How to Get Rid of Dry Elbows in 10 Ways

Some skincare concerns are incredibly straightforward. You have a sunburn? Reach for some anti-inflammatory aloe to help soothe the redness and irritation. Your t-zone is extra oily? Incorporate ingredients like salicylic acid and witch hazel into your routine to help balance your oil and make way for a more mattified visage.

One skincare concern that’s not as obvious as far as treatments go? Dry elbows. While you might think that applying any hydrating cream would do the trick, if you’ve ever actually had dry elbows, then you know that’s not the case. And that’s precisely why we thought it was high time to reach out to the experts on the matter. 

Ahead, find out how to address the most stubborn elbow skin…

1. Apply Products While Your Elbows Are Damp

While applying lotions, creams, or ointments to wet skin may seem like it would inhibit the product from actually sinking in, the opposite is actually true. In fact, doing so will actually help lock in hydration and further support the skin barrier, which is vital in healing and caring for dry elbow skin.

2. Opt for Thicker Products

No matter how hydrating a gel cream claims to be, when it comes to your elbows, it’s best to opt for thicker formulas that can really create a barrier between your elbow skin and the outside world, thus helping to keep moisture in and drying elements out. It’s the perfect final seal for an impaired skin barrier during the harsh winter months when transepidermal water loss increases and dry skin and skin irritation emerge.

3. Skip the Super Hot Shower

As wonderful as a steamy shower may feel, especially during the colder months of the year, it can actually make matters worse for your elbows and skin at large. (Especially considering dry elbows are commonly associated with winter. ) Don’t over shower or bathe in hot water—it will dry out elbows more.

4. Use Mild Cleansers

Another thing to keep in mind while showering and bathing? The cleansers you use. Use cleansers that are mild and don’t dry out the skin when washing the elbows, noting that if your elbows are not dirty, then you don’t need to suds up that area at all. After all, over-cleansing is another way to quickly dry out your ‘bows.

5. Wear an Ointment Overnight

Just like slugging—the practice of finishing a nighttime skincare routine with an occlusive ointment—can make a world of difference for how hydrated your skin is come morning, so can wearing ointment on your elbows overnight. Apply your ointment of choice overnight and cover your elbows with long sleeves to intensify the effect of the ointment on the skin and repair the barrier while you sleep.

6. Consider Chemical Exfoliation

Sometimes ointments can't work their magic because there are too many built-up dead skin cells in the way. With that in mind, consider using creams infused with chemical exfoliants, like alpha-hydroxy acids.

7. Try Mechanical Exfoliation

Another option is to use physical (or mechanical) exfoliation. Use a weekly physical exfoliating scrub in combination with a body scrubber with silicone bristles, like the Foreo Luna 3 ($199), to add another layer of exfoliation to this stubborn body area that requires extra exfoliation. 

8. Incorporate Urea Into Your Skincare Routine

In addition to AHAs, adding urea to your elbow care routine can also help. Urea will remove built-up stratum corneum by loosening the bonds that hold skin cells together, noting that urea is also a humectant that helps draw moisture into the skin. 

Much like hand creams, foot and heel creams are great options for elbows given their intensely hydrating formulas, which are also designed to deal with stubborn dry cracked skin. 

9. Stock Your Skincare Routine With Humectants

Speaking of humectants, glycerin is another great one to add to your elbow care routine. Hand creams are perfect solutions for elbows as well. The Wild Naturals sulfate-and paraben-free rich, moisturizing cream intensely hydrates with glycerin and protects dry skin.

10. Don’t Rest on Your Elbows

Last but not least, how you treat your elbows outside of your skincare routine matters, too. Specifically, not to put so much pressure on them. Try to not mindlessly rest on your elbow when you’re working, driving, or watching television. The more pressure that you apply to the area, the thicker the skin will become in defense. For the best natural skin care, shop Wild Naturals today!