If you are a black woman you’ve heard the term “Ashy skin” thrown about in your lifetime, heck you’ve probably been a victim of ashy skin in your lifetime. It’s frustrating, unattractive and a common problem amongst women. While other skin tones can experience ashiness, it is more visible on darker skin tones, with dermatologists siting that reason for this is due to the fact that black skin sheds and flakes easier than other skin tones. Ashy skin is commonly found on elbows, ankles, arms, lower legs, knees, and heels. It’s not a serious condition, but like dandruff, it can be embarrassing. No one wants those noticeable flakes that whiten the skin, giving it a dull, unhealthy appearance.
This condition usually occurs when the outer layer of the skin loses a lot of moisture resulting in skin that is not hydrated enough to keep it smooth and supple. This dry skin takes on a whitish or greyish colour, much like ashes left after something has been burned, hence the term “Ashy”. This can especially occur in hot and dry climates or during the winter when the cold, dry air strips the skin of water, leaving it rough and flaky.
1. Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!!!
You need to exfoliate at least once a week. Get rid of that dead skin that makes you look ashy by applying your liquid shower gel onto a loofah and using circular motions to gently remove flaky skin. Be careful not to use abrasive substances on your skin. Whatever you do, DO NOT SCRATCH. Dry skin can cause itchiness, however, scratching will not only leave the area irritated it will make you look even ashier. Instead, carry mini moisturizers on your person and you will see and feel an immediate difference.
We love the following homegrown African exfoliators. From left to right: @nayabyafrica lemon dew sea salt scrub, @randrluxury shea sugar scrub and @toriaranatural raw sugar body scrub.
Source: Ultra luxe body cream by SHEY-Y. With the highest grade of Shea butter sourced from Ghana.
When it comes to moisturizing your dry and ashy prone skin go with body creams since body lotions tend to contain lighter ingredients. Lotions will get the moisturizing job done, but only if you reapply every couple of hours, which is annoying and time-consuming. So find yourself thick long lasting creams with Ingredients such as oils, butters, lanolin, and petrolatum which give your skin a good dose of lasting moisture and keep its moisture from evaporating.
3. Lather on that Oil!
Check out Madam Ori Body Oil in our cute self-care kit. That oil will make you feel all kinds of luxurious!
Seal your skin with an oil. If creams alone are not working for your skin, try using a body oil. Make sure you apply the oil directly to your skin out of the bath or shower while it is still damp, that way, it absorbs quickly and deeply. Follow the oil up with a body cream for an extra dose of moisture magic. If you are still suffering from dry, itchy skin in spite of following this regimen, it’s time for you to see a dermatologist to make sure that your skin condition is not caused by allergies or skin condition like psoriasis or eczema.
4. Stay Hydrated at all times
One can not stress how important water is! When used properly it has the power to heal a myriad of ailments and skin disorders. By drinking a minimum of 2 litres to maximum 3 litres of water a day you’ll be replenishing the water lost throughout the day. Seasonal changes in temperature and humidity can be a trigger for ashiness so if you want to further step up your hydration game you can even use a humidifier to add moisture to your home in the dry winter and summer seasons keeping your skin supple and smooth all year long.
5. Turn Down The Heat
Source: Imani on Unsplash
High water temperatures actually strip your skin of its natural oils. To keep your skin moisturized, stick to bathing in lukewarm water and use a gentle moisturizing body wash. Continue with hot showers and baths, and drying soaps and you are in for an ashy disaster.
