Chronicles of drought: why elbows peel off

They are terribly capricious: even if the skin on the whole body is soft and velvety, on the elbows it can itch, dry and crack. Why are elbows peeling, and what to do about it?

Causes of peeling skin on the elbows in men and women

The skin on the elbows turns red, itches and flakes much more often than on other parts of the body. Reasons, according to expert of La Roche-Posay, dermatocosmetologist Alexander Prokofiev, can be very different.

  • Hormones. The skin signals any endocrine changes, and most often the skin on the elbows “screams” about them. It becomes dry, for example, during menopause, with violations of carbohydrate metabolism.

  • Temperature differences. It’s plus 25 indoors, minus 10 outdoors. From such jumps, any skin becomes unwell, not only the skin on the elbows.

  • Baths. Sometimes the reason is simple: you just basked in a hot bath for a long time the day before! Dry, sensitive skin does not like high temperatures – however, as well as baths with salt and some herbs. They make her dry even more.

  • Lack of vitamins A, E, D, often – group B (B1, B2, B3, B6). They are needed to renew the stratum corneum of the skin, help retain moisture in the cells. And if the body lacks them, you will definitely see it.

  • Skin diseases. Dermatitis, eczema, psioriasis – only a doctor can figure it out. If the skin on the elbows turns red and flakes all year round, and not just in the off-season, you should contact a specialist.

  • Bad habits – for example, the manner of putting the elbows on the table and leaning on them – can provoke hyperkeratosis. The skin thickens, becomes dry, the skin pattern is disturbed. Sometimes there is even hyperpigmentation.

If you don’t like the way your skin looks (not just on your elbows, but on your face too) but can’t figure out what’s wrong with it, take our quiz.

What to do if the skin on the elbows is dry and flaky

In winter, flaky elbows can at least be hidden under a cozy sweater, hidden under a long sleeve hoodie. But in the summer there is no such possibility – I want to wear T-shirts, T-shirts, light sundresses and dresses. What to do?

  • Review your diet.

  • Choose a cream that softens and moisturizes the skin on the elbows.

  • Go to a dermatologist who will advise treatment (if necessary) and procedures.

There are no special procedures for the skin of the elbows. But to soften it, any moisturizing and softening masks and body wraps will do.

Nutrition and vitamins

Sometimes, in order for the skin on the elbows to become soft and moisturized again, it is enough to diversify the diet with protein and foods rich in vitamins A, E, D. Nuts, eggs, seeds, sour-milk products, beef liver – all this must be on the menu! As for the additional intake of vitamins, it is better to consult a doctor about this.

Cosmetic skin care

Properly selected regular care for dry skin on the elbows includes, for example, a regenerating cream. 1-2 times a week, you should also treat the skin on the elbows with scrubs. We talk about the favorite tools of the Healthy-Food editors.

Body Scrub “Precious Beauty Scrub”, Garnier

Argan seed shell powder gently exfoliates dead skin cells, while argan, macadamia, almond and rose oils care for the skin, softening and nourishing it, preventing dryness and enhancing its protective functions.

Soft body scrub Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish, Kiehl’s

The composition of the product is fantastic – soy milk, jojoba oil, honey and crushed cylindrical loofah. The scrub gently exfoliates dead cells, gently polishes, while nourishing and moisturizing the skin. After the procedure, she simply shines.

Lipid-restoring cleansing cream-gel for face and body Lipikar Syndet AP +, La Roche-Posay

Niacinamide, shea butter and active ingredient Aqua Posae Filiformis soothe the skin and strengthen its protective barrier. The product is excellent for cleansing the skin, moisturizes and softens it, does not leave a feeling of dryness and tightness.

Lipid-restoring balm for face and body Lipikar Baume AP +, La Roche-Posay

Suitable if the skin on the elbows not only peels off, but also itches. Balm soothes dry skin, thus helping to eliminate itching, and relieves the unpleasant feeling of tightness. Starring the Aqua Posae Filiformis bacteria complex, niacinamide and shea butter, restoring and softening the skin.

Cica-cream for sensitive skin Dermatologist Solutions Centella Sensitive Cica-Cream, Kiehl’s

Contains panthenol and madecassoside (Centella asiatica extract). The cream noticeably soothes the skin and accelerates the process of restoring the lipid barrier of the skin. Actively moisturizes and gives comfort.

Nourishing body cream Crème de Corps, Kiehl’s

Thick and rich, it nevertheless absorbs well and moisturizes even very dry skin. The cream contains squalane and nourishing oils.

SA softening cream for dry, rough and uneven skin, CeraVe

The main components of the cream are ceramides, urea, lipohydroxy and salicylic acids. The product gently exfoliates dry, rough skin, helps to soften and restore its protective barrier.

Revitalizing and nourishing body cream Nutrix Royal Body, Lancôme

Enriched with royal jelly extract, hazelnut peptides and vegetable oils, this body cream hydrates and nourishes dry skin.

Salon procedures

There are no special procedures for the skin of the elbows. But to soften it, any moisturizing and softening masks and wraps, paraffin therapy, and to remove rough skin – hardware peeling will do.

Folk remedies

We at Healthy-Food are not very big fans of them. But as an addition to competent cosmetic care, try homemade masks, baths and compresses – why not?

Honey pack

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp. honey;

  • 1 tsp olive or linseed oil.

How to prepare and use:

  1. mix the ingredients;

  2. apply the mixture on the skin of the elbows;

  3. put a piece of film on your elbows and secure with a cloth;

  4. withstand 2-3 hours;

  5. rinse with water.

Baths with starch

Ingredients:

  • 0,5 liters of warm water;

  • 2-3 tbsp. l. starch.

How to prepare and use:

  1. dissolve starch in water

  2. pour the mixture into the bath;

  3. lower your elbows;

  4. hold in solution for 20 minutes;

  5. rinse skin with warm water.

Oil mask

Ingredients:

1 tsp argan or almond oil.

How to prepare and use:

  1. oil the skin of the elbows;

  2. leave until completely absorbed.

Bath – yes, but only warm! The skin flakes off from the heat.

Useful tips and prevention of peeling elbows

What to do so that this problem never touches you?

  1. Use body scrub and emollient creams regularly.

  2. Eat a balanced diet.

  3. Do not take hot baths or hot showers.

  4. Humidify indoor air.

  5. Wear clothes mostly made from natural fabrics.

  6. If you are prone to allergies, follow your doctor’s instructions.

Leave a Reply