PUBLISHED FEB 19, 2024

Putting on a silky top only to find out that you have ashy, scratchy elbows is one of the most annoying feelings in the world. Extremely dry elbows seem to come out of nowhere but, thankfully, there are several ways to get your elbows back to being smooth-to-the-touch. The different methods involve moisturizing, hydrating, exfoliating, and even taking a look at your current nutritional habits.  

Nevertheless, none of the methods will free you from your ashy elbows if you’re not consistent.

What Causes Severely Dry Elbows?

Excessive washing with harsh soaps and extremely hot showers contributes to having dry elbows, according to both experts.

“On the other side of the spectrum, not exfoliating can lead to an excess of dead skin cells building up, causing the skin to thicken,” Pfropper explained.

Additionally, both skin care professionals noted dry air and nutritional deficiencies as other factors to consider.  

“Establishing a routine that includes regular moisturizing, gentle cleansing and protective measures to prevent friction is key,” licensed esthetician, Alexis Pfropper, told 21Ninety.

However, if you are consistent and still experience extremely dry elbows, take the time to consult your personal skin care professional.

How To Fix Dry Elbows

“Applying a thick, emollient moisturizer with ingredients like shea butter or ceramides helps lock in moisture and soothe dry elbows,” Pfropper advised. The licensed esthetician also noted that washing with gentle fragrance-free soaps avoids stripping your skin of its natural moisture. “Additionally, using topical treatments containing ingredients like lactic acid, or hyaluronic acid aids exfoliate and hydrate the skin, [respectively],” the licensed esthetician noted. 

Coincidentally, both experts strongly recommend drinking enough water everyday to keep your skin hydrated from within.