Lotion Can’t Cure Ashy Skin
When skin appears dry, people immediately think lotion can fix it. Those who suffer from ashy skin quickly find out that lotion alone can’t fix the chronic skin condition. It is misunderstood frequently that continual re applying of lotion will make ashy skin disappear, but when it keeps coming back, it is time to find a dermatologist in your city and ask them for targeted treatments for results that last.
When Ashy Skin Needs Attention
Ashy skin becomes problematic when skin gets very dry, is not producing enough sebum or lacks oils, and moisture is not being sealed or locked in to prevent skin discoloration, often referred to as ashy. Ashy skin appears grey as the light reflects off it, making skin appear dull and unattractive. The reason lotion alone won’t fix it is because over-the-counter lotions are full of water. Even though your skin needs that water, the temporary hydration rarely lasts long enough to make a significant difference. The lotions most use evaporate before they hydrate, don’t do any real repair, and don’t protect the skin from losing more moisture.
What Ashy Skin Requires for Improvement
Those who suffer from ashy skin may find it is seasonal, while others suffer from it year-round. Ashy skin can become flaky and dry, catch on clothing, and crack and even bleed if not treated. Ashy skin needs moisturization, which is a combination of hydration and nourishment. Skin that is dry needs deeper treatments and products to restore the skin’s softness.
Dermatology offices have access to the best hydration products on the market that outperform any over-the-counter products, so if you are serious about finding lasting treatment, find a dermatologist you can trust with this and all your skin concerns. These products target skin and support the skin’s barrier, allowing more moisture to get in and stay in. The goal is to minimize long-term dryness and not just cover it up for an hour. Some heavier products that claim to address “extreme” dryness can feel heavy, so finding the right products is essential to sticking to it in your skincare routine.
Supporting Skin’s Absorption of Moisture
There are things that individuals can do to help their skin absorb and retain more moisture, and this becomes even more important once you are spending money on a product and the time to diligently apply it. After bathing or showering, leaving the skin in a moisture state helps the product mix with the moisture and seal in moisture. Always apply to problem areas first, like elbows, knees, and legs. When skin is in a “ready to absorb” state, less product is needed. As the moisture absorbs, skin is left better protected than if applied on dry skin.
Turn Down the Heat
Stick with a warm shower that gently opens the skin’s pores, and avoid steaming hot showers that may feel good initially but strip away the skin’s natural moisture, leaving people drier than ever! As the fall season is coming up quickly, try to lower heater use, or add a humidifier to rooms where you spend time to help keep the air from becoming too dry.
Imbalanced Skin Can Improve
Ashy skin isn’t just dry skin. Ashy skin is imbalanced skin that may be genetic, environmental, or hormonal. Darker skin tones create more sebum and less ceramide levels than those with lighter skin, which is why many with darker tones experience ashy skin. Persistent conditions that are resistant to treatment may be linked to another health issue, which is worth checking. The best place to start is working with a local and trusted dermatologist in your area.
A professional dermatologist can sit with clients and determine how best to address ashy skin in a routine and budget that works. Anyone who has ashy skin deserves to have the same options for what to wear and how they feel in their skin. Dr. Sherrie Straughn with Buckhead Dermatology wants every client to feel and look their best, which is why she continues to serve the Atlanta community after more than 25 years in the area, helping clients overcome ashy skin and other skincare concerns.