6 No-Fail Ways to Avoid Ashy Skin

Kick that ash, girl.

21 March, 2018

Ashy skin is one thing nobody has time for. And while ashiness happens to people of all races, it's characterized by white or gray coloring that really shows up on the skin of those with darker pigmentation.

According to Jeanine B. Downie, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist at Image Dermatology in Montclair, N.J., ashy skin develops because the skin is actually dehydrated. "You can see this on lighter skin too, but it simply does not look as bad," she says.

Skin gets extra ashy during the winter when moisture gets zapped from your skin, thanks to dry air. Follow these tips to #PreserveYourSexy:

1. Skip body lotions and reach for body creams instead. When it comes to moisturizing your dry or extra-dry skin, you want to 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 super-annoying.

2. Avoid hot showers, baths, and drying soaps. While hot showers and baths can feel really relaxing, high water temperatures actually strip your skin of its natural oils. Add the fact that you may be using a drying soap, and you're in for an ashy disaster. To keep your skin moisturized, stick to bathing in lukewarm water and use a gentle moisturizing body wash.

3. Seal your skin with an oil. If the heavy creams don't seem to be doing the moisturizing trick for your skin, try using a body oil first. Make sure you apply the oil directly to your skin out of the bath or shower while it's still damp, Dr. Downie says. That way, it absorbs quickly and deeply. Follow it up with a body cream for an extra dose of moisture magic if need be.

4. Don't scratch. Dry skin can be itchy, but scratching it will only make you look even ashier. Instead, carry around mini moisturizers, that you can whip out and rub onto your skin quickly in a pinch.

5. Exfoliate at least once a week. That dead layer of cells just chilling on top of your skin is not helping your ashy issue. Get rid of it by applying your liquid shower gel onto a loofah and using circular motions to slough away any flaky skin.

6. Drink water and invest in a good humidifier. Keep your skin hydrated by consistently drinking water. Also, keep a humidifier, on while you're at home to keep the dry, indoor heat from depleting the moisture from your skin while you #NetflixAndChill.