The skin barrier, known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of one’s skin. It serves two purposes. Being the outermost layer, it reflects a person’s appearance and quality of health to the external world. Furthermore, it is the body’s first line of defense against weather elements and pathogens. However, due to this, the skin barrier is often prone to damage. In such scenarios, the skincare tips mentioned below might come handy.

Use aloe vera and lavender

Some natural products like aloe vera and lavender benefit the skin due to their extensive healing abilities. Aloe vera-based organic creams and products use their soothing and skin-repairing capabilities to mend damaged skin barriers quickly. Aloe vera has outstanding healing abilities that repair sun damage too. Many dermatologists advise people with sunburns to use aloe-infused creams to heal their skin. Aloe has chemical properties that help keep the skin elastic and moisturized. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a moisturizing ingredient in many skincare items.

Similarly, lavender-based products effectively address one’s damaged skin barrier and similar issues. Lavender oil is famous for its powerful antifungal and antibacterial qualities. Many skin experts advise using lavender oil for diseases like eczema and psoriasis as it can treat symptoms such as itching and inflammation properly. Besides these qualities, lavender speeds up the healing and regeneration of damaged skin tissue.

Moisturizing skin regularly

A lack of moisture in the skin is one of the primary reasons the skin barrier suffers damage. Therefore, moisturizing is the most crucial part of repairing the skin barrier gradually. You can use organic moisturizers for this purpose. Also, moisturizing must be done regularly, as doing it occasionally can cause the hydration to evaporate through the damaged skin barrier. Using a moisturizer regularly helps to seal these barriers and cracks and prevent the skin from losing more water than necessary. Retaining water in this way helps people maintain a soft and luscious texture for their skin.

The skin needs to be hydrated regularly, so depriving it of water can be one of the primary reasons for damaged skin barriers.

Avoiding over-washing and over-exfoliating

Most people may overlook the sensitivity aspect of their skin and over-wash and over-exfoliate it as a part of their daily routine. However, these actions can cause damage to one’s skin barrier. To avoid this, one can wash their face using a cleanser once every day. As stated earlier, cleansing and moisturizing are essential, but doing so with rampant regularity can damage surface-level skin tissue. Therefore, exfoliation should be done only once a week. Additionally, replace physical scrubs with exfoliants that are milder on the skin.

Avoid long hot showers

Hot showers may be refreshing and cleansing for the skin, but overexposure to steaming hot water for long periods can have debilitating effects on one’s skin. The excessive heat carried by hot water causes the skin layer tissues, nutrients, and natural oils to wither away. These elements safeguard one’s skin, so having frequent hot showers can cause skin barrier damage through the loss of these protective layers.

To avoid this problem, one can take hot showers only if necessary. One can also use lukewarm water instead of piping hot water for showers. Doing so would bring about minor, incomprehensible changes to one’s daily life but will massively benefit one’s skin.

Be mindful of your pH

The pH level of one’s skin determines how acidic or basic the skin barrier is. Ideally, a pH of 7, which is neither too acidic nor too basic, is preferable in any bodily area. Detergents tend to cause skin issues due to their volatile pH. They generally cause the skin to lose its natural oils and leave the barrier dry and, more worryingly, exposed to irritation and damage. Detergents increase the alkaline (basic) levels in a person’s skin, which disrupt the skin’s natural development and other processes.

Therefore, one needs to use organic or mild chemical skincare products and tools that do not increase the acidity or alkaline levels of one’s skin barrier.

Streamline your skincare regime

One of the significant causes of skin barrier damage is a poor skincare routine. One of the best ways to streamline one’s skincare routine is to reduce the number of products from one’s daily usage list. Using several products can irritate one’s skin.

After this, one needs to simplify their skincare routine. It involves using only those products that are beneficial for the skin and eliminating those that may be surplus to requirements. One needs to hydrate their skin with water regularly for maximum moisture retention and skin flexibility.

Applying an SPF sunscreen every day

Exposure to sun rays and UV radiation is a significant cause of skin barrier damage in individuals. One needs to be prepared to face the sun before leaving their house. An ideal way to do that is through SPF sunscreen usage every day. Ideally, the SPF rating of such creams should be more than 30 to have positive protective effects against the unforgiving sun rays.

Ideally, one must use organic sunscreen that does not contain many chemicals to keep their skin protected and healthy.

