Because the elbow area is always exposed, you'll often notice extra dry skin conditions in this area. Overly dry elbows may not only feel itchy or uncomfortable, but they can also take on a rough texture and a dark color. Several over-the-counter intensive moisturizers can combat such dryness and restore your elbows' naturally soft and smooth appearance.

Jergens' intense moisturizing cream comes recommended by Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, a dermatologist writing for "InStyle" magazine. The cream's rich emollients trap moisture in your skin cells for long-lasting protection against dryness. For this reason, Tanzi says Jergens' formula is prime for very rough, dry areas like your elbows and feet.

The editors of "Real Simple" magazine praise Amlactin as an ideal treatment for softening the dry and rough skin on your elbows, which are especially troublesome during the winter. The body cream goes beyond basic moisturizing by infusing its lotion with lactic acid. This variation of alpha hydroxy acid helps penetrate and exfoliate dead skin cells to slough off the rough, patchy areas that are often common on your elbows.

"Good Housekeeping" magazine suggests trying Olay's repair concentrate for rough, dry skin on your body, such as the elbows. The repairing concentrate has humectants and emollients that create a moisture barrier, such as glycerin, silicone and mineral oils. Meanwhile, amino acids and vitamins like niacinamide and vitamin E help your elbows' skin to heal, notes the magazine.

Lac-Hydrin's lotion is a top performer for preventing and treating rough elbows, according to "Real Simple" magazine. As its basic skin conditioners help hydrate your rough skin, lactic acid helps soften and loosen dead skin cells that give your dry elbows their darker appearance.

"Marie Claire" magazine's editors recommend using Curel's moisturizing lotion to help combat dry skin in the elbow region. Extra-emollient moisturizers like petrolatum, all-natural shea butter and glycerin create a moisture barrier while beneficial herbal extracts, like oats and orange peel oil, help nourish your skin to encourage it to repair itself, note the magazine's editors.