Looking ravaged, allowed element of challenge (8)
I believe the answer is:
gauntlet
'challenge' is the definition.
(to take up the gauntlet is to accept a challenge)
'looking ravaged allowed element' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'allowed' could be 'let' (to let is to allow or permit) and 'let' is found in the answer.
'element' could be 'ga' (Ga is an example) and 'ga' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'of' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for gauntlet that I've seen before include "What might represent a challenge" , "Mexican peninsula" , "that may be punishing for runner" , "Knight's glove" , "Glove of armoured leather, thrown down as a challenge" .)