Let’s admit, skin damage is inevitable. Pollution, irregular diet, unbalanced lifestyle, constant stress, sun exposure, illness, weather changes, and several other factors contribute to it. Our skin is also prone to damage very easily, and therefore it needs a tad bit more TLC than anything else.
But, with all these sad-skin hassles, there are effective ways to combat them with a dedicated microbiome-friendly routine, the right ingredients, and most importantly; understanding its root cause.
So, here we are, yet again to decode skin care in the simplest way for you. Because it doesn’t have to be complicated all the time. Read along to know how to repair skin damage on your face.
Our skin’s microbiome needs to stay healthy to fight against environmental stressors that trigger a variety of issues.
Different Types Of Skin Damage
Acne
Accumulation of dirt, sebum (oil), and dead cells give rise to acne. There are various types of acne that 8 out of 10 people fall victim to; no matter what age. It can be a menace to deal with and might take a long time to reverse.
Compromised microbiome
When the skin’s microbiome is unhealthy, it becomes defenceless. This leads to frequent wear and tear of the skin in the form of itchiness, dryness, increased sensitivity, scaly skin texture, etc.
Premature Ageing
Healthily, one starts ageing at the age of 30 and above. But if the skin is not taken care of, early signs of ageing start kicking in before that - making one appear visibly older than their actual age. Not just that, but one also starts getting dark age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Sun Damage
As we are all aware the sun’s harmful UV rays can ruin our skin by causing the worst havoc. Sunburn, tan, blisters, redness, inflammation, etc. are just some of the common skin issues associated with it
What causes skin damage?
Allergens
People can be allergic to a lot of things present in their surroundings. Allergic reactions can be caused/triggered either by consuming/eating something, applying something topically, or just by being near it. Common allergens include - soy, animal dander, pollen from flowers, nuts, dairy products, shellfish, wheat, gluten, dust, strong fragrance, air conditioning, latex, etc. Allergies can also be caused by using a certain type of cloth detergent, pests, skincare actives/ingredients, or even bacteria. Different allergies show different reactions to a person’s skin.
Pollutants
Air pollutants, dust, dirt, smoke from cigarettes, and contaminated water can be common causes of skin damage. These things can accumulate and penetrate into the layers of your skin, creating problems from there
Concentrated Ingredients
Skincare products that contain sulphates, parabens, heavy fragrances, alcohol, chemicals, etc. can lead to skin irritation. They disturb your skin’s natural pH levels and also damage the skin barrier.
Using the wrong skincare
Determine your skin type first. This is the most important step before creating a skincare routine for yourself. Once you do that, find the right products in tandem with your skin type.
Wrong formula pairings can worsen your existing skincare condition and further damage your skin. So make sure to be mindful of the products you buy.
What are the signs of Damaged Skin?
1. Dryness: Skin loses its moisture and collagen, and it starts feeling a bit tacky. Natural radiance is lost and the skin's texture becomes rough.
2. Fine lines & wrinkles: Collagen starts decreasing and skin becomes loose, forming wrinkles and tiny folds.
3. Dullness & hyperpigmentation: Cellular damage causes melanin to increase - leading to a darker complexion and the formation of dark spots on the skin.
4. Acne: Pimples, bumpy skin, inflammation, minor skin injuries, redness, itchiness, concluded by dark spots
17 natural ways to repair skin at home
You can repair skin damage naturally, without harmful chemicals. Effective home remedies with wholesome organic ingredients when used in the right way can help revive your skin. These physical signs of damaged skin can be repaired with sensible skincare and mindful practices. Here’s how -
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a rich source of vitamin E and fatty acids that soothe and moisturise your skin. So, if you are suffering from extremely dry skin issues, a gentle massage with extra virgin olive oil can help repair it.
2. Herbal Teas
What’s more calming than a warm cup of herbal tea? Well, they are not just for your soul, but for your skin too. Herbal teas help detoxify your body and rejuvenate you from the inside. We consume a lot of unhealthy/acidic food that leads to acne, discoloration, and even dark circles. Drinking herbal tea regularly flushes all this toxic waste out of your body. Recommended teas would be - Fennel, Ginger, Hibiscus, Cinnamon, etc. They keep your gut healthy and this in turn keeps your skin healthy too.
3. Aloe Vera
Nothing beats applying fresh aloe vera pulp on your skin. It soothes inflamed skin and moisturises it too. Regular use of this can delay ageing by boosting collagen in your skin.
4. Lavender
It is antibacterial and antifungal in nature that is beneficial in treating skin irritation and inflammation caused by various factors. Lavender-based skincare products promote wound healing at an effective rate and also reduce scars left behind due to skin damage.
5. Rosewater
One of the best natural toners, rosewater not only soothes damaged skin but also helps maintain the skin’s pH level along with hydrating it. You can easily carry a spray bottle of rose water with you whenever you step outside, especially during summer.
