How to Treat
dry skin on your knees

The skin around your knees is designed to stretch and bend as you move and, as a result, the skin in this area contains fewer sebaceous glands – small oil-producing glands – which means it doesn’t produce as much oil as the rest of your skin.

The skin on your knees tends to be thicker and tougher and, as a result of these factors, is prone to dryness.

Your knees are also subject to a great deal of friction – from walking and running, as well as tight clothing and scratchy fabrics that can irritate the area.

You might not think about your knees until the warmer months roll in, but it’s worth paying attention to them even when it’s more trousers than shorts weather. Proper care will help keep your knees soft and smooth all year round.

• The weather and dry knees
  Cold weather and indoor heating can cause your skin to dry out, but summer – when your skin is exposed to the sun, sand and sea water – can also dry out sensitive parts of your skin.
  
  
• Skin conditions
  If the problem is temporary, the dryness should improve after a few weeks of regular moisturising. If, however, very dry knees don’t recover, it’s likely that the problem is elsewhere. Persistent dryness may indicate, for example, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, diabetes or eczema. See your GP or a dermatologist if the dry skin on your knees is red, itchy or painful.
  
  
• Genes
  Some people are genetically predisposed to dry skin on their knees and elsewhere (you might notice you also have dry skin on your elbows and feet).

• A lack of minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamin A
  Dry skin in specific areas of your body can be a sign of a nutrient deficiency.
  A lack of vitamin A, which is responsible for the softness and hydration of your skin, can cause dry patches and it could be worth paying attention to your diet if you have persistently dry knees.
  
  
• Thyroid problems 
  Thyroid problems slow down your body’s metabolism, which inhibits the skin cells responsible, among other things, for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, the natural substance responsible for binding water and moisturising your skin. Dryness shows up in the knees, and other areas including the elbows, where the skin is thicker and there are fewer sebaceous glands. Dark spots on the knees are common in people who have thyroid problems (but dark spots don’t automatically mean you have a thyroid issue; they could be down to other factors including, for example, hyperpigmentation).
  
  
• Skin conditions such as eczema 
  Eczema can take many different forms, and the bends of your knees are common areas for it to appear. The skin can look red, swollen and itchy. Over time, lumps and small blisters may appear. These lesions are also accompanied by itching. The skin is dry, it may even burn, and it’s more prone to damage. A proper diagnosis should be made by a dermatologist and a suitable therapeutic treatment should then be introduced.

1. Moisturise
   Usually, there’s no need for you to use a specialised cream – particularly if you want to keep your routine simple. Look for a universal lotion such as our NIVEA Naturally Good Body Natural Aloe Vera. This powerhouse lotion contains one of nature’s best moisturisers – aloe vera. The body lotion packs a moisturising punch but is easily absorbed into your skin, leaving the area soft and hydrated. Because it absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy traces, you can use it during the day.
   
2. Use a hand cream
   If your everyday moisturiser isn’t quite enough, consider upping your moisturising game for this area. It could be worth using nourishing, oil-rich concentrated hand creams, which will deliver an intensely hydrating treatment.
   
3. Exfoliate 
   If you’re experiencing white, flaky dry skin on your knees, exfoliating the area will help smooth out rough patches by removing old skin cells that lie on the outermost layer of the epidermis. Exfoliating will also lay the foundations for your chosen moisturiser to ensure your skin gets the maximum benefits.
   
4. Apply lotion daily
   Consistency is key, so get into the habit of rubbing lotion into the affected area several times a day, particularly after a bath or shower when damp skin traps the lotion’s hydrating properties.