Understanding what is skin barrier and how to repair skin barrier is essential to maintain a healthy youthful skin. The skin barrier acts as the body’s primary defense, keeping moisture in and harmful irritants out. Here we discuss what the skin barrier is, causes for its damage and effective Ayurvedic skin treatments to restore it. 

What is the skin barrier?

Skin barrier is a thin outermost layer of the skin that performs important functions by protecting the body. These layers help retain moisture in the skin and protect from irritants that are harmful for the skin. Healthy skin barriers make skin soft, plumb and supple. 

When the skin barrier is damaged, skin may get dull, dry, rough and lose the moisture. Skin barriers contain elements like ceramides, cholesterol and  fatty acids that are essential to keep skin cells intact and hydrated. Damaged barriers couldn’t hold these vital elements and this makes the skin lose hydration and vulnerable to external factors. 

Causes of Damaged skin barrier

Environmental Factors

• Overexposure to the sun- Overexposure to the sun can breakdown essential proteins in the skin 
• Extremely dry or humid environment- Environment like these strip off the natural oil in the skin leading to excess oil production
• Pollutants, allergens and irritants- External pollutants can harm skin over time

Lifestyle Choices

• Improper diet and dehydration- Lack of essential nutrients and dehydration can weaken the skin health
• Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption- Alcohol and caffeine consumption can dehydrate the body and skin
• Smoking- Smoking reduce the ability of skin to heal and regenerate

Skin Care Mistakes

• Harsh chemicals –  Harsh chemicals in skincare products like sulfate, alcohol, fragrance can damage the skin
• Over washing and over-exfoliating- It can strip away natural oil in the skin and disrupt PH balance. Over-exfoliating can cause small cuts and tears in the skin that can damage barrier
• Incorrect skincare routine

Health and Medical Conditions

• Certain medications
• Skin disorders- Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can damage skin barrier
• Hormonal changes
• Aging- Aging can slow down repairing ability of skin

Emotional and Mental Health

• Psychological distress (e.g., stress, anxiety)

Damaged Skin Barrier Symptoms

It is easy to identify if your skin barrier is damaged, you are more prone to have following symptoms: 

• Sensitive and inflamed skin
• Very Dry skin
• Itchiness
• Bacterial, viral or fungal Skin infections
• Acne breakouts
• Hyperpigmented skin
• Cuts and bruises take a longer time to heal
• Redness and rashes
• Stinging and burning sensation while applying any products

How to Repair Skin Barrier

Skin care routine

Before getting into ‘How to repair skin barrier!’ it is better to prevent our skin from being damaged. So here are some tips to take care of your skin for healthy skin barriers. 

• Always use lukewarm water to wash your skin. Both hot and cold water is not good for skin, it can irritate the skin.
• Mild, PH balanced cleanser: It is recommended using mild cleansers for the skin without striping off essential oils and moisture in the skin. Look for products that are free from sulfate and harmful chemicals. Exfoliating once or twice a week is recommended.
• Gentle exfoliant: Do not hardly exfoliate your skin. It may cause minor cuts and tears in the skin. Always use gentle leave on exfoliant for your skin.
• Follow Simpler Skin care: Do not over do your skin care with multiple products and active ingredients. While using active ingredients like AHA, BHA, retinol, Vitamin C etc. with multiple skin care products can irritate your skin. Always make the process simpler.
• Moisturize regularly: It is essential to moisturize your skin, irrespective of any skin type. Use moisturizer containing skin barrier repairing elements like  ceramides, fatty acids and glycerin to help retain moisture.
• Avoid Alcohol based skin products: Alcohol content in the skin care products can strip off the moisture and can damage the skin barrier.
• Skin’s PH level: Use products that help maintain skin’s PH level.
• Patch test: Always do patch tests before using new products, to prevent harming your skin.

Natural Methods

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is the best natural remedy for sunburns. It relieves itchiness caused by sun damage. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, helps heal wounds and moisturizes the skin.

Lavender: Oil extracted from lavender plants is antibacterial and antifungal. It is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema that cause skin irritation. It is also used to heal wounds.

Shea butter: Shea butter will hydrate and moisturize your skin naturally. Shea butter contains fatty acids that have regenerative qualities and reduce scars. Shea butter also helps to reduce early signs of aging and make your skin glow.

Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil has similar anti-irritating properties to lavender and can be used to soothe eczema or psoriasis. It also heals general skin damage and is hydrating.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C infused skincare products can help to reduce the early signs of aging. Vitamin C also helps exfoliation, skin brightening and hydration. It is also helpful for skin inflammation and acne-scarred, dry skin. Vitamin C, a collagen agent that is antibacterial, can provide nutrients to your skin and help heal skin damage.

Ice: Ice can be used to soothe irritated and inflamed skin. Since ancient times, ice cubes have been used to treat sunburns and other skin problems like cuts and bruises. Ice is soothing to the skin. If you add rose water, cucumber juice or aloe gel to the water that you use to make it, you can get even better results for skin issues like dryness and under-eye spots.

Ayurvedic Skin Treatments and Remedies

Abhyanga oil massage: Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic oil massage that Improves circulation and provides deep moisture to help restore the skin’s protective barrier. Sesame oil or coconut oil is used in traditional Ayurvedic oil-massage to nourish and moisturize skin.

Kumkumadi Tailam: Kumkumadi Tailam is a powerful Ayurvedic Oil made with saffron, herbs and other ingredients. It is known for its skin-repairing properties. It is a natural moisturizer and healer.

Ubtan (herbal Paste): Ubtan is a natural exfoliating scrub made from turmeric, sandalwood and chickpea flour. It helps gently exfoliate and remove dead skins without damaging the skin barrier. Also it helps healing and rejuvenation.

Nasya : Nasya is an ayurvedic treatment in which herbal oil is poured through nostrils that help for internal moisture and rejuvenation. The rejuvenating properties of nasya help improve skin tone, slow aging process, help reduce wrinkles by hydrating and nourishing the skin barriers.

Pizhichil: Pizhichil is a herbal oil treatment poured over the body. These oils help deeply  moisturize by soothing irritated skin, reducing dryness and repairing damaged skin. 

Lepam: It is a treatment with herbal paste that is made of numerous herbs including aloe vera, neem, sandalwood.  Applying this as a mask helps soothe inflammation, moisturize and help treat damaged skin barrier.

Takradhara (Buttermilk Therapy): Takradhara is an ayurvedic therapy with medicated buttermilk over the body and forehead. The cooling properties of this therapy help reduce inflammation, calm irritated skin and moisturize the dry skin deeply. 

Sandalwood: Sandalwood is an effective remedy especially for skin issues caused by pitta and kapha. Sandalwood helps treat acne, blemishes, contributing to healthier skin barrier.

Turmeric: The antibacterial, anti inflammatory and anti aging properties help to heal the damaged skin and avoid further breakdown.

Saffron: Saffron is an excellent herb that is effective for skin brightening, treating hyperpigmentation and healing damaged skin. It is commonly used in kumkumadi oil and other skin care treatments in Ayurveda.

Diet

For healthy skin barrier external care is not only needed but internal care is also needed. Including the following diet can help boost healing of damaged skin barrier:

Foods to include

• Ghee
• Almonds and walnuts
• Amla
• Leafy Greens
• Turmeric
• Fresh vegetables
• Aloe Vera Juice
• Whole grains (Barley, brown rice.)
• Flax seeds
• Sweet potatoes
• Sesame seeds 
• Watermelon and pomegranates
• Herbal teas

Foods to avoid

• Spicy foods
• Processed foods
• Oily foods
• Caffeine drinks
• Over sugar intake
• Dairy products
• Alcohol

How long does it take to repair damaged skin barrier

There’s good news that damaged skin barriers can be fixed, but it takes a bit of patience and time. Depending on the severity of skin barrier damage, it could take anything between a few weeks to up to six months to return it to its best protection.
On an average, an adult’s skin takes around 28 to 42 days to repair itself with the help of natural and clinical remedies. If you are 50 +, this process can take up to 84 days.

Following the steps we provided, will help you keep a healthy skin barrier and you’ll have smoother, soft and more youthful-looking skin.

Does damaged skin repair itself

Skin damages can repair over time, but it depends upon the damage and its severity. It is recommended to see a dermatologist or undergo an Ayurvedic skin treatment to restore your skin from damages.

In conclusion

Identifying damaged skin barriers and treating it is crucial for healthy skin. Also It is necessary to know your skin type and consult a dermatologist or ayurvedic specialist before using one of these remedies at home. 

Are you looking for holistic solutions for your skincare? Visit Ayurclinic to know more about ‘How to repair skin barrier?’ with Ayurveda and Ayurvedic skin treatments.

 

Disclaimer: For severe skin conditions always consult a dermatologist.