Every woman always tries to stay attractive. The main guarantee of this is proper facial skin care, which is quite possible at home. We are talking about anti-aging procedures and facial skin tightening that can be done at home.
Causes of skin aging
The causes of aging have not yet been fully clarified by science. However, its manifestations are well studied. The main thing is the violation of the resistance of the tissues to the metabolic processes occurring in them. Simply put, the cells of the body cannot restore their chemical balance after the reactions that occur in them, therefore they lose their functionality and cannot perform their tasks with the same efficiency. If we talk about the skin, because of this it loses its tone, becomes very dry and gets wrinkles. There are additional factors that cause more intense or premature aging of the epidermis:
- lack of skin care;
- poor nutrition;
- frequent stress on the skin (for example, being in the cold).
Although skin aging is inevitable in any case, with the help of care and preventive measures, it can be slowed down or its manifestations can be reduced.
Skin care tips
Facial skin care at home includes a wide range of measures to prevent epidermal tissue aging. Let's talk about the basics every woman should embrace.
Makeup removal
Although modern cosmetics contain only components that are safe for the human body, they create a certain burden on the skin of the face. For example, foundation cream closes the pores and does not allow it to breathe. Therefore, make-up should always be removed when returning home. To remove it, you should use the most neutral products or plain water (if possible).
Facial cleansing
Epidermal tissue is regularly renewed. The frequency of this process depends on the characteristics of the body and is on average between 20 and 40 days for different people. Dead skin cells are exfoliated, but often do not fall off on their own and remain on the face. This leads to two negative consequences. First, dead tissue clogs pores and prevents the skin from breathing. Secondly, it can contribute to the development of pathogenic microflora. Therefore, it is necessary to clean your face regularly. The most effective and safe way to do this is to use special scrubs or pads. They exfoliate well dead skin particles without causing any damage.
Facial skin toning
As mentioned above, with age, it becomes increasingly difficult for epidermal cells to restore the chemical balance disturbed during metabolic processes. For this reason, the skin loses its tone, which is also related to the change in its composition. This problem is solved by additional toning of the skin using special cosmetics. They are called tonics or tonics.
The choice of tonic should be made taking into account the characteristics of your skin. For example, mattifying toners cannot be used if they are too dry - this can only cause harm.
Moisturizing facial skin
As they age, many women face the problem of dry skin caused by an imbalance in the chemical balance of the epidermis. This affects the appearance of the skin, and can also cause negative health consequences - for example, the appearance of microcracks.
Dry skin is combated with the help of special cosmetics. There are many serums on the market today that saturate the epidermal tissue with moisture.
There are also folk remedies for hydration that involve the use of medicinal plants. For example, you can put gauze soaked in chamomile decoction on your face or make a mask from crushed aloe leaves. It also helps to relieve dryness.
Use of sun cream
Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation contained in the sun's rays, the upper layer of the epidermis dies. This causes the skin to become dry and flaky. Unfavorable processes also occur in the deeper layers of the epidermal tissue - the hormone melanin is produced in the body under sunlight. Its excess can cause metabolic disorders in the skin and, as a result, deterioration of its appearance.
For this reason, the face and other parts of the body should be covered with sunscreen when going out in the sun. This will not only prevent the negative effects of over-tanning, but will also hydrate the skin, which is very important in the summer heat. It is also advisable to wear a hat with a cover to prevent the sun's rays from falling on your face.
Regular facial massage
The skin itself does not produce essential nutrients, but receives them through the blood. But with age, the blood supply to the epidermis deteriorates, and at the same time, the condition and appearance of the skin worsens.
The condition can be corrected by improving blood flow in the facial area. The easiest way to do this at home is massage.
Complex massage techniques are not required. You can run your palms over your face for 2-3 minutes, starting from your forehead above the bridge of your nose.
This alone will cause significant blood flow to the epidermis and increase the amount of nutrients in the massaged area, which will cause the facial skin to tighten.
It is recommended to do this massage at least once a day. It is best to do this at the end of the day, 1, 5-2 hours before going to bed.
Proper nutrition and drinking water
To maintain the chemical balance of your face, you need to eat right. You should exclude very fatty and high-calorie foods from your diet, do not eat too salty and sweet foods, try to stay away from fast food and processed foods.
It is also recommended to minimize the consumption of coffee and alcohol, because they affect capillary circulation, the first narrows blood vessels, and the second expands. This has a negative effect on epidermal capillaries.
The following products are considered beneficial for facial skin:
- fruits, vegetables and herbs;
- dairy products;
- large;
- bran bread;
- Fish and seafood;
- lean meat.
Food should be varied. For example, breakfast is porridge, lunch is lean meat with a side dish, and dinner is a small snack of fruit. The menu of each next day should be different from the previous one (at least for a week). Between the main meals, it is necessary to make snacks by reducing the portions of lunch, breakfast and dinner. In total, there should be 4-6 meals a day.
Drinking habits are also important for skin health. You need to drink 1-2 liters of water a day. This will help maintain the proper level of moisture in the epidermis. You should not replace water with carbonated drinks, juices or compotes. Here we are talking only about clean drinking water. The only thing that can be used as an alternative is mineral water, preferably still or slightly carbonated water.
It is advisable to drink in small portions as you feel thirsty during the day from the moment you wake up. But it is better to refuse to drink water after 19: 00. The fact is that in the evening, when the body is preparing for sleep, metabolic processes slow down, and moisture consumption can cause micro-edema, which can damage the condition and appearance of the facial skin in the future.
Facial skin rejuvenation methods
The most common methods for facial skin rejuvenation are:
- face lift;
- stripping;
- microcurrents, darsonvalization and phototherapy;
- masks, patches and serums;
- ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum cleaning.
