How To Support Skin Repair At The Cellular Level

What you need to know about skin repair:

• Skin repair is a natural process where new cells form in the deeper layers of the skin and gradually replace older cells on the surface.
• Factors such as hydration, nutrition, sleep and environmental exposure can influence how effectively skin maintains its barrier and renewal cycle.
• Consistent daily habits like balanced nutrition, hydration and restorative sleep can help create the conditions that support long-term skin health.

As the body’s largest organ, our skin acts as both a protective barrier and a visible reflection of overall health and vitality². 

But your skin is constantly renewing itself. Beneath the surface, cells are forming, maturing and moving through the outer layers before eventually being shed and replaced¹. This natural cycle helps maintain the skin’s structure, barrier function and overall appearance.

You might have heard of the term skin longevity, or skinspan, to describe the goal of maintaining healthy, resilient skin over time². But what do they actually mean, and how can you support your skin’s natural renewal process? Below, we explore the basics of skin repair and the everyday habits that can help support it.

What is skin repair, and how does it work?

Skin repair refers to the natural processes that help the skin renew itself and maintain a protective barrier. Because it’s constantly exposed to the outside environment, the skin relies on ongoing cellular renewal to support its structure, strength and function³.

This process involves the steady turnover of cells in the outer layer of the skin. New cells form in the deeper layers of the epidermis and gradually move upward, replacing older cells that are eventually shed. This cycle helps maintain the skin’s barrier and supports normal skin function⁴.

Understanding skin cell turnover

Skin cell turnover refers to the natural cycle in which new skin cells are produced, mature and then replace older cells on the surface. This process helps to maintain the skin’s structure, barrier integrity and overall appearance.

Skin repair is also influenced by a range of different factors - both internal and external. Hormones, metabolism and genetics all play a role, alongside things like sunlight, pollution and lifestyle habits⁵. Other factors have also been linked to the skin ageing processes such as ultraviolet (UV) exposure, air pollution, smoking, alcohol consumption and diet^6,7.

What supports healthy skin cell function?

Skin cells rely on a supportive internal environment to renew, maintain the barrier and carry out their many functions. Rather than focusing only on the outer layer of the skin, it’s also helpful to consider internal factors that influence its function.

Here are a few factors to consider:

• Hydration levels: Adequate hydration helps maintain skin structure, elasticity and may help reduce visible dryness or flaking⁹.
• Antioxidant intake: Antioxidants and certain vitamins can help support the body’s natural defence systems by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory signals that may affect skin structure^7,10.
• Getting the right nutrients: Vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids contribute to cellular processes that help maintain skin firmness, elasticity and barrier function¹¹. 
• Sleep and recovery: Sleep plays an important role in many biological processes in the body. Consistent, restorative sleep supports the normal processes involved in skin renewal and barrier maintenanc¹².
• Managing environmental stressors: Limiting excessive sun exposure, using sun protection and reducing exposure to high levels of pollution can help support skin barrier function and overall skin health^1,13.

What is long-term skin health and skin longevity?

Long-term skin health refers to skin that remains resilient over time. Skin longevity relies on the biological systems that allow the skin to renew and maintain its structure. 

The skin’s renewal cycle can take several weeks, meaning that visible changes develop over time, rather than through immediate results¹⁴. Because of this, your daily habits play an important role. 

Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep and physical activity can impact oxidative stress balance and the structural components that help maintain skin resilience15. Over time, these consistent behaviours help create an environment that supports healthy skin function¹⁶.

Daily habits that support skin repair

Supporting longevity for skin comes down to daily habits that help create the right conditions for skin cells to function and renew. Small lifestyle choices can help support the processes that maintain healthy-looking, resilient skin over time⁸.

Here are a few practical ways to support your long-term skin health:

• Eat a varied, nutrient-rich diet: Build meals around a range of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and other nutrient-dense ingredients. Including a mix of colourful plant foods can help increase the diversity of nutrients in your diet^7,10,11.
• Practise gentle skincare habits: Cleanse your skin with mild products, moisturise regularly and avoid overly harsh treatments that may disrupt the skin barrier. Consistent, gentle care helps maintain the balance of the skin’s outer layers.
• Stay hydrated: Carrying a water bottle, drinking water with meals and increasing fluid intake during warm weather or physical activity can help support overall hydration.
• Protect your sleep: Aim for consistent sleep and wake times where possible. Creating a calm evening routine and limiting screens before bed can help support restorative sleep and overnight recovery¹².
• Be sun-smart during the day: Wear sunscreen, seek shade during peak UV hours and use protective clothing when outdoors. Limiting excessive sun exposure can help reduce environmental stress on the skin^1,13.
• Reduce exposure to pollution where possible: Where practical, choose well-ventilated indoor spaces and try to reduce exposure to high levels of pollution when outdoors. Improving indoor air quality may help reduce contact with fine particulate pollutants that can affect skin health¹⁷.

Taking a long-term approach to skin repair

Skin repair isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s an ongoing cellular process where the skin continually renews, rebuilds and maintains its protective barrier. Because these biological processes take time, supporting skin health is often about consistency rather than quick fixes.

Daily habits like hydration, balanced nutrition and rest can influence how your skin looks and feels. Over time, these choices can help maintain healthy-looking skin and support its ability to renew itself.

Looking for more tips and advice? Visit the Swisse Wellness Hub for more articles on healthy ageing and lifestyle tips to support your longevity. 

Reference list: 

1. Better Health Channel. (2023, October 13). Healthy ageing – the skin. Victorian State Government. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/healthy-ageing-the-skin
2. Kream, E., Fabi, S. G., & Boen, M. (2025). Skinspan: A holistic roadmap for extending skin longevity with evidence-based interventions. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 24(9), e70432. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70432
3. Bastonini, E., Kovacs, D., Lotti, F., & Sánchez-Del-Campo, L. (2023). Editorial: Cell stress responses and metabolic reprogramming in skin diseases. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2023.1171812
4. Rousselle, P., Montmasson, M., & Garnier, C. (2019). Extracellular matrix contribution to skin wound re-epithelialization. Matrix Biology, 75–76, 12–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matbio.2018.01.002
5. Hussein, R., Dayel, S., Abahussein, O., & El-Sherbiny, A. (2024). Influences on skin and intrinsic aging: Biological, environmental, and therapeutic insights. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 24. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16688
6. Okuno, R., Inoue, Y., Hasebe, Y., Igarashi, T., Kawagishi-Hotta, M., Yamada, T., & Hasegawa, S. (2023). Genome-wide association studies in the Japanese population identified genetic loci and target gene associated with epidermal turnover. Experimental Dermatology, 32, 1856–1863. https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.14908
7. Dorosz, A., Skoczeń, A., Kulesza, M., Wawrzynów, W., Jakubowska, M., Kruk, A., Rutecka, N., Miłoś, M., Kuśnierz-Gibała, A., & Kaczmarek, B. (2025). The impact of environmental factors on skin and tissue ageing. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. https://doi.org/10.12775/jehs.2025.79.58282
8. Abdo, J., Sopko, N., & Milner, S. (2020). The applied anatomy of human skin: A model for regeneration. Wound Medicine, 28, 100179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wndm.2020.100179
9. Bentivegna, K., Waldman, R. A., & Grant-Kels, J. M. (2021). Nutrition and water. Clinics in Dermatology, 39(5), 757–761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.05.003
10. Tomas, M., Günal-Köroğlu, D., Kamiloglu, S., Ozdal, T., & Capanoglu, E. (2025). The state of the art in anti-aging: Plant-based phytochemicals for skin care. Immunity & Ageing, 22(5). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12979-025-00498-9
11. Podgórska, A., Kicman, A., Naliwajko, S., Wacewicz-Muczyńska, M., & Niczyporuk, M. (2024). Effect of intake of selected nutrients on skin firmness and elasticity in women. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11, 1483678. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.148367
12. Sadur, A., Joerg, L., Van Doren, A. S., Lee, E. T., Shah, D., Asees, A. K., & Choudhary, S. (2025). The sleep–skin axis: Clinical insights and therapeutic approaches for inflammatory dermatologic conditions. Dermato, 5(3), 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/dermato5030013
13. Abolhasani, R., Araghi, F., Tabary, M., Aryannejad, A., Mashinchi, B., & Robati, R. M. (2021). The impact of air pollution on skin and related disorders: A comprehensive review. Dermatologic Therapy, 34(2), e14840. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14840
14. Iizuka, H. (1994). Epidermal turnover time. Journal of Dermatological Science, 8(3), 215–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/0923-1811(94)90057-4
15. Knaggs, H., & Lephart, E. D. (2023). Enhancing skin anti-aging through healthy lifestyle factors. Cosmetics, 10(5), 142. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10050142
16. Wyles, S. P., Maredia, H. S., Ansaf, R. B., Dweydari, M. R., Hurt, R. T., Bonnes, S. L., Khosla, S., LeBrasseur, N. K., Draelos, Z. D., & Davis, M. D. P. (2025). Skinspan™: A healthy longevity framework for skin aging. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 100(11), 1976–1991. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2025.07.027
17. Jones, E. R., Cedeño Laurent, J. G., Young, A. S., MacNaughton, P., Coull, B. A., Spengler, J. D., & Allen, J. G. (2021). Understanding the effect of ventilation and filtration on indoor PM2.5 in international office buildings. Harvard Healthy Buildings Program.