Chemical Peel for Very Dark Knees?

Dark knees and elbows do improve with exfoliating techniques such as dermabrasions and chemical peels but need prescription bleaching creams and moisturizers as well to prevent the problem from returning right away. 

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Many people with brown skin may naturally have noticeably darker knees and elbows. Darkening may also be secondary to friction or an inflammatory skin condition. A TCA peel and be helpful for any of the above, however, a bleaching cream may also be required. If the condition is your natural state, you may need to repeat the peel from time to time. Don't use bleaching creams long term as they can have side effects.

THe most likely causes of this condition are either genetic or related to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to repetitive friction. Unfortunately, peels do not work. Bleaching creams may be tried but realistically this is a very difficult condition to treat effectively.