Ashy Skin

A common complaint of individuals with darker complexions is that when their skin becomes dry, it takes on a gray or chalky appearance. Because of this gray or chalky appearance, this condition is commonly referred to as “ashy” skin. Ashy skin may also be accompanied with itching as well. In all skin types, excessive dryness of the skin can result in flaking and the shedding of dead skin cells causing the skin to have a dull appearance. For darker complexions, this dull appearance is more noticeable.

Fortunately, ashy skin is a condition that is easily alleviated with the frequent use of moisturizers. The following is a list of tips to help prevent ashy skin from recurring and help keep your skin healthy, hydrated and glowing.

• Long, hot showers can strip skin of natural oils and essential moisture. Consider using lukewarm water when showering or bathing.
• The frequent use of a moisturizer will help skin stay hydrated and protected, thus alleviating itchy, dry ashy skin.
• Exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface which will reveal the fresher, more glowing skin beneath and help prevent the appearance of dull, ashy skin.

Dermatologist recommended, Theraplex moisturizers are uniquely formulated with special ingredients to offer a range of solutions for dry, ashy skin. Theraplex formulations are:

• Noncomedogenic
• Hypoallergenic
• Fragrance-Free

Theraplex ClearLotion is a light, oil moisturizer which may be applied to directly to dry skin, but works best when applied to wet or damp skin after showering or bathing.  ClearLotion absorbs rapidly and seals in essential moisture to provide continuous, long lasting moisturization and protection from dry, ashy skin without the greasy feel of baby oil and other oil moisturizers.

For ashy skin accompanied with severe dryness, Theraplex offers these additional solutions:

Theraplex Emollient is a rich, emollient cream which provides superior moisturization and protection for severe dry skin. Emollient utilizes a basic, but unique formulation. Emollient doesn’t contain a lot of added ingredients which may be irritating to sensitive skin.

Theraplex FT Exfoliating Emollient provides the same level of moisturization and protection as Theraplex Emollient, but with the addition of salicylic acid to quickly, yet gently exfoliate dead skin cells and camphor to soothe the skin. The exfoliating action helps to eliminate skin dullness and an ashy appearance within just a few days.