Chances are, you have already heard the term 'ashy skin' before. At the dermatologists' office, it has names like keratinized dehydrated disorder, xerosis, or asteatosis. But at its core, ashy skin is just merely very dry and dehydrated skin. Usually found on your elbows, knees and ankles, they take on a whitish or greyish colour; making them look more prominent than the rest of the skin on your body. It is in no way a severe condition, but since it is so visible, it can sometimes warrant a snide comment from a savage bestie. Especially if you like showing off those toned stems in mini dresses, having ashy knees underneath is a big no-no. Let's do a deep dive as to why it occurs and how to deal with it, shall we?
01What causes ashy knees?
02Causes of hyperpigmentation on knees
Even if you stay away from tanning or are more of an indoorsy person, you still can end up with dark knees. One of the most common and treatable causes is the accumulation of grime and dead skin cells. Just like any other body part, if you don't exfoliate and clean, your knees will turn dark. Constant friction which is inevitable, exposure to the sun and hormonal imbalances can also turn knees dark. Our joints like elbows, ankles and knees do not have oil glands which is why the lack of moisturisation also add up in turning the skin in this area ashy.
03Products to lighten dark knees
04Use gentle products
Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash
One of the simplest ways to lighten your knees is to exfoliate them regularly. The Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash has exfoliating beads and uses Nutrium moisture technology to thoroughly clear dead skin cells, directly nourish the skin and get rid of dark patches easily.
05Avoid hot showers
Dove Exfoliating Body Polish With Kiwi Seeds
Are you tired of spotting ashy knees every time you look in the mirror? Well, no more. Take out that frustration and get results all in one go by exfoliating your knees with the Dove Exfoliating Body Polish With Kiwi Seeds that's perfect for all skin types. It includes aloe vera, the powerhouse ingredient that fades all types of blemishes while kiwi is also an astringent that lightens dark knees and moisturises them at the same time.
06Moisturise your skin
Vaseline Healthy Bright Lotion
Another way to go about this is prevention first. Moisturise your knees daily so that they do not turn ashy. The [Vaseline Healthy Bright Lotion](https://www.vaseline.com/in/en/products/lotions-and-moisturizers/vaseline-healthy-bright-lightening-lotion1. html) just might be the key as it is loaded with vitamin B3 needed to control melanin production and gives the skin a radiant glow. It also has healing properties and SPF to treat damaged skin and protect your knees from the sun's harmful UV rays.
07Wear natural fabrics
Vaseline Body Ice Gel Cream
More often than not, the remedy to dark knees is simply moisturising. If you keep the skin soft and supple, it won't have a chance to dry out and look ashy. The Vaseline Body Ice Gel Cream is a strong contender for your knees as it has everything you might need to hydrate the skin, soothe dryness and reduce darkness with the help of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and E.
08Consult a dermat
Love Beauty & Planet Murumuru Butter Body Wash Since knees are pretty sensitive, you will also need to use gentle products that are paraben-free when trying to lighten them. The Love Beauty & Planet Murumuru Butter Body Wash not only hydrates the skin but also locks in moisture and lends a natural fragrance since it is enriched with Bulgarian rose and coconut oil.
