Dark knees are a common problem, but not many people talk about them. You may notice your knees looking darker than the rest of your legs, especially during shorts season. It’s frustrating, and if you’ve been looking for how to get rid of dark knees, this is a common concern many people share.
According toa study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, hyperpigmentation affects more than 30% of people with darker skin tones and frequently shows up on knees, elbows, and other high-friction areas. That means you’re definitely not the only one dealing with this.
The good news? You’ve got options. Below, you’ll find 12 ways to get rid of dark knees, from simple home remedies to more advanced treatments. But first, let’s quickly go over why your knees darken in the first place.
Why Do Knees Get Dark?
Your knees darken mostly due to friction, sun exposure, and buildup of dead skin cells. Here’s a breakdown:
- Friction from clothes or kneeling on hard surfaces often leads to thicker, darker skin over time.
- Lack of moisture can make skin appear dull and causes pigmentation to stand out more.
- Sun exposure darkens the knees faster, especially since they’re often missed during sunscreen application.
- Dead skin buildup traps pigment and causes knees to look darker if you don’t exfoliate regularly.
- Hyperpigmentation on knees is common in medium to dark skin tones and can also be influenced by genetics and hormones.
How to Get Rid of Dark Knees
Dark knees can make you feel self-conscious, especially when the rest of your skin tone looks even. If you’re wondering how to get rid of dark knees, there are simple and effective ways to lighten them at home or with professional help.
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Dead skin builds up quickly on knees, making them rough and darker. Use a gentle body scrub with sugar or fine beads 2 to 3 times a week. Massage in circular motions for about a minute, then rinse and moisturize. You can also use a loofah or dry brush before showering.
Removing dead skin helps your other products absorb better and is a key part of any dark knees treatment.
2. Use Lemon and Honey
Lemon is rich in citric acid, which naturally lightens skin, and honey helps with moisture and healing.
Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on your knees. Let the juice sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and apply honey for another 10 minutes. Rinse off and moisturize. Repeat 2–3 times a week.
This is one of the most affordable ways for how to lighten knees naturally.
3. Apply Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is soothing, hydrating, and helps even out skin tone. It also encourages skin regeneration.
Use pure aloe vera gel and massage it into your knees before bed. Leave it on overnight and rinse in the morning. Daily use makes a difference over time.
Bonus: Aloe won’t irritate your skin like harsher remedies can.
4. Try Yogurt and Turmeric Paste
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties, while yogurt contains lactic acid that gently exfoliates.
Mix 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric to form a paste. Apply it to your knees and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize.
Use this mask 2–3 times a week for best results.
5. Use Baking Soda (Sparingly)
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can exfoliate dark patches, but don’t overdo it, it can dry out your skin.
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Gently rub on your knees for one minute, then rinse off. Follow with a heavy moisturizer.
Limit this to once a week to avoid irritation.
6. Invest in a Lactic Acid Lotion
Lactic acid helps fade dark spots by dissolving dead skin cells. Look for body lotions with around 5–12% lactic acid.
Apply after your evening shower and let it soak in overnight. Over time, this helps reduce hyperpigmentation on knees and improves texture too.
Just remember to wear sunscreen during the day since acids can make your skin more sun-sensitive.
7. Try Over-the-Counter Niacinamide Creams
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is great for treating uneven skin tone and boosting hydration. It’s a go-to ingredient in many brightening creams.
Use a niacinamide-based cream or serum daily. It’s gentle enough for regular use and works well with other skincare steps. You’ll start seeing results in 4–6 weeks.
This is one of the best science-backed options for how to get rid of dark knees without visiting a clinic.
8. Moisturize Every Day
Dark knees can often be made worse by dry skin. When your skin lacks moisture, it looks dull and makes pigmentation more obvious.
Use a thick moisturizer with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or ceramides. Apply at least twice daily, especially after exfoliating or showering.
You can also layer in oils like coconut or almond oil to seal in moisture.
9. Use Sunscreen, Seriously
Your knees need sunscreen just like your face. UV rays increase melanin production and darken already-pigmented skin.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever your knees are exposed. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside or sweating.
This is a crucial step in any dark knees treatment, especially if you’re using acids or exfoliating products.
10. Apply Vitamin C Body Serums
Vitamin C fades dark spots and brightens skin over time. Look for serums with at least 10% ascorbic acid.
Apply to clean, dry skin after exfoliating but before moisturizing. You can use this in the morning or at night.
Paired with sunscreen, Vitamin C is a powerful tool for how to lighten knees safely.
11. Consider Retinol Body Creams
Retinol speeds up skin renewal and gradually fades dark patches. It also smooths out rough, bumpy knees.
Start slow, use once or twice a week at night. Build up as your skin tolerates it. Don’t forget to moisturize after and wear sunscreen during the day.
Retinol is a long-term solution that works best with consistent use over a few months.
12. Book a Dermatologist Appointment
If your knees stay dark despite all your efforts, it might be time to see a pro. A dermatologist can recommend stronger treatments like:
- Chemical peels
- Laser therapy
- Prescription creams with hydroquinone or tretinoin
These options aren’t for everyone, but if your hyperpigmentation on knees is severe or persistent, they’re worth considering.
A dermatologist can customize a plan based on your skin type, lifestyle, and goals.
What You Learn While Treating Dark Knees
Getting rid of dark knees goes beyond improving how your skin looks—it’s also about giving attention to the parts of yourself you usually overlook. When you care for those areas, you’re building consistency, patience, and self-awareness. Skin takes time to respond, but the effort you put in now leads to real changes. Whether you keep it simple or go for stronger treatments, what matters is that you’re showing up for yourself, and that always pays off.