Taking care of your teeth is a constant endeavor that requires thoroughly following an oral hygiene routine. However, even after brushing, flossing, and using an expensive mouthwash, you might notice your teeth don’t appear as white as you would want them to be. In such a situation, besides sticking to daily oral hygiene practices, trying a few DIY remedies can help. The techniques listed here can gradually restore your pearly white smile.

Coconut oil pulling
Oil pulling is among the oldest techniques for teeth whitening that offers long-lasting results. To try this remedy, just swish a decent amount of coconut oil vigorously inside your mouth for a few minutes. Experts suggest using pure coconut oil for a thorough cleanse. This is because coconut oil is naturally rich in properties that help remove stains from the teeth’s surface and neutralize bacteria that increase the risk of cavities. It’s a simple, cost-effective home remedy that has no side effects. However, you must practice it regularly for the best results.

Homemade paste
Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a DIY paste. When mixed, these ingredients form a potent effervescent paste that helps remove plaque, stains, and bacteria buildup that affects healthy teeth and their shine. Combining a tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide should give you the desired consistency. This remedy is safe to use daily and is suggested by many dentists as a powerful solution for teeth whitening. Alternatively, you can purchase commercially available toothpaste that contains both active ingredients.

Toothpaste for whitening the enamel
Many toothpaste and whitening gels available in the market can help you get pearly white teeth from the comforts of your home. A few examples are:

• Crest Gum and Sensitivity Gentle Whitening Toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
• Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste for removing surface stains.
• Colgate Optic White Advanced Toothpaste with active hydrogen peroxide for stubborn stain removal.

You can alternatively consider direct application gels for quicker results. GLO Science, Opalescence, Plus White, and Bleach Pro are the top brands. Most gels come in easy applicator syringes to achieve the best results at home.

Apple cider vinegar rinse
Raw apple cider is powerful and shouldn’t be applied directly to your pearly whites. Instead, you can create a diluted homemade mouthwash by mixing two teaspoons of vinegar with at least six ounces of water. Use this solution instead of commercial mouthwashes to remove stains naturally, whiten the enamel, and prevent bacteria buildup. ACV’s natural bleaching effects help keep the top layer of the molars clean and white longer. But note that experts suggest using this mouthwash with caution and for a limited time only, as overuse can weaken the enamel.

Fruit whitening
The peels of certain fruits have healthy teeth whitening properties with no side effects whatsoever. Citrus-rich fruits like oranges and lemons are popular options for natural teeth whitening. Take the peel of a fresh fruit and rub it across your molars gently. Do this for a few minutes, then rinse the mouth thoroughly so no food particles are left behind. The repetitive actions, combined with the peel’s active d-limonene compounds, help remove a decent layer of stains. However, don’t overuse this remedy, as the citric acids in the fruit are pretty abrasive. Though it isn’t the most widely recommended home remedy, experts suggest the technique is somewhat effective and easy to practice. Banana peels are also an excellent alternative instead of orange and lemon peels.

Following a teeth-friendly meal plan
Changes in daily nutrition can also help maintain those pearly whites without extra effort. For example, pineapple is rich in bromelain, an active ingredient that helps remove stains from the enamel. Chewing on crunchy fruits and vegetables triggers saliva production, which is vital because saliva naturally helps keeps the teeth clean and healthy. It prevents plaque and bacteria buildup that erodes the enamel and exposes the teeth to foods and beverages that stain the molars. While eating these, avoid foods and beverages that leave stains. Flavored sodas, sugary candies, and caffeinated beverages stain healthy teeth and expose the enamel to bacterial infections.

Understand that these remedies are just suggestions and may not be suitable for all teeth problems. So, consult with a dentist to assess the viability and effectiveness of any remedy before trying it out at home. Preventive care and regular oral hygiene is the best way to ensure clean white teeth.

Here are a few simple tips to keep the teeth naturally healthy and white:

• Brush at least twice daily and, if possible, between meals to minimize plaque and bacteria buildup.
• Pay attention to your brushing technique and action, as improper brushing practices can erode the enamel.
• Use fluoride-based toothpaste and an activated cavity-fighter mouthwash to prevent bacteria from causing tooth decay.
• Floss after a heavy meal to ensure no food particles get trapped in spaces where toothpaste and mouthwash are rendered ineffective.

Those facing oral health problems may require a more comprehensive and well-planned care routine. In such situations, it’s advisable to avoid experimenting and consult an expert to determine the most suitable home and natural remedies.