You can speed up the process with an OTC skin lightener look for one that contains 2% hydroquinone. This will reduce darkness over time, but it can take months to see results, says Zeichner. The plan: Lighten pigmentation caused by chronic rubbing with a 1% topical hydrocortisone ointment, available at drugstores, twice a day for two weeks to calm inflammation. 'It's more noticeable in patients in their 40s and beyond, because discoloration takes a while to build up,' says Zeichner. The result: a dark, shadowy look that’s far from youthful. The problem: Constant friction or pressure on your joints-leaning your elbows on your desk as you type, performing gym exercises on your knees-causes low-grade inflammation that triggers hyperpigmentation, explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital's Department of Dermatology in New York City. MORE: 5 Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Dry Skin Try Udderly Smooth Extra Care 20 Cream, ($10, ), which is 20% urea but gentle enough to use on your entire body. Use a lotion that contains 20 to 40% urea twice a day for smoother skin in one to two weeks. For real results, upgrade to a formula that contains urea, a powerful humectant that simultaneously hydrates and loosens the intracellular protein holding dead skin in place, says Tanzi. Your regular body lotion can’t quite cut through the dead skin cells to rehab cracked, sandpaper-y elbows and knees. Try DCL Glycolic Acid Pads 20% Mini-Peel Treatment ($52, ).

In the shower you can exfoliate with a washcloth or a gentle scrub to help the sloughing process along. 'Apply it before bed every other night at first, and if there’s no irritation after two weeks, increase the frequency to every night,' she says. The plan: Because these thick-skinned joints can handle a stronger dose of glycolic acid than what you typically find in facial treatments, Tanzi suggests using one that contains 12 to 20% AHA. “If you dissolve the concrete in between the bricks, they can be removed easily.” With regular use, the skin in these spots will get softer, smoother, and more youthful-looking. Think of those skin cells as bricks, says Tanzi. An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) such as glycolic acid will loosen up the glue-like protein that holds those cells together so they can be shed, says Elizabeth Tanzi, co-director of The Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in DC. The problem: Your elbow and knee skin is likely to look dull and rough as you age, thanks to the thick buildup of dead skin on its surface.

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