Something that many of us have, but don't usually pay much attention to, is cracked elbows. Yes, most of us suffer from this natural condition: the elbow area is one of the driest and most delicate on the body.
Today we want to explain what cracked elbows are, how we can take care of them, and natural home remedies to treat and soften them.
What are cracked elbows?
Cracked elbows are a condition in which the skin on the elbows becomes rough, dry, and cracked. This area of the body is prone to dryness due to a lack of sebaceous glands, which are responsible for generating the hydrolipidic layer to keep the skin nourished.
Some factors that can contribute to the appearance of cracked elbows include:
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Skin dryness: A lack of proper hydration in the elbows can cause the skin to dry out and crack. Exposure to dry or cold environments can also worsen the dryness.
- Friction and pressure: Constant friction and pressure on the elbows, due to activities such as leaning on hard surfaces or rubbing them repeatedly, can cause the skin to become rough and crack.
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Lack of care: A lack of regular skin care, such as a lack of exfoliation and nourishment, can contribute to the dryness and cracking of the elbows.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema can make the skin on the elbows more prone to dryness and cracking.
Cracked elbows can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, even painful. That is why we recommend treating and preventing them with the following care:
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Regular hydration: Apply a nourishing cream made with natural ingredients that deeply nourish and soften the skin, such as shea butter, calendula oil, or almond oil. Apply the cream after showering or washing your elbows and before going to bed. You can use our repairing body cream, formulated with a base of aloe vera juice, without water, which provides regenerating and moisturizing properties to the skin. Additionally, it is enriched with sweet orange, mandarin, and geranium essential oils and contains calendula oil that softens and soothes the skin.
- Gentle exfoliation: Use a gentle scrub or sponge to remove dead skin cells and soften the surface of the elbows. Use gentle, circular motions during the exfoliation process.
- Proper protection and care: Avoid leaning on hard or rough surfaces with your elbows and protect them with long-sleeved clothing when you are in dry or cold environments.
- Use of natural products: You can use natural remedies like olive oil, coconut oil, or shea butter to nourish and soften the skin of cracked elbows.
- Drinking enough water: Maintaining adequate hydration is not only essential for our general health, but it also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin. Drinking enough water helps us nourish the skin from the inside, improving its texture and elasticity. This simple habit can contribute significantly to fighting the problem of dry skin, a very common issue that can affect various areas of our body, including the elbows. That is why staying well hydrated could be an excellent home remedy for cracked elbows.
Home remedies to treat cracked elbows and have silky skin
There are several home remedies that can help treat cracked elbows. Below, we mention some of them:
- Coconut oil: Apply extra virgin coconut oil to the cracked elbows and massage gently. Coconut oil has nourishing properties that can help soften the skin and reduce dryness.
- Aloe vera: Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the cracked elbows. Aloe vera has moisturizing, healing, and soothing properties that can help promote the healing of cracks and relieve irritation.
- Shea butter: Apply a layer of butter to the cracked elbows and let it act for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off. Shea butter has softening and repairing properties that can help the skin recover the hydrolipidic layer that protects it from external agents.
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Olive oil and salt: Prepare a mixture of olive oil and salt, and apply it to the elbows with circular motions. At the same time that we are nourishing the skin with the olive oil, we are exfoliating with the salt, removing dead cells, and promoting the softness of the elbows. After a few minutes, you can remove the salt, moisturize your hands, and finish massaging the olive oil until it is completely absorbed.
- Apple cider vinegar: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water. Soak your elbows in this solution for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH of the skin and improve its softness. Apply oil or butter afterward to complete the treatment.
Remember that every person is different and may respond differently to home remedies. Depending on the initial situation, it may take more or less time to recover the skin on your elbows, but you will notice an improvement in the appearance of the skin from the very first treatment.


