Skincare

How to repair damaged skin? Tips and Natural Remedies

October 18, 2021

How To Repair Damaged Skin? Tips And Natural Remedies

Our skin being the outermost organ has its own protective mechanism to defend itself. The outermost layer of our skin is known as the stratum corneum and contains various lipids that play a key role in keeping our skin healthy. Known as the skin barrier, it protects our skin and body from various external threats such as pathogens, chemicals, toxins and allergens. It also helps retain moisture and prevents the skin from drying out.

Yet, our skin often gets damaged due to various factors- internal and external. The health of our skin is determined not just by the food we eat but by lifestyle and skincare routine too. Every day it is exposed to sun, wind, dirt, pollutants as well as irritants that leave it affected. So taking care of it is essential to avoid ending up with damaged skin.

Different Types Of Skin Damage

  • Sunburn:When you spend an excessive amount of time under the sun, the UV rays damage the outermost layer of skin. This triggers an inflammatory response from the body resulting in redness, burning and even blisters.
  • Weak Barrier:Damaged skin barrier results in dry, itchy and scaly skin, acne, frequent infections and increased sensitivity to climatic changes as well as skincare ingredients.
  • Premature Aging: Getting fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and losing skin elasticity while you are still in your 20s or even early 30s are signs of accelerations of the skin’s natural ageing process.

What Causes Skin Damage?

  • Sun: While a little exposure to the sun is beneficial and helps our body make Vitamin D, longer periods of exposure to UV radiation present in sun rays can decrease collagen and increase pigmentation leading to dark spots, suntan, wrinkles and sagging skin.
  • Pollutants: Apart from the sun, exposure to various pollutants in the air and even the smoke from cigarettes can cause free radical damage that causes the skin to age prematurely.
  • Irritants:There are several ingredients such as alcohol, sulfates and perfume present in skin care products that may irritate certain skin types. They lead to a damaged skin barrier by stripping away moisture and sebum and disrupting the pH levels.
  • Improper Skincare Routine: If you aren’t using products designed for your skin type or even using them wrongly, your skin becomes susceptible to damage. For. eg. Overuse of chemical exfoliants can weaken the skin barrier.
  • Diet: Consuming alcohol and even large amounts of caffeine can have a dehydrating effect on your skin which can increase inflammation. Even eating an excessive amount of sugar can break down the collagen in the skin leading to an aged appearance.

What are Signs of Damaged Skin?

  • Dehydration: While our skin loses some moisture through transepidermal water loss, damaged skin loses a lot more which leaves your skin dehydrated. Your skin will lose its plumpness and radiance and get irritated more easily.
  • Inflammation: When you have a damaged skin barrier, your body responds to it by causing redness, itching and swelling- a process called inflammation.
  • Fine lines: Our skin contains collagen and elastin which help it stay firm and supple. But when the collagen breaks down, it leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Our skin contains a pigment called melanin which gives it a unique colour and protects it from cellular damage. Increased melanin production causes tanned skin and dark spots which are signs of skin being damaged.
  • Acne: Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that injures healthy skin and affects collagen synthesis leading to redness and scarring.

Ways To Repair Skin Damage

  • Wear Sunscreen: While it is best to minimise sun exposure, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day can help protect your skin from damage caused by UVA and UVB rays as well as prevent sunburns.
  • Cleanse Gently: Cleansing your skin daily will help protect your skin from pollutants and dirt that can damage the skin. It is best to choose a gentle cleanser that cleanses effectively yet does not strip away moisture during the process.
  • Hydrate Your Skin: It is essential to replenish your skin with moisture after cleansing to avoid dryness and irritation. So use a natural toner to hydrate your skin and lock the moisture in with help of cold-pressed oil.
  • Choose Natural Products: If your skin is damaged, avoid common skin irritants like fragrance, alcohol and dyes and opt for natural soothing ingredients instead that help calm your skin. Natural extracts and plant oils are great skin choices since they are full of essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins that help soothe, protect and repair damaged skin.
  • Improve Your Eating Habits: It is essential to nourish your skin from within if you want to improve your skin health. So drink plenty of fluid to keep your skin hydrated and avoid consuming alcohol or processed foods.

Natural Remedies For Skin Damage

  • Aloe Vera:
     This versatile plant is perhaps one of the best natural remedies for damaged skin. Fresh aloe vera gel is not just a great moisturiser but also helps soothe and calm inflamed skin. It also helps improve collagen synthesis to help delay ageing.
  • Green Tea:
     Green tea is a rich source of catechins and polyphenols which protect you against free radical damage. You can also use it as a toner to soothe sunburns and acne-prone skin.
  • Oatmeal:
     Oatmeal makes an excellent cleanser for dry and damaged skin types. It has anti-inflammatory properties which help soothe redness and irritation and helps strengthen the skin barrier.
  • Ubtan:
     A popular home remedy made with gram flour and turmeric, ubtans can help cleanse your skin gently while reducing suntan, and dark spots and improving skin texture.
  • Olive Oil:
     Cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil contains vitamin e and fatty acids that make it a great moisturiser for dry and damaged skin. It also helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
  • Rosewater:
     This aromatic hydrosol made from rose petals is a great toner for skin. It helps balance skin pH, hydrates the skin and soothes redness.

    Juicy Chemistry’s Products To Treat Skin Damage

    • Vitamin C Brightening Serum: A vitamin-C-rich face serum made from Kakadu plum extract that boost collagen synthesis, reduces hyperpigmentation and protects from free radicals.

      All these JC products are certified organic by Ecocert France as per COSMOS V3 standards..

    Takeaway

    The best way to avoid skin damage and recover from it is to care for it as gently as possible. Be consistent with your skincare rituals and choose natural products that help nourish and protect your skin.

    Wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin from UV rays and choose antioxidant-rich products to help fight sun damage. Remember, less is always more when it comes to maintaining healthy skin.

    FAQs

    1. How do I know if a product will suit my skin?

      Read the product labels carefully and research the ingredients. When using a product for the first time, conduct a patch test on your forearm and wait for 24 hours to see if there is an allergic reaction or sensitivity.

    2. Do I need to moisturise if I have oily skin?

      Yes, oily skin also needs to be hydrated and moisturised to avoid damage.

    3. How often can I wash my face during the day?
      Washing your face twice a day is enough. Any more and you may deplete the natural skin lipids.

    References:

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5608132/
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3709783/

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