How to Keep Your Elbows Moisturized and Smooth

No one enjoys dealing with dry, itchy elbows. The rough texture, flaky skin patches, and snagging on your favorite clothes can be frustrating. Unfortunately, this issue probably won’t resolve itself. The good news is that a few simple skincare steps can help you manage and improve elbow dryness.

As we age, our skin’s ability to retain moisture naturally declines due to factors like weather, hormones, and even genetics. If your family members have struggled with conditions like flaky psoriasis or persistent redness and itching caused by dermatitis, there's a good chance you'll experience similar issues [source: Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists]. But even without a family history, areas like the elbows are often prone to dryness and discomfort.

Dryness often strikes the elbows first and can become a recurring frustration, especially if you're prone to flaky skin. Just like your heels, elbows can dry out quickly due to their frequent use and their position on your body.

Your body can't always keep up with shedding the dry skin that builds up on your elbows. It needs a little help—so it's time to give your elbows some extra attention. How? Easy: exfoliate and moisturize. You don't need to leave your house for this—ingredients might be right in your kitchen. However, if your situation is severe, a visit to the pharmacy could be necessary [source: Mayo Clinic].

Keep reading for tips and home remedies that will help you tackle these stubborn dry spots and turn your elbows from a skin challenge to a smooth, hydrated success.

How to Moisturize Itchy Elbows

Dry, rough elbows can be a real fashion killer, especially when you're wearing short-sleeved or sleeveless outfits. They can also be a hassle with long-sleeved tops, particularly if the fabric is delicate or prone to snags. And when dryness comes with itching, it’s even harder to ignore.

To ease persistent itching, try applying cool compresses to your elbows. Another effective home remedy is soaking or saturating your elbows in milk, which can help alleviate both dryness and itching. Non-prescription hydrocortisone cream may also provide relief. Once the itching subsides, focus on exfoliating and moisturizing. Milk isn't the only useful kitchen ingredient; home remedies can often be as effective as pricey skincare products. For example, sugar and salt can serve as exfoliants. You can make a quick sugar scrub by mixing sugar, olive oil, and lemon juice, or simply add sugar to your favorite body lotion until it feels slightly gritty. If you're short on time, try halving a lemon, sprinkling salt on the pulp, and rubbing it onto your elbows as you would chalk a pool cue. Afterward, rinse and apply olive or safflower oil as a moisturizer [source: Goldstein].

When moving from the kitchen to the bath, timing is key. Apply baby oil, petroleum jelly, mineral oil-based products, or a creamy over-the-counter body moisturizer to your skin while it’s still slightly damp after a shower. If using petroleum jelly, experts recommend applying it immediately after stepping out of the shower and then using a towel to remove any excess [source: WebMD].

Eliminating irritants from your skincare routine can also help combat dryness. The products you use daily, as well as your environment, can have a big impact. To reduce irritation and itching, opt for dye- and fragrance-free soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners. Choose cotton clothing and blankets instead of wool. If your skin tends to be drier in winter, consider using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air [source: Mayo Clinic].

If you’ve tried various exfoliants and moisturizers without success, it might be time to see a dermatologist. A professional will be able to determine if your dry elbow skin is connected to a more serious condition [source: Mayo Clinic].