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How to treat dry skin on knees

Read our guide for everything you need to know about white dry skin on knees and how to treat it.

How to treat dry skin on knees

Many people experience dry skin on their knees, particularly as we grow older. Your knees are one of the driest spots on your body. You may notice white, dry skin on your knees, or the area may become cracked and flakey. 

As a result, your knees often need a bit of extra care and year-round attention. 

Let’s take a closer look at the causes of dry knees and some treatments that could help soothe cracked knees. 
 
A woman's knees sitting on the bed
woman applying lotion to knees

Why is the skin around the knees dry?

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 the area does not 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.

Our 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. 

We often don’t think about our knees until the warmer months roll in, but it is worth paying attention to your knees even if it is more trousers than shorts weather. Proper care will help keep the knees soft and smooth all year round. 

 

What does dry skin on the knees look like?

White, rough skin on the knees is usually an indication of dry skin. Dry skin on the knees can also be red and itchy, and rubbing the area may cause further redness or irritation. If the skin is red and inflamed, this could be a sign of a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. Dry skin on the knees may flake off, and in the most acute cases, it may also crack painfully.

What causes dry knees?

There are many reasons why you might be experiencing dry skin on your knees. A few reasons that can cause dry knees:


- Dry air (such as winter weather or a dry climate)
- Dehydration
- Washing your skin too often, particularly in hot water
- Vitamin or mineral deficiencies (particularly a lack of calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin E)
- Ageing
- Smoking
- Irritating or drying soaps, shower gels or bubble baths
- Skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema
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  • The weather and dry knees
    Cold weather and the accompanying heating can cause the skin to dry out, but summer, when the skin is exposed to the sun, sand and sea water - can also dry out sensitive parts of the skin.

  • Skin conditions
    If the problem is temporary, the dryness should be corrected after a few weeks of regular moisturising. If, however, very dry knees do not recover, it is 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 may notice you also have dry skin on your elbows and feet). 

 

An appropriate diagnosis should be made by a

dermatologist and a therapeutic treatment 

should be introduced  accordingly.

  • A lack of minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamin A
    Dry skin in specific areas of the body can be a sign of a nutrient deficiency.
    A lack of vitamin A, which is responsible for the softness and hydration of the 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 the body’s metabolism which inhibits the skin cells responsible, for among others things, the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, the natural substance responsible for binding water and moisturising the 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 a hallmark of people who have thyroid problems (but dark spots don’t mean you have a thyroid issue, it 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 the knees are common areas for it to appear. The skin can appear red, swollen and itchy. Over time, lumps and air bubbles may appear. These lesions are also accompanied by itching. The skin is dry, and it may even burn, and is more prone to damage. An appropriate diagnosis should be made by a dermatologist and a therapeutic treatment should be introduced  accordingly.

How to treat dry knees

Dry knees - instead of hiding them, take care of them! As knees are particularly prone to dry skin, they often require a more targeted approach as part of your skincare regime. As the area can be particularly sensitive, using hydrating but gentle lotions can reap the biggest moisturising benefits. 
1) Moisturise
Usually, there’s no need 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, it can be used during the day.
 
2) Use a hand cream
If your everyday moisturiser isn’t quite enough, consider upping your moisturiser game for this area. It could be worth using nourishing oiling concentrated  hand creams, which will deliver an intensely hydrating treatment. 

3) Exfoliate 
If you’re experiencing white, flakey dry skin on your knees, exfoliating the area will help smooth out rough patches by removing old skin cells that lay on the outermost layer of the epidermis. Exfoliating will also lay the foundations for your chosen moisturiser to ensure the skin gets the maximum benefits. 

4) Apply lotion daily
Regularity 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 the damp skin traps the lotion’s hydrating properties.
 
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Dark spots on the knees

Before brown discoloration appears on the knees, the knees have a bluish tint. Blue knees initially appear as a result of frequent kneeling and then return to their normal appearance after a while. Bruising may reappear, especially in cold weather. However, if you spend a lot of time on your knees the bluish colour will persist and turn into dark spots on your knees over time.


Dark knees are also caused by hyperpigmentation, often as a result of sun damage. Remember to scrub the whole body the day before sunbathing, with particular emphasis on the knees and elbows. And don’t forget to lather on the suncream - not forgetting the knees. This will protect this sensitive area from UV rays that can cause dark spots and exacerbate dry skin. 

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