant and after swimming, wash off the chlorine or sea water and promptly reapply. If you leave salty water or chlorine on your skin , you may find you have dry, itchy or rough elbows as the salt and chlorine can be drying.

  • Contact a professional

    If problems persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor for advice.

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NIVEA Help to Reduce the Appearance of Dry Elbows

NIVEA understands the discomfort caused by dry and rough elbows, which need that bit of extra care. Drawing on over 100 years of skincare expertise, NIVEA has carefully created skincare solutions that can help moisturize and care for dry, rough elbows. Products are formulated with ingredients such as Almond Oil or Provitamin B5 and provide nourishing, long-lasting moisture.

NIVEA Essentially Enriched Body Lotion with Deep Nourishing Serum and Almond Oil intensely  moisturizes dry to very dry skin and provides long- lasting moisture for up to 48 hours. The caring formula leaves rough and dry skin noticeably smoother. Massage this moisturizer over your elbows both morning and evening to help reduce dryness.

If your elbows need a little more support, perhaps opt for NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion. Enriched with Provitamin B5, it helps to relieve very dry, rough skin and moisturizes for up to 72 hours.

An alternative  would be to use a multipurpose cream such as the rich, intensively moisturizing NIVEA Creme or the refreshing NIVEA Soft Cream. Both are suitable for use on your face, body and hands and come in useful handbag sized formats – perfect for keeping with you on the go for when your elbows may need extra care throughout the day.

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NIVEA MEN Help for Dry Elbows

For men out there also experiencing dry elbows, NIVEA MEN is here to help. The NIVEA MEN Maximum Hydration Nourishing Lotion, formulated with Aloe Vera, intensively moisturizes skin helping to relieve dryness. The caring lotion can be used on hands, face, and body – offering a 3-in-1 skincare solution. For the best results, smooth over dry skin daily and allow it to absorb.

NIVEA MEN Creme is another non-greasy, non-sticky option for dry elbows that works by giving skin a boost of hydration and protecting it from drying out. This skin creme absorbs quickly and is suitable for body, hands, and face – anywhere you’re experiencing dry skin. 
 
NIVEA MEN Body Care Products
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5 reasons to exfoliate ashy elbows

Dead skin cells are a big cause of dry and discolored elbows. Exfoliating on a regular basis will get rid of the buildup of dead skin cells revealing the healthier-looking skin underneath.

  1. Skin could look brighter in appearance
  2. Dead skin cells will be removed to reveal fresh, healthy-looking skin
  3. The massage will give the skin’s circulation a boost
  4. Hard patches of skin could begin to feel smoother
  5. Your skin tone will look more even and the appearance of discolored elbows can eventually be reduced

 

 

 


Here’s how to exfoliate your elbows

  • Take a good gentle body scrub and gently massage it all over your skin, focusing on areas with particularly dry skin like the elbows and knees. Then wash it off and reveal smoother skin
  • A body brush can be another key tool for keeping the elbow area exfoliated
  • Avoid daily or excessive exfoliation as this can become damaging to skin  
  • Experts recommend using a body scrub no more than twice a week if you want to reap the benefits without causing further damage. 

When you have dry elbows , consistency with your skin care is key to good results.

 

Products for Dry Elbows

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:
1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin
2. Improve the appearance of the skin
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin