Skin weathering and ashiness in black Africans

Ashiness describes a common physiological skin condition that may develop in people with dark skin complexion. Environmental influences, particularly cold and dry weather, seem obvious. This condition has seldom been studied so far. In the present study, skin ashiness was assessed in 37 black African women by means of colorimetric assessments and xerosis ratings. Colour changes were measured by the parameters a* and the individual typology angle ITA degrees. Xerosis was assessed by visual inspection, the ultraviolet light-enhanced visualization (ULEV) method, and the cyanoacrylate skin surface stripping (CSSS) method. The assessments were performed on ashy skin of the legs and on the normal looking forehead during the winter season. Ashy skin was lighter but not erythematous. The ITA-revealed colour changes were correlated with xerosis severity as assessed by dry dermoscopy and by the ULEV and CSSS methods. In conclusion, ashiness due to skin weathering does not appear to be related to mild inflammation. It corresponds to a peculiar type of xerosis with reduction in Fresnel reflection by the stratum corneum.