Some DIY ingredients like honey (humectant) or avocado (rich in fats and vitamins) can provide temporary hydration, but they lack the stabilized, concentrated actives (e.g., retinoids, peptides) found in clinical-grade products.
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for maintaining skin hydration from the inside out, which helps keep the skin on your arms and elbows supple.
Lighter skin: fine lines and sunspots. Darker skin: sagging and hyperpigmentation. Both experience loss of elasticity, but manifestations differ.
Reassess your routine seasonally and with major life changes (pregnancy, menopause, climate moves). Your skin's needs will evolve with time and environment.