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9 Key Causes Of Skin Damage Sources & Ways To Fix Them

Sometimes, the things that are damaging your skin are not quite obvious. But, they secretly nibble away at your skin’s barrier, dull your complexion and are detrimental to your overall skin health. It’s time to bring these sneaky causes under the microscope, get a closer look at how they impact your skin and ultimately uncover fool-proof ways to repair damaged skin.

 

In This Article:

5 Symptoms Skin Damage

5 Symptoms Skin Damage

1. Fine Lines

Your skin stays smooth thanks to collagen and elastin. These proteins break down when the sunrays hit them, creating wrinkles and fine lines. Ever noticed how your face reflects changes in skin texture more than other areas? That's no accident––it is more exposed to the rays than the parts that are covered. That’s why skin experts insist on applying and reapplying sunscreen regularly!

2. Increased Sensitivity

One major sign of a damaged skin barrier? Unexpected sensitivity. If you're experiencing burning sensations, stinging, unusual redness, or itching, your skin barrier probably isn't functioning properly. These uncomfortable symptoms signal that your skin needs extra care.

3. Dryness & Flaking

Unusual dryness, such as when your skin isn’t usually dry, is one of the most common signs of skin damage. This happens when the protective natural oils of the skin, which are essential for a healthy skin barrier and protection from irritants like pollution and dirt, are depleted. This dryness may or may not be accompanied by flaking or itching. 

4. Hyperpigmentation

Changes in skin pigmentation, like dark spots and uneven patches, serve as clear warning signs of skin damage. This typically happens because of prolonged sun exposure without proper protection. The science is simple: UV rays trigger your skin to overproduce melanin, leading to these colour changes. This is exactly why sunscreen isn't just another product—it’s your skin's most essential daily defender.

5. Spider Veins

Spider veins––those visible red or purple blood vessels - tell a story of skin damage, often from UV rays. When sun exposure weakens your blood vessel walls, they can dilate and show through your skin. Though factors like genetics, hormones, and aging contribute, protecting your skin from UV damage helps prevent these visible vessels from forming.

9 Causes Of Skin Damage

1. The Sun 

The obvious and the most notorious one, the sun’s harmful UV rays causes a plethora of skin issues. Sun-damaged skin is not limited to tanning or sunburn, but it also breaks down collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to premature signs of ageing, sun spots and pigmentation. 

2. Stress

A sudden surge in stress levels or undergoing a prolonged period of stress can take a negative toll on your overall health, including skin. It slows down the production of collagen, interferes with skin rejuvenation and also speeds up the ageing process. According to Harvard Medical School, psychosocial stress can disrupt your skin’s epidermal barrier and even cause acne flare-ups. 

3. Blue Light 

Call this the ‘indoor sun’. Blue light is emitted by electronic devices like phones, laptops, tablets and television, basically, things that we are constantly using and glued to. Also called high-energy visible light, this can cause hyperpigmentation and fine lines. 

4.  Environmental Pollutants

Sneaky pollution particles in the air can easily take residence in your skin’s pores. Over time, they clog your pores leading to blackheads or whiteheads, dull your complexion, dehydrate your skin, as well as lead to premature signs of ageing. Not only that, they can also worsen any existing skin condition like acne, eczema, etc. 

5. Unbalanced Skin pH 

Typically, your skin’s pH level should be somewhere around 5.5-6. But, certain harsh cleansers can disrupt this balance and throw your skin’s barrier health under the bus. This damages the first layer of defence, allowing dirt impurities and bacteria to enter easily. 

6. Picking On Pimples 

Popping acne or blackheads can be eerily satisfying, however it can leave your pores open, damage your skin’s epidermal layer and even lead to scarring and dark spots.  

