What Is Ashy Skin - Symptoms, Causes & 6 Ways to Treat It

Peeling and flaking are typical signs of dry skin. But have you ever had white or grey dust specks appear on your face, arms, or legs? That is referred to as ashy skin, and it is a sign of extreme dryness.

Even though ashy skin is usually not a dangerous condition, it can nonetheless be unattractive and annoying. The best techniques to treat and avoid ashiness will be discussed in this section, along with its causes.

Ashy skin is referred to medically as asteatosis and xerosis, which refers to excessively dry skin that flakes because it is unable to hold moisture. A common phrase that has its roots in African American culture is "ashy skin." All skin tones are susceptible to this skin ailment, however darker skin tones are more likely to have it.

The appearance of ashy skin is typically chalky white or dusky grey. Although it can appear anywhere on the body, it frequently appears on the elbows, knees, and heels. It could also be accompanied by a surface roughness that is bumpy or rough.

Causes for Ashy Skin

There are a number of causes for your dry skin to seem ashy. The more frequent causes of this skin disease are listed below.

1. A Dry Climate

The winter months are when dry skin is most prevalent. This is because the humidity naturally decreases as the temperature rises. Your home's heating source is deficient in moisture as well. When these factors come together, the skin may become extremely dry and develop flaky, discoloured areas.

1. Insufficient Exfoliation

Dead skin cells collect in the stratum corneum, the top layer of your skin. Depending on your age, cell turnover happens every one to three months. When you don't exfoliate frequently, these dead cells accumulate and give your skin a dull appearance. They can also give it a dandruff-like appearance.

1. Choosing the Wrong Skincare Items

Contrary to popular assumption, harsh skincare treatments do not produce quicker, more effective results. In fact, they may be causing damage to the lipid barrier of your skin, which may be the cause of your skin's inability to retain moisture. After applying your cleansers, shower gels, toners, or other products, pay close attention to how your skin feels and responds.

1. Taking a Hot Bath or Shower

Who appreciates a warm bath or shower when the weather is chilly? Your skin, however, does not. Your skin might get extremely dry with frequent exposure to hot water because it loses its natural oils and proteins. This may cause your skin to feel tight and appear flushed, as well as the beginning of ashiness.

Ways to prevent Ashy Skin

Making minor adjustments to your daily routine and being careful with the items you choose will not only get rid of ashy skin but also prevent it from coming back in the future.

1. Moisturize Properly:

While moisturising is crucial, using any kind won't cut it. Look for moisturisers with keratolytics, which are substances that help the skin cling to moisture while gently exfoliating it. Salicylic acid, lactic acid, and urea are keratolytic examples.

1. Regularly Exfoliate:

You should exfoliate no more than twice or three times a week to prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface. Look for a chemical exfoliator serum for your face that is well-formulated and has an AHA, BHA, or PHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) (poly-hydroxy acid). If your skin is not sensitive or prone to acne, you can also use a physical exfoliator , a gritty scrub that can be used to manually exfoliate dead skin cells.

1. Make Use of Gentle Skincare Items:

Your skin's pH level or the goods you use might not be known to you. Unfortunately, failing to consider pH's significance could be the reason your skin isn't getting better even when you're using the right skincare products. Your skin will feel soft and supple rather than uncomfortable and tight if you use gentle cleansers , toners, and other skincare items. You can use pH testing strips to determine the pH level of your favourite items if you're ever inquisitive.

1. Take Fewer, Cooler Showers:

If you want to keep your skin healthy over the winter, you'll have to stop taking hot showers. Thankfully, you won't need to get the water colder than freezing. It is advised to take a 15-second shower in lukewarm water to avoid dryness and ashiness of the skin.

1. Infuse the Air with Moisture:

Your skin may break and flake if the air is too dry. Purchase a humidifier to restore moisture to the air while your house or office heater is on nonstop.

1. Visit a Dermatologist:

Ashy skin typically has extrinsic reasons. A more persistent illness like eczema or psoriasis, nevertheless, may be associated with ashiness. Consult with a dermatologist or other healthcare provider for a correct diagnosis and treatment if your symptoms continue despite taking the aforementioned precautions.

Conclusion

Ashy skin is a very typical side effect of dry or dehydrated skin. Ashy skin can be brought on by a variety of factors, such as abrasive weather, irritating skin care products, or underlying skin disorders. Ashy skin can be treated by moisturising it with mild lotions, using delicate soaps, and changing other aspects of one's lifestyle. Your skin care professional can assist you to identify the root reason and remedy for your ashy skin if you believe that at-home treatments are not improving your dry skin.