What helps skin rash heal faster

6 ways to make a wound heal faster

Most small wounds heal naturally with time, but home remedies such as aloe vera, antibacterial ointment, or honey may speed up the healing process.

A wound leaves the bodys internal tissues exposed to the external environment. Cuts, blows, or other impacts are common causes.

A person may be able to treat a minor wound at home. However, they should seek medical help if they have a more severe injury that involves broken bones or excessive bleeding.

This article details six things people can try to make their wounds heal faster, and when to see a doctor.

The following are some alternative methods and remedies people can try to make wounds heal faster:

1. Antibacterial ointment

A person can treat a wound with several over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial ointments, which can help prevent infections. They can also help a wound heal more quickly.

One review of 27 animal model studies showed that antibacterial treatments played a positive role in helping wounds heal faster. However, the review noted that there was a high risk of bias in the findings.

People often use OTC antibacterial ointments for minor wounds, but they may not be necessary. A person may use petroleum jelly, which acts as a barrier to protect the wound beyond a waterproof bandage.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant belonging to the cactus family. It contains a substance that is rich in both vitamins and minerals.

Aloe vera contains glucomannan, a substance that helps cellular regeneration and causes the body to produce collagen. This substance is a protein that promotes wound healing.

A 2019 systematic review states that aloe vera and its compounds could improve wound healing. Overall evidence suggests it might be effective for wound healing of first and second-degree burns. The review also indicates that aloe vera could help retain skin moisture and integrity while easing inflammation and preventing ulcers.

A person can apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the wound area. They can also dress the wound in a bandage soaked in aloe vera gel to help with healing.

Learn more about the health benefits of aloe vera here.

3. Honey

Honey has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. People have used the substance in traditional wound-healing recipes for a long time.

A 2016 review states thatlaboratory research suggests honey significantly improves the healing rate of wounds in animals. It also says that it reduced scar formation and inhibited bacterial growth in acute wounds and burns.

In another older 2015 study, honey appeared to heal partial thickness wounds better than other treatments, but caused more infections in post-operative wounds than typical treatments.

A person would need to use medical honey for minor and major wounds after a discussion with a doctor or healthcare professional.

4. Turmeric paste

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the plant of the same name. It contains curcumin, which has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

One 2016 review suggests that turmeric can be effective in helping wounds heal faster. It showed that the curcumin present in the spice stimulated the production of the growth factors involved in the healing process. It also showed that curcumin accelerated the management of wound restoration.

A 2019 review also showed that curcumin in turmeric could increase collagen production at the wound site. It also states that curcumin promotes the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which starts the healing process and helps the wound heal more quickly.

A person can mix turmeric with warm water to make a paste. They can then apply the paste to the wound and cover it with a clean bandage.

If a person wishes to try turmeric for a wound, they should limit usage to closed, minor wounds. An open injury would require medical-grade products with a doctors approval.

Learn more about the health benefits of turmeric here.

5. Garlic

Garlic contains the compound allicin, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

According to a 2020 review, several clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of garlic in treating wounds. It stated that in preclinical studies, aged garlic extract showed wound healing potential depending on the dosage.

Another study looked at the use of garlic to treat wounds in rats. It revealed that a cream containing 0.4% garlic was an effective way to treat burn wounds, although further human studies are necessary.

Learn more about the health benefits of garlic here.

6. Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains the substance monolaurin, a fatty acid with antimicrobial properties. Fatty acids found in vegetable oils play a large part in helping wounds heal. A person can use coconut oil on a wound to help reduce the risk of contracting an infection.

Learn more about the health benefits of coconut oil here.

A person with an open wound should always follow these steps:

1. Wash the hands with soap and clean water.
2. Remove jewelry and clothing from around the wound.
3. Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.
4. Clean the wound with clean water and a saline solution once the bleeding has stopped.
5. Examine the wound for foreign objects and dirt.
6. If possible, apply antibiotic ointment to the wound to prevent infection.
7. Pat the wound dry with a clean cloth.
8. Close the wound and apply an adhesive bandage or band-aid.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person should check their wound every 24 hours. This involves removing the bandages and checking for signs of infection. Afterward, they should disinfect the wound, dry it, and apply a clean adhesive bandage or band-aid.

A closed wound that is not sterile can trap bacteria and may cause further infections. Therefore, if a person has an unclean wound or a wound with an infection, they should leave it open until they can clean it, or the infection clears.

After treating a wound, several methods can promote healing.

Learn more about types of wound healing.

A person can often treat minor wounds at home. However, in some instances, wounds need medical attention.