6. Ubtan
A popular ayurvedic remedy for all sorts of skin damage is Ubtan. It is a blend of gram flour, turmeric, milk/water/rosewater along with other natural additives. Ubtan can be applied frequently on the face and body to treat dark spots, tanning, and uneven skin texture.
7. Water
Skin requires optimal hydration at all times, especially when it is going through its damaged phase. Hydration is just like the fuel it needs to support the skin revival process. But oftentimes, we neglect it and the damage worsens. Dehydrated skin further aggravates dryness, skin irritation, eczema, rashes, etc. So make sure to drink at least 2 litres of water daily.
8. SHEA BUTTER
This natural butter is extracted from the nuts of karité trees. There are ample fatty acids in Shea butter that repair, hydrate, nourish, and strengthen the damaged skin barrier. It is also proven to reduce signs of ageing like wrinkles, and pigmentation.
9. Yogurt
Yoghurt is very moisturising. It helps soothe, heal, and treat inflamed skin. It is great for your gut too. You can eat yogurt or even apply it to your face and body in the form of masks to rejuvenate your skin. For an at-home mask, mix honey, yogurt, turmeric together and use it.
10. Vitamin C
You must’ve known that we had this coming! Not only is it great for skin lightening, but its restorative and anti-aging properties make it a star ingredient. Vitamin has the ability to moisturise, heal, brighten, and even exfoliate your skin. So make sure to include it in your skincare regime.
11. Ice
You must have seen beauty influencers and celebrities use ice on their bare skin. Well, applying ice helps get rid of any puffiness, inflammation, and irritation on your skin. It also helps relieve sunburned skin, redness, and skin rash. You can also substitute water with rose water, or add additives like aloe vera, cucumber, lemon, etc. while freezing your ice block.
12. Exercise
Physical activity makes your blood flow throughout the body and releases sweat - releasing unnecessary toxins in your body. A healthy blood flow also ensures all the nutrients you consume reach every part of your body. Yoga and meditation are also super helpful to relax as stress can also be a cause for certain skin issues.
13. Wear Sunscreen
One must never skip sunscreen due to obvious sun damage that is very harmful to the skin. Protection from UVA & UVB rays can be done by applying topical sunscreen, limiting sun exposure for longer periods, wearing sunglasses, scarves, etc.
14. Cleansing Daily
Keeping your skin clean and hygienic can avoid a number of skin issues in the first place. Therefore, you should not skip cleansing. Dirt, dust, pollutants, makeup, etc. settle into our skin pores throughout the day. At night, use a gentle cleanser to get rid of everything before going to bed. Post-cleansing make sure to use a moisturiser as well.
More to read: How to deep cleanse your face properly
15. Exfoliate regularly
Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week is necessary to eliminate dead skin cells. This way you allow new skin regeneration to happen the right way.
16. Eat right
Proper nourishment through a balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables is necessary for a healthy body, gut, and skin. Necessary proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other constituents must be consumed regularly whereas alcohol and sugary foods must be limited.
17. Opt for organic products
Organic products are gentle yet effective on your skin as compared to other commercially available products with harsh ingredients. So, if you have damaged skin, it is best to opt for organic products as they are free from irritants, heavy fragrances, and colourants.
You can try iORA’s Prebiotic products which are made with natural ingredients for restorative skincare.
Common questions around dealing with skin damage at home
1. How do I know if a product will suit my skin?
Test patch any product by buying a sample first or by going to the beauty store. Some brands also sell sample products online.
2. Do I need to moisturise if I have oily skin?
Absolutely! Your skin needs hydration no matter which type it is. Water-based moisturisers work best for oily skin without causing skin congestion.
3. How often can I wash my face during the day?
At least twice. Once after waking up and then before going to bed.
4. How often should you exfoliate?
Once or twice a week, depending on your skin condition and type.
5. Do you need different products for morning and evening?
Specific products like retinol, vitamin C, and other actives work best when used at night. Consult your dermatologist regarding the same.
6. Can diet really affect acne?
Yes, very much so. An irregular and unhealthy diet worsens acne.
7. When should you see a dermatologist?
Usually, when you notice a recurring or sudden change in your skin. But, you can also refer to a specialist to understand your skin and skincare better.
8. What’s the best way to treat dark spots?
Staying consistent with natural remedies, spot treatments, and sun protection.
9. Should you be using mineral or chemical sunscreen? Does it matter?
The choice between mineral and chemical sunscreen depends on personal preference and skin needs.
Mineral Sunscreen: Uses physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Provides broad-spectrum protection and is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Chemical Sunscreen: Contains organic compounds that absorb UV rays. Has a thinner consistency and may have a higher chance of allergic reactions. It takes about 20 minutes to absorb before providing effective protection.
Consider your skin type and preferences when deciding which type of sunscreen to use. It's always a good idea to verify information with reliable sources
This was our take on natural remedies for skin damage. Write back to us with your other requests.