7. Diet

Feeding your body the right stuff can do more for your skin than expensive creams. A diet heavy on junk food and harmful fats can lead to increased breakouts and poor skin. Adding to that, missing out on essential vitamins and nutrients can make your skin weak, causing dryness, rough spots, and a dull look. To keep your skin healthy, try eating more specific foods such as berries, leafy greens, almonds, and salmon. These are rich in vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help support your skin health.

8. Smoking

We all know smoking hurts our lungs and teeth, but its effects on skin are just as serious. Each puff sends nicotine through your body, making blood vessels tighten up near your skin's surface. This means less oxygen and nutrients reach where they need to go. Your skin struggles to make fresh cells, and harmful substances stick around instead of getting cleared out. Smoking also destroys the natural proteins that keep skin firm and stretchy. Add in all those toxins floating through your bloodstream, and you've got a recipe for wrinkles and sagging skin years before their time.

9. Sleep

Missing out on good sleep messes with your skin's natural repair process. Your skin does its best healing work during deep sleep, building new collagen and fixing damage from the day. When you don't sleep enough, stress hormones rise, leading to angry, irritated skin that's more likely to break out. Plus, lack of sleep often shows up as puffy eyes and dark circles, giving away just how tired you really are.

How To Repair Damaged Skin 

1. Sun Protection 

Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen indoors and outdoors helps minimise the effects of sun damage drastically. Our Simple Kind to Skin Gel Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ is a lightweight sunscreen that absorbs quickly and leaves no white cast. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like Niacinamide, Vitamin E, plant-based Glycerin, and Vitamin C it not only protects your skin, but also makes it softer and healthier. This is also the best sunscreen for sensitive skin.

2. Regular Exfoliation

Once a week, use a gentle scrub to buff away dead skin cells, dirt, pollution particles and impurities from your skin. Doing this will refine your pores and allow your skin to breathe. This step is especially important if your skin is congested or looks dull. Our Clear Pore Facial Scrub is formulated with Zinc, Witch Hazel and Thyme that gently exfoliate and draw out all the gunk from your pores. With no perfume, artificial colour, potent actives or alcohol, this gentle scrub is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

3. Use A pH Balancing Cleanser

A gentle, skin-loving cleanser that maintains your skin’s pH levels is quite crucial when trying to repair damaged skin. It promotes a healthy skin environment, keeps the barrier strong and enhances overall skin health. Our 100% soap-free Refreshing Facial Wash helps maintain a skin-friendly pH of 5.5-6 and deeply cleanses without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. It is packed with barrier-building ingredients like Vitamin E, Pro Vitamin B5 and Pro Amino Acids that soften, smoothen and add a visible glow to your skin. 

4. Using Acne Patches 

Be it a stubborn blackhead, spot or acne, avoid popping them and instead slap an acne patch on them. They absorb gunk and excess oil to visibly flatten and soothe these bumps. Our Spot Patch for Pimples and Acne 24 Patches comes in three sizes that fit the zit perfectly and are even makeup-friendly. All you gotta do is apply them on clean and dry skin, and let it sit for 8-10 hours. 

5. Include A Toner

Adding a skin-soothing toner in your AM and PM routine will help sweep away pollution residue and leftover dirt along with restoring skin’s natural pH value and refining your pores. Our Soothing Facial Toner consists of calming ingredients like Allantoin and Witch Hazel that instantly refresh and hydrate your skin. With no perfume, added colour and 100% alcohol-free formulation, this toner is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:1 Can skin damage be reversed?

A. Yes! Skin damage can range from mild to severe, and depending upon the degree of damage it can take a longer or shorter period of time to heal your skin. 

Q:2 Can poor nutrition lead to skin issues?

A. Nutritional deficiencies can disrupt the equilibrium of your skin. It can even cause internal inflammation and trigger skin conditions like acne.

Rhea Shah
Written by Rhea Shah on Mar 21, 2024
Rhea has banked on her passion for writing and beauty to be where she is today. When she isn't looking up fancy synonyms for simple words aka working, she is either traveling, making travel plans, or exploring a new restaurant.
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