It may appear patchy, or it could cover your entire knee area.
Knee hyperpigmentation usually isn’t harmful, but many people still may want to get rid of it.
Meet the Experts
What Causes Dark Skin On the Knees?
Guille Faingold / Stocksy
People can develop dark skin on their knees for many reasons, Shirazi and Baron tell us.
Treatment varies depending on the cause, so this step is really important.
“In this hyper-activated state, the melanin-producing cells are also sent into overdrive.”
A strongretinolcan then help return the skin’s cell turnover to a healthy, normal rate.
Additionally, moisturizing with anSPF creamhelps protect the skin from producing more melanin, Shirazi says.
Some skincare products contain tyrosinase inhibitors, which treat and prevent hyperpigmentation andeven your skin tone.
Avoid Scrubbing
As counterintuitive as it may sound, scrubbing your knees isn’t a good idea.
“This would only add to the injury and force your skin to get thicker and darker.”
Cosmetics containing hydroquinone have been banned in the European Union for more than 20 years because of mercury contamination.
However, in the United States, prescription skin-lightening products that contain hydroquinone are approved by the FDA.
Skip the Hydrogen Peroxide
“Avoidhydrogen peroxide,” Shirazi says.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, hyperpigmentation on the knees is harmless.
But if you have any concerns about skin darkening, see a board-certified dermatologist.
2019;34(1):279-309.
Commissioner O of the.Skin product safety.FDA.
Published online October 27, 2022.
