Addressing Dark Knees & Elbows: Causes & Effective Treatments

Question
Hi, thanks for reading. I was wondering if there was anything I could do about dark knees and elbows? Also, what are the best products to brighten my complexion? Thanks a lot!

Answer
Hi Sarah, first let me apologize for taking so long to answer, my internet has been messed up.
Products with aha's (alpha hydroxy acids) and lighteners will help. The aha's will exfoliate these two areas that tend to collect dead skin cells. Lighteners can be any products with hydroquinone, kojic acid, or licorce root. Dermalogica makes a  product called Chroma White that is a lightener. Also Ambi sells a product with hydrpquinone available at most drugstores. If these options fail you can see a dermatologist who does aesthetic treatments (more like a med spa). At my clinic I have two patients who are african american and have severely darkened elbows and I have done a series or light microdermabrasions followed by a chemical peel we use for pigmentation and have seen some good success.
Griffin