Sun-Damaged Skin? Science Shows How Donkey Milk Helps Rebuild Your Skin Barrier

We all know that too much sun can leave our skin feeling rough, sensitive, and weak. But what’s actually happening on a deeper level? Sun exposure, especially from UVB rays, directly harms our skin's most important defense: the skin barrier. Now, exciting new research shows how a traditional ingredient—donkey milk—can scientifically help repair this damage.

What Happens to Your Skin Barrier in the Sun?

Think of your skin barrier as a strong brick wall. The skin cells are the "bricks," and a special protein called filaggrin acts like the "mortar" that holds everything together, keeping moisture in and irritants out.

Scientific studies have confirmed that when your skin is exposed to UVB radiation, the production of this crucial filaggrin protein drops significantly. Without enough "mortar," the skin barrier weakens, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and visible signs of photoaging.

Donkey Milk to the Rescue: Rebuilding with Filaggrin

This is where the science gets interesting. A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition explored what would happen if sun-damaged skin cells were treated with donkey milk. The results were remarkable.

The researchers found that donkey milk didn't just soothe the cells; it helped them fight back. Treatment with donkey milk significantly increased the expression of the filaggrin protein in the UVB-damaged cells. By helping the skin produce more of its own "mortar," donkey milk directly supports the rebuilding of a healthy, resilient skin barrier.

This effect wasn't just seen in a lab dish. In the same study, when donkey milk was applied to the skin of mice after UVB exposure, it helped maintain the thickness and structure of the epidermis (the top layer of skin), showing a real, physical protective effect against sun damage.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Moisturizer

While many ingredients can temporarily hydrate the skin's surface, this research shows that donkey milk works on a more fundamental level. It helps restore the very structure of the skin barrier that is compromised by sun exposure.

So, the next time your skin feels stressed after a day in the sun, remember that the science points to donkey milk as a powerful ally, helping to repair, rebuild, and strengthen your skin's natural defenses from the inside out.

Source:

Li A, He H, Chen Y, Liao F, Tang J, Li L, Fan Y, Li L and Xiong L (2023) Effects of donkey milk on UVB-induced skin barrier damage and melanin pigmentation: A network pharmacology and experimental validation study. Frontiers in Nutrition. 10:1121498. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1121498