A person should seek care from a healthcare professional if they experience the following:

• a wound with large, deep, or jagged edges, which may require stitches and cleaning
• a wound that will not stay closed
• a wound that is full of debris that a person cannot remove
• wound resulting from an injury from a dirty, rusty, or contaminated object
• blood spurting from a wound
• a wound that continues to bleed, even after applying pressure
• a wound due to an animal or human bite

A person should also speak with a doctor if their wound has contracted an infection. Signs of a wound acquiring an infection include:

• aches and pains
• the area around the wound is warm
• the wound gives off a yellow or green discharge
• the wound emits an unpleasant odor
• red streaks appear on the skin around the wound
• fever and chills
• nausea and vomiting

A doctor will often use antibiotics to treat a wound with an infection. A person may also require a tetanus shot.

People should always complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if infection symptoms are no longer present. This treats the infection fully and prevents bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotic.

Learn more about infected wounds here.

Minor open wounds may not require medical treatment. However, people should clean the wound and dress it using a clean bandage. An unclean wound may cause a bacterial infection to occur.

Once the wound is clean, there are several techniques to speed up the healing process. These include the use of antibacterial ointments, turmeric, aloe vera, garlic, and coconut oil.

A person should seek medical help right away if their wound is large. A doctor may use stitches to close the wound and ensure that it is clean.

Boost Your Skins Regeneration Process for a Glowing, Vibrant Complexion

The body is always in a state of change. In particular, the cells in your skin are constantly replacing themselves.

The skin does this through the process of regeneration and repair.

On a cellular level, the skin cells are constantly shedding, revealing fresh, newly grown skin cells underneath. This is why scars and blemishes may fade a bit with time.

Understanding the science behind your skins life cycle can help you to take care of your skin as it goes through the regeneration process. It can also help you boost your skins natural regeneration process and give you a fresh glow.

Heres what the skin care experts have to say about how to speed up skin regeneration.

According to 2015 research, skin regeneration refers to the complete replacement of damaged tissue with new tissue. Skin repair refers to the continued healing process of existing tissue. Skin regeneration isnt usually associated with scar tissue.

The research goes on to say that skin regeneration can happen in two ways:

• restoration, or putting together what is broken
• reconstruction, or replacing and rebuilding what is torn down

Skin regeneration is a natural physical process that occurs on a cellular level.

The epidermis cells, or top layers of skin, continuously replace themselves, explains Laura Chacon-Garbato, a licensed esthetician and director of education at Herbalife. This process of renewal is the process of shedding the epidermis.

In other words, skin regeneration is a constant renewal of cells.

According to a 2010 review, the epidermis is maintained by stem cells in the lowest layer of the skin. These epidermal stem cells generate daughter cells that move upward toward the surface of the skin.

During this journey, cells that produce keratin undergo a series of biochemical and morphological changes that result in the formation of the various layers of the skin.

This gives skin a young, healthy glow, adds Jennifer Hurtikant, chief science officer at Prime Matter Labs.

The same study mentioned above estimated that the epidermis turns over every 40 to 56 days on average.

When were young, the process of exfoliation happens naturally, but as we age this process is altered and slows down, Chacon-Garbato says.

An older 2006 study notes that the usual 28-day turnover time for skin increases approximately 30 percent to 50 percent by age 80.

For people over 50 years old, Chacon-Garbato says, the process can take as long as 84 days.

The effects of the slowdown cause buildup and an excess of dead skin cells that can make the skin look tired, dull, and opaque, she says.

Throughout this process, several things occur on a cellular level.

First, new skin cells are formed deep in the epidermis.

Then, as the skin cells mature and die on the upper layer of the epidermis, they naturally fall away.

The skin healing process

If you have a cut or burn, you may be left with a scar.

This is because fibroblasts in scar tissue form collagen differently than in regular tissue. As a result, its thicker and less flexible than regular skin tissue.

However, by improving skin regeneration, you may notice that scars gradually fade away as fresh, healthy skin tissue forms beneath them.

As you get older, skin regeneration slows down. This leaves an accumulation of dead skin cells on the upper layer of the skin.

By boosting the natural regeneration process, you can help the skin look fresh and feel elastic, even as you age.

Lifestyle choices

Making healthy choices can help to keep the skin regeneration process functioning optimally.

Hurtikant suggests:

There are two types of aging, cellular or intrinsic aging and environmental or extrinsic aging.

Intrinsic aging is a genetically predetermined process that occurs naturally, but may increase with stress. Extrinsic aging is a result of outside factors, like where you live and your lifestyle habits.

Stress causes intrinsic aging and the environment causes extrinsic aging, Hurtikant says.

Chacon-Garbato recommends eating plenty of protein, such as:

• nuts and seeds
• beans
• fish
• poultry

Proteins are essential for tissue repair and the construction of new tissue, she says. Cells need protein to maintain their life, so the body uses protein to replace worn-out or dead skin cells.

