You will be surprised about how easily our skin is prone to damage from several unknown factors. While the common causes for skin damage are aging, improper nutrition, weight gain, injuries, exposure to sun and other severe climatic conditions, skin can also be damaged by illness, a weak immune system, viral and fungal infections, exposure to skin allergens – fish, shellfish, milk, nuts, wheat, soy, animal dander, pollen, air conditioning, heaters, dust mites, insect stings, mild, latex, medication, toxic alcohol and substances. Even pests residing in the house carry infections which can damage the skin. Hence, it is advisable to use a cleaning detergent to wash clothes, beddings, floor and walls regularly as these surfaces carry several bacteria and infection which damage the skin.
Best Home Remedies For Damaged Skin
Damaged skin has been treated at home for several years using tried methods which actually work with prolonged use and dedication. Below are some simple home remedies and steps one can adopt in their daily lifestyles to repair damaged skin:
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful element in treating damaged and aggravated skin. It provides refreshment to the body, revitalises the system and encourages the growth skin cells. It promotes blood circulation to the epidermis and the skin cells. Vitamin C fights against the radical which lead to early onset of aging. It support the production of collagen which is responsible for maintaining the elasticity of the skin. It tighten the skin pores and evens out the skin tone. It combats hyperpigmentation, dark spots and blemishes. It controls the excess production of sebum on the face which results in an oily skin – pimples, blemishes, acne scars and clogged pores.
2. Protein
Protein is another key nutrient which rejuvenates the damaged skin by encouraging the growth of skin cells. It promotes the production of collagen which helps in delaying premature aging and repair the skin from an injury or damage. Patients suffering muscle injuries and who have wounds on their bodies are advised to eat lean protein to promote formation of collagen which heals the skin tissue around the damaged area. Protein also provides life to dull and damaged skin of the face. It tighten the skin and give a youthful glow to the skin. It also protect the skin from cancerous cells. Protein can be found fish, chicken, tofu, beans and nuts.
3. Zinc
Building up zinc in the body aids the digestion and absorption of protein which in turn supports production of collagen. Collagen helps in repairing skin tissues and delaying premature aging. Zinc also protects the skin from exposure to the sun. Sun emits UV rays which interferes with production of collagen. Zinc fights against the free radicals which hinder the process of collagen production. Zinc combats skin discoloration and rejuvenates the skin. Hence, it is advised to use face moisturisers
4. Herbal Teas
Herbal teas provide rejuvenating effect on the skin. They detoxify the body of harmful toxins and food wastes which are responsible for negative changes on the skin. Animal fats, oily and spicy food, carbohydrates and acidic foods can result in oily skin with blemishes, pimples, hyperpigmentation, skin discoloration and dark circles. Drinking herbal with ingredients like cinnamon, fennel, dandelion, hibiscus and ginger helps in combating the negative after effects of consuming such foods. The teas promote digestion and cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Lots Of Water
It is important that the skin is kept hydrated throughout the day and during the varying seasons. Water revitalizes the skin cells and retains the moisture content in them. It also keeps the skin moisturised, soft and supple. Dehydration can lead to dryness, skin irritation, skin patches and other skin infections – eczema, hives and rashes. All these skin infections require intensive care and regular medication to disappear. Hence, it is advised to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to keep the skin and body hydrated and nourished.
6. Exercise And Meditation
Exercise – cardio, strength training, weight management and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) all work at pumping the blood to different parts of the body. Blood contains nutrients and minerals which are absorbed from the food is the system. These nutrients and minerals need to be circulated throughout the body in order to repair the damaged skin. Meditation is also recommended for bringing peace to the mind and body. You also participate in other physical activities such as jogging, boxing, yoga, martial arts, tai chi in order to renew yourself.
7. Ice
Ice is a great remedy for inflamed and irritated skin. It instantly works on relieving sunburns, rashes, cut and bruised skin. Ice is also very handy! All you have to do is freeze distilled water in a water cube container overnight. Ice is heavily used in all types of medical treatments to soothe the skin. It is also used in cosmetic industry to soothe dry and inflamed skin after scrubbing and facial treatment. You can also make them out of rose water, aloe vera gel, cucumber juice and lemon juice.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt has anti-inflammatory properties. It rejuvenates and revitalizes the skin. It soothes and calms inflamed and irritated skin. The compounds present in the yogurt moisturise the skin, repairs broken skin, heals and soothes damaged skin tissues. Yogurt should also consumed orally for its hydrating nutrients. Yogurt can be mixed with ingredients like a teaspoon of turmeric, honey and egg yolk to amp up the moisturising level.
9. Honey
Honey is another natural moisturiser which leaves the skin soft, glowing and supple. It has been used in alternative medicine since ancient times to heal and repair damaged skin. It builds elasticity in the skin and helps in delaying an early onset of aging. It also remedies the after effects of sunburns, over-tanning and exposure to cold winds.
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It soothes and calms irritated and inflamed skin. Aloe vera also has healing properties. It has been used in alternative medicine for years to repair broken skin and injured skin. The gel can be easily obtained from the leaves of the aloe vera plant. You can either refrigerate or mix it with other beneficial ingredients for effective results.
11. Coconut Oil
Extra virgin coconut oil is an ideal formula for repairs and healing damaged. It has been used in Indian households for ages for various skin related issues. It has fatty acids which moisturise the skin. It soothes and calms the inflamed and broken skin.It works on repairing the damaged skin tissues. It is also used by women to reverse the effects of aging, sagging skin, wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars.
12. Sunscreen
Sunscreen should become an important part of everyone’s skincare routine – men and women alike despite the variability in their ages. Sunscreen creates a protective layer on the skin which prevents UV rays from damaging the skin cells. Exposure to sun can cause early onset of aging, damage to skin cells and tissues, dehydration of skin, decrease in production of collagen, sagging of skin, hyperpigmentation, dryness, inflamed skin and sunburns. Sunscreen protects the skin from the above skin ailments. Exposure to sun also increases the chances of skin cancer and other cancers.
Also read:
10 Simple Homemade Face Pack Using Multani Mitti
Face Clean Up At Home – A Step By Step Guide
