We’ve heard the word ashy skin forever, right from being a toddler. For many , ashy skin is a regular experience especially in the dry, cold winter months. Even though ashy skin is not deadly, but it can make you uneasy, itchy and edgy. BEBE AFRIKANA brings to you tips on how to control ashy skin.
WHY IT HAPPENS
Basically, ashy skin is dry skin. It arises when your skin does not have sufficient natural water to keep it healthy and in good condition . When the skin loses a lot of water, it gets rough and flaky. This is because thirty percent of the epidermis which is the the outer layers of your skin is made up of water. Studies reveal that we begin to lose water in our skin as soon as we are born. However, as we grow older, a small amount of the oil in our skin helps to lock in the moisture. The sun, the wind, dry heat, irritating soaps and detergents, and diseases like diabetes also contribute to the reduction of both the oil and the water. It is also important to note that your genes-DNA-may determine whether you will have ashy skin.
Flaky dry skin is easily noticeable on dark skin. It simply has a gray and ashy look. Ashy skin can occur on the face and other part of your body, but it is mostly found on elbows, lower legs, feet, knees and backs.
READ ALSO HOW TO CONTROL OILY SKIN
CONTROLLING ASHY SKIN
Ashy skin can be managed with a little effort , simply changing the way you moisturize and the choice of detergent used in washing your clothes can make a huge difference. Setting up a new regimen will assist in getting rid of your ashy skin.
Moisturizers play a major role in the treatment of this skin condition, they help to create a protection on the outer layer of your skin. This protection helps to lock in moisture as well as creates a swelling effect on the surface which makes the skin looks smooth and healthy.
There are different types of moisturizers, and they are suitable for different skin types. Therefore you have to choose the one that is most suitable for your skin type. It is good to try different types of products, this will help in finding the perfect product that works best for you. There’s a caution here: try one a day. Don’t try all at once.
Also, search for unscented and alcohol-free moisturizers. Alcohol and perfume are drying, and can be irritating. The formulation of moisturizers is important. Moisturizing lotions are water-in-oil combinations. Ointments and heavier creams tend to be oil-in-water formulations. Creams are heavier and may feel greasier, but they are more effective for ashy and dry skin.
Products with humectants , substances that actually attract water to the skin are excellent. When you read the labels of the moisturizers, look for products that include either glycerin, urea, hyaluronic acid or dimethicone. Moisturizers that contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids are also humectants and enhance the work of the moisturizers as they speed shedding of dead skin cells and renew natural collagen.
AVOID SCRATCHING
Scratching and rubbing ashy and dry skin are definite no-no’s. You can easily irritate your skin and create dark marks. Maintaining short nails is an easy way to ensure that you don’t irritate your skin, if you do scratch.
DRINK LOTS OF WATER
Caring for your skin is a bit like tending your garden. Your garden likes plenty of water and so does your skin. Drinking water is important; it hydrates your skin and helps combat the ashiness. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
DETERGENTS
Detergents get your clothes clean, but they often leave a lingering fragrance that can irritate your skin and contribute to the dryness. Fragrance-free are the best for people with dry skin.