In addition, favor foods that are high in antioxidants, like:

Including antioxidants in your diet may help improve the glow and luster of the skin.

Products

Specific skin care products can also help improve the natural cell turnover process, hydrate the skin, and get rid of built-up dead skin cells. Look for ingredients like:

Use products with vitamin B3, Chacon-Garbato suggests. Its a necessary component of cell metabolism, also known as niacinamide, and is required for many skin processes that help maintain healthy-looking skin.

She also suggests using antioxidants such as vitamin C and E to prevent cellular damage from free radicals.

Try Swisse Beauty Skin Regeneration+, an oral supplement with ALA, and Musely FaceRx Anti-Aging Night Cream with tretinoin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.

Natural remedies

These natural remedies may help boost your skins health and promote the skin regeneration process:

A 2022 study found that several plant extracts, including papaya, showed antioxidant, and antiwrinkle effects. Extracts that used ethanol as a cosolvent showed greater effects.

A 2018 review found that jojoba, rosehip, and coconut oil may help with skin barrier repair, wound healing, antioxidant effects, and antiaging.

A 2010 study noted that orange peel extract could provide useful protection against or alleviation of UV damage.

You can look for natural skin care products that contain these ingredients.

Citrus can increase photosensitivity, or sensitivity to light. Use caution when applying citrus in any form to the skin by avoiding direct sun exposure and using sun protection. Never apply citrus oils directly to the skin.

Procedures

If you want to exfoliate a little deeper, a dermatologist may be able to offer a more intensive skin resurfacing procedure to kick-start skin rejuvenation. Make sure you find a dermatologist who is board certified.

Chacon-Garbato suggests:

However, she notes, theres no one-size-fits-all for the skin, so its important to check with your dermatologist to help define the best approach for the results you want to achieve.

Want to know more? Get the FAQs below.

Does aloe vera help with skin regeneration?

Aloe vera encourages cell diversity and helps keep the skin well hydrated and protected.

According to a 2020 study, it also boasts natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Aloe vera is an excellent ingredient to use daily because its well known for its revitalizing and calming properties, Chacon-Garbato says. Its also a hugely effective hydrator and helps to minimize skin dryness.

She notes that its been used for centuries for beauty because of its many benefits, including delivering moisture directly to the tissue and helping prevent water loss due to evaporation.

Hurtikant adds that while aloe vera is great for boosting regeneration, there are other ingredients to try too.

Trending ingredients for skin regeneration are derivatives of algae and mushrooms, and hyaluronic acid, she says.

Whats the best cream for skin regeneration?

There are plenty of skin care products that have been shown to improve the appearance of aging in the skin by speeding up the natural skin regeneration process.

One highly rated product is Musely FaceRx Anti-Aging Night Cream, which includes active ingredients such as tretinoin (Retin-A), niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

These three ingredients are all excellent for encouraging exfoliation. Keep an eye out for them on the ingredients list when youre looking for good creams to promote regeneration.

How long does it take for your skin to regenerate?

For most adults under 50 years old, the cycle lasts between 28 and 42 days. For adults over 50 years old, this may increase to up to 84 days, though the number varies.

The time it takes for your skin to complete the skin regeneration cycle depends on a range of factors, including:

• your age
• your diet
• your skin care routine
• your hydration levels
• environmental factors

How do you speed up skin regeneration?

There are a range of ways to improve skin regeneration.

Simple lifestyle changes like exercise and increased hydration can keep the process working properly.

Skin creams that include exfoliating ingredients can also help to get rid of excess dead skin.

Some procedures can also encourage faster growth of new skin cells to speed up the regeneration process.

Does aging skin still regenerate?

Aging slows down the skin regeneration process, but it doesnt ever stop it completely.

However, because the process becomes much slower as we age, the skin can appear thicker, less flexible, and more wrinkled or textured.

This is because the slower the regeneration, the more dead skin cells remain on the face.

Skin regeneration is a natural cycle that occurs as the skin cells turn over. In other words, dead skin cells on the top layer of the epidermis fall away, revealing fresh, newly created cells beneath.

By supporting this cycle with a healthy lifestyle and skin care routine, you can encourage a lustrous glow even as you get older.

Just remember: while boosting skin regeneration is possible, its natural for the cycle to slow down as you age. A few wrinkles and some texture are nothing to be ashamed of.

You can even think of them as signs of wisdom and experience.

Meg is a freelance journalist and features writer who covers culture, entertainment, lifestyle and health. Her writing has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Shondaland, Healthline, HelloGiggles, Readers Digest, Apartment Therapy, and more. T: @wordsbyMeg W: megwalters.co.uk