Let's look at each one in more detail.
Facelift
The term comes from the English elevator - to raise. The name well reflects its essence - during the procedure, the tone of the skin increases and it seems to lift.
Today there are several types of lifting, but only two can be done at home.
RF lifting
This technique involves affecting the epidermis using radio waves that trigger natural regenerative processes in the skin.
Ultrasound
In this case, the skin is exposed to ultrasound. It is carried out at home using a special hand-held device.
Microcurrents, darsonvalization and phototherapy
Today, home facial physiotherapy is available to improve skin condition:
- Micro currents.It involves the effect of low current and voltage on the epidermis. Improves skin tone.
- Darsonvalization.The procedure is similar to the previous one, but involves changing the frequency of the current and affecting a smaller area of the skin. It also improves skin tone.
- Phototherapy.Through a special mask, the skin is moderately exposed to ultraviolet and infrared rays. It normalizes the metabolic processes of the epidermis.
All three procedures are performed using special devices. Microcurrents will also require a special conductive gel applied to the face.
Masks, patches and serums
Masks involve placing a nutritional composition on the face to provide the necessary substances for the normal functioning of epidermal cells. You can make them yourself. Compositions depend on the goals of the procedure. So, a moisturizing mask will be different from a nourishing one. The universal composition should include proteins, fats, vitamins and amino acids, so one of the most common recipes includes:
- 2 teaspoons of cottage cheese;
- 1 medium cucumber without skin;
- 1 ch. g olive oil.
Keep the mask on your face for about an hour. If you want, you can substitute different compositions for different tasks.
Ready-made masks can be bought at the store. You can just apply them on your face (sometimes you need to dilute them with water).
Patches are pieces of linen soaked in nutrients. They work like a mask, but are more convenient to use.
The serum is actually a mask concentrate. It is applied to the face for a short time (5-15 minutes) and in a very small amount (depending on the specific product, usually 2-3 drops).
Ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum cleaning
These procedures are used to open pores blocked by oily secretions. As the name suggests, ultrasonic cleaning involves the use of ultrasound, while vacuum cleaning involves the use of negative pressure. Both versions of the procedure are performed using special devices.
Peeling
Facial peeling is a procedure to remove dead skin flakes from the face. The following types are available at home:
- Chemical.A special composition is applied to the face that breaks down the dead epidermis tissue. Then it is cleaned.
- Mechanic.In this case, the cosmetologist performs manual peeling using special brushes and scrapers.
- Ultrasound.Ultrasound pulses are sent to the skin, which exfoliates the dead skin.
Ultrasonic peeling is preferred - it is safe and effective.
Facial skin rejuvenation massage
Self-massage of the face is an effective procedure that can be done at home. It helps:
- improve blood flow in the epidermal tissue;
- normalize metabolic processes in the skin;
- improve the skin tone of the face.
The simplest option for self-massage of the face is a simple stroke that should start from the forehead above the bridge of the nose. But this is not enough for a really good effect. To make massage procedures as effective as possible, you should use several methods and change them correctly.
Popular products and ingredients for facial skin rejuvenation
The following ingredients and plants are most commonly used for facial care and skin rejuvenation;
- aloe vera;
- retinol;
- vitamin C;
- hyaluronic acid;
- collagen;
- omega-3 fatty acids.
Let's talk about how they are useful.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera (and other types of plants) are primarily used to moisturize the skin because they contain a lot of water and substances that help protect it. In addition, they perfectly nourish the epidermis with amino acids, vitamins and tannins (aloin, resins) that improve skin tone. Another feature of the plant is its ability to kill pathogens. Aloe vera is often used in masks instead of or together with cucumber.
Retinol
Retinol, or true vitamin A, plays an important role in redox processes in the body and regulation of protein synthesis. In fact, many tissues, including epidermal tissue, cannot be regenerated without it. This means renewal of the facial skin. Retinol is used in creams and masks, and is also taken orally in a course - separately or as part of multivitamin complexes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is responsible for healing and restoring the skin's protective functions, as well as its ability to resist the effects of negative microflora. Regular intake of the substance makes the epidermis more elastic, helps to better resist the negative effects of the sun and retain moisture. It is used in masks, creams or internally.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is one of the elements that make up skin cells. It participates in the metabolic processes of the epidermis and ensures the normal functioning of subcutaneous nerves and capillaries. With age, it is produced less and less, so the epidermis is provided with substance from the outside - with the help of creams, patches and masks.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that forms the basis of the dermis, the lower part of the skin that lies beneath the epidermis. With its deficiency, the structure of the dermis changes. This leads to hollowness, loss of skin tone and the appearance of wrinkles. The lack of collagen is compensated with the help of special cosmetics containing it. Since protein helps the cells of the human body to absorb other nutrients and protect them, cosmetics with it give good results.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are substances that are involved in protein synthesis, but which the human body cannot synthesize on its own. Without them, complete regeneration of the epidermis is impossible. To get a normal dose of omega-3 acids, you need to eat a balanced diet that includes fish. Or take them separately - orally or as part of a skin-nourishing facial.
Recommendations and Warnings
The wrong approach to skin care, rejuvenation and anti-aging can be harmful. Below are some important rules and recommendations, if followed, negative consequences and harm to health can be avoided.
How not to damage the skin while taking care of it
Massage and physiotherapeutic skin care procedures cannot be performed in the following cases:
- dermatological diseases;
- injuries (bruises, scrapes, cuts);
- neurological pathologies of the face;
- oncological diseases.
If you feel discomfort during the procedure, you should stop the session immediately. If the discomfort persists, you should consult a doctor.
Do not apply excessive force during procedures such as massage or mechanical peeling. This can cