Even if your skin is soft and velvety all over your body, your elbows are prone to itching, drying, and cracking. Why are my elbows flaky, and what can I do about it?

Causes of flaky elbow skin in men and women

The skin on your elbows is red, itchy, and flaky much more often than on other parts of your body.

Hormones. Skin signals any endocrine changes, and the skin on the elbows "screams" about them most often. It becomes dry, for example, during menopause, in disorders of carbohydrate metabolism.

Temperature fluctuations. Indoors it is 25°C; outdoors, it is minus 10°C. Such changes make any skin feel unwell, not only your elbows.

Baths. Sometimes the reason is banal: you just spent a long time in a hot bath the day before! Dry, sensitive skin does not like high temperatures, as well as baths with salt and some herbs. They make it even more dehydrated.

flaky skin

Lack of vitamins A, E, and D and often B vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6. They are needed to renew the skin's stratum corneum, helping retain moisture in the cells. And if your body lacks them, you will see them.

Skin diseases. Dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis - only a doctor can figure it out. If the skin on your elbows is red and flaky throughout the year, not only in the off-season, it is worth seeing a specialist.

Unhealthy habits can provoke hyperkeratosis, such as putting your elbows on a table or leaning on them. The skin thickens, becomes drier, and the skin pattern is disturbed. Sometimes there is even hyperpigmentation.

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

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

Reconsider your diet.

Pick a cream or body oil for dry skin, which will soften and moisturize the skin on your elbows.

See a dermatologist who can suggest treatments (if needed) and procedures.

Nutrition and vitamins

Sometimes getting soft, moisturized elbow skin can be as simple as supplementing your diet with protein and foods high in vitamins A, E, and D. Nuts, eggs, sunflower seeds, dairy products, and beef liver - all these things should be on the menu! As for additional vitamin intake, it is better to consult your doctor.

Salon procedures

There are no special procedures for the skin of the elbows. But to soften it, fit any moisturizing and softening masks and wraps, paraffin therapy, and to remove the rough skin - machine peeling.

1
Body scrub and emollient creams should be used regularly.

2
Eat a balanced diet.

3
Don"t take hot baths or hot showers.

4
Humidify the air in the room.

5
Wear clothing made mostly of natural fabrics.

6
If you are prone to allergies, follow your doctor"s recommendations.