Knees and elbows are notorious for developing dry, rough skin patches. The more you lean on your elbows, work on your hands and feet or spend time in the sun, the worse the problem can get. Restoring smooth skin takes a little time and patience, but it's a simple process you can complete with home remedies. There's a three-part approach to treating rough skin spots: exfoliating, cleansing and moisturizing.
Exfoliant
Exfoliating means using a mild abrasive to slough away dead, dry skin cells. Removing the top layer of rough skin regularly helps soften and smooth rough spots. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics recommends a coffee body scrub. Combine 2 cups coffee grounds, 1/2 cup raw sugar or coarse sea salt and 2 tbsp. to 3 tbsp. of your favorite skin-nourishing oil such as jojoba, sweet almond or even olive oil. Use a small scoop of the scrub and gently work it into your rough spots using a small, circular motion. Don't scrub too hard, or you risk breaking open the skin.
Cleanser
Rough, dry skin patches can lead to cracked, painful skin. If not properly cared for, these cracks can bleed or become infected. A gentle cleanser with natural antibiotic properties helps keep harmful bacteria at bay. To make a simple antibacterial cleanser, add 5 drops tea tree oil to 1 cup liquid castile soap and gently stir it. Tea tree oil helps kill infection-causing bacteria, according to MayoClinic.com. Add up to 5 drops additional oils for a richer scent or additional healing properties. Try cedarwood oil, according to the Wellness Directory of Minnesota, to help oxygenate your skin. Chamomile oil also has skin-soothing properties. Use the cleanser after exfoliating.
Moisturizer
Moisturizers help restore softness and oils to dry, rough skin. Several types of home remedies add moisture to the skin. The simplest moisturizer is to apply oil, such as olive oil, to your skin and gently massage until it's absorbed. If you'd like a more complex, better smelling moisturizer, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics combines 1 cup sweet almond oil, 1/2 cup jojoba oil, 2 tbsp. apricot kernel oil and a few drops of essential oils for fragrance. Stir in 1/2 oz. melted beeswax to make a thicker cream or salve; store it in an airtight container. Reapply this a few times per day, when your skin no longer feels smooth and moist.
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