![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/750x400p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/178/214/200191756-001.jpg)
Built for kneeling and bending, your knees take a beating day after day which can result in an unsightly, dark appearance. Neglected knees can be covered by pants or knee-length dresses, but sometimes your knees won't be camouflaged by layers of fabric. Having nice knees isn't easy, but a little time and care can bring out the best in these overlooked body parts.
Step 1
Remove layers of dead skin cells with an an over-the-counter exfoliant containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Massage the product gently into the knees, and then rinse. Repeat once or twice every week.
Step 2
Take lukewarm showers or baths, and limit your time in the water to 15 minutes or less. Excessive time in hot water strips the natural oils from the skin.
Step 3
Wash your knees with a gentle, moisturizing cleanser. Avoid products containing alcohol, perfume, deodorants or other harsh, drying ingredients.
Step 4
Pat your knees dry with a soft towel after bathing, leaving the skin slightly moist. Don't rub.
Step 5
Massage a thick moisturizer into your knees every day. Apply the moisturizer while your skin is warm and moist following a bath or shower. If your knees are extremely dry, apply moisturizer twice each day, in the morning and at night.
Step 6
Wear sunscreen to protect your knees from the harsh rays of the sun. Sun damage leads to dry, sagging skin and wrinkles. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Step 7
Practice weightlifting or other strength-training exercises to firm and strengthen your knees.
Step 8
Reduce fat, including around your knees, with aerobic exercises such as jogging, cycling, dancing or a brisk walk.
Related Articles
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/81/208/78292552.jpg)
Do Pumice Stones Work for the Knees?
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/251/56/76730955.jpg)
Help With Chapped Red Cheeks
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/74/101/86530313.jpg)
How to Get Rid of Irritation From ...
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/99/180/BU006164.jpg)
How to Soak Your Feet in Mouthwash
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/175/210/rbb2_30.jpg)
How to Use Vaseline as a Moisturizer ...
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/171/73/90269505.jpg)
How to Get Dark Ankles Lighter
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/142/238/83590567.jpg)
The Best Ways to Get Dead Skin Off of ...
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/190/238/YPE_069.jpg)
How to Have Flawless Armpits
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/127/197/medfr10354.jpg)
Can the Neck Be Exfoliated?
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/41/236/87713759.jpg)
How to Take Care of Wrinkled Hands
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/88/10/87529647.jpg)
How to Get Rid of All the Tiny Embedded ...
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/24/92/rbbg_18.jpg)
How to Shave Legs With an Electric ...
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/26/201/200400662-001.jpg)
How to Use Sea Salt for Cracked Heels ...
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/171/174/78252075.jpg)
How to Make a Soak for a Pedicure
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/251/224/78373464.jpg)
How to Heal an Inflamed Bikini Area
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/78/136/82135266.jpg)
How to Reduce Facial Redness From ...
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/110/190/80613487.jpg)
Aquaphor for Dry Feet
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/34/225/78631600.jpg)
How to Remove the Smell of Cologne From ...
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/171/111/56570427.jpg)
How to Get Smooth & Soft Hands & Feet
![](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/140x140p/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/184/73/76729569.jpg)
The Best Facial Moisturizer That Won't ...
References
Tips
- Drink at least eight glasses of water every day to keep your skin hydrated.
Writer Bio
M.H. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.
Photo Credits
Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Getty Images