10 Tips on How to Make Skin Heal Faster

Whether your skin is suffering from dryness, allergies, an injury, or a wound, you need your skin to heal fast. That can be easier said than done, especially with some people having a harder time healing than others. For whatever reason you need your skin to get back to its normal, healthy self, you don’t have to worry anymore. Read on to find a list of tips on how to make skin heal faster.

1. Rinse with the Right Water

rinse wound with water

It may seem like a small factor, but the way you rinse or clean your skin will have an effect on how it heals. For example, if your skin is injured by wound, cut, or scrape, you should be gently cleaning and rinsing your skin with warm (not hot) water. The warm water removes any debris and quickens the clotting/healing process. If your skin is suffering from dryness or sensitivity, you should rinse your skin in cool water, as hot water can irritate the dry skin further.

2. Get Out the Honey

putting honey on a fresh wound

Honey is an incredible, natural ingredient that can work wonders for a variety of issues. On superficial wounds, honey can act as an antibiotic by cleaning-out and preventing infection. Burns, in particular, see a dramatic difference after honey is applied, since it can naturally reduce swelling and minimize the possibility of scarring. Honey can be used daily, applied to a wound or injury through sterile gauze. Remember to change the dressing regularly and clean it in between changing.

3. Apply a Topical Antibiotic

closeup on a medicinal cream

If your skin is hurt because of an injury, you should be applying an antibiotic ointment to the affected area 1-3 times a day, depending on severity. These topical medications can be easily found over-the-counter in drugstores and they contain special ingredients that kill-off existing bacteria and prevent any new bacteria from entering the injury or wound. This allows it to heal properly, and quickly. Always be sure to apply this ointment with clean hands to avoid infection.

 

[amazon bestseller=”topical antibiotic” items=”3″]

 

4. Apply a Topical Hydrocortisone Cream

It is important to know which type of medication is right for which type of ailment. While antibiotic ointments are ideal for injuries or wounds, rashes and irritations are best healed by hydrocortisone. These over-the-counter medications reduce swelling and redness and help your skin heal faster. They can be used once or twice a day on the affected area to relieve itching and reduce irritation. Be careful, however, since this type of ointment shouldn’t be used on healthy skin.

5. When in Doubt, Cover Your Skin

puttin a band aid on wound

In most cases, skin that is suffering from severe dryness or an injury of some sort should be covered. When you keep the affected area as moist as possible, it helps lock-in key nutrients necessary for healing. In addition, covering the area can keep harmful bacteria or debris from hindering the healing process.

 

[amazon bestseller=”bandaid” items=”3″]

 

After cleaning the affected area properly (and adding ointments/medication if necessary), you can cover it with a Band-Aid, gauze, or other clean fabric. Be careful not to cover the area all day, however, as the skin needs room and time in fresh-air to heal. Always be sure to change this cover regularly throughout the day.

6. Use a Cold Compress

woman applying cold compress on wound

As stated above, cold water can help when your skin is irritated. The cold helps to restrict blood vessel-expansion and relieve minor aches. If you have a rash or skin-irritation and need to know how to make skin heal faster, try applying a cold compress or washcloth to the affected area for 5-10 minutes at a time. Do not rub the compress, but simply lay the compress on the area instead. Be sure to use a clean compress each time, and you can try a homemade ice-pack if your skin is both irritated and painful.

7. Apply Petroleum Jelly

dipping finger into petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly is a household product that has been used for decades to cure a variety of ailments. If you need to know how to make skin heal faster due to dryness, cracks, or irritation, grab your petroleum jelly. It helps lock moisture into your skin, soothes skin, and can reduce itching/swelling associated with most skin issues. It’s safe to use this on the affected area up to three times each day, applied with clean hands.

 

[amazon bestseller=”petroleum jelly” items=”3″]

 

8. Absorb the Right Nutrients

Did you know that what’s inside your body can help heal your skin faster? Eating the right diet and taking the right vitamins can help your body heal faster. Protein for instance, helps build healthy tissue. Staying hydrated, by drinking enough water protects vital organs and promotes skin-regeneration. Be sure to take a daily vitamin and stay away from unhealthy foods to help keep your entire body healthy and heal your skin faster.

9. Put Away the Lotions and Soaps

While your skin is trying to heal, it’s best to stash away all your soaps, lotions, and other body products that contain fragrances and other harsh ingredients. Your skin will have a hard time healing when it is being bombarded by ingredients that harm it. Read your labels and hide away any products that contain harsh chemicals or additives. This can help your skin heal faster and also stay less irritated in the future.

10. Know when to Seek Help

No matter what the cause of your skin issue is, you need to know when to seek medical attention. Minor injuries and wounds should heal within 1-3 with minimal to no scarring. If you notice that your skin is not getting better within in this time, or getting worse, be sure to see your physician immediately. The doctor can help determine if an infection has begun and the best course-of-action for treatment.

Final Thoughts

The skin can be a tricky mistress and it doesn’t always do what we want it to. When you need to know how to make skin heal faster, you’ll need to determine the cause first. After determining the root-cause of your skin injury, refer to our list above. Try one or more of the methods you’ve found above to help heal your skin faster, and when in doubt, remember to consult your physician.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Leave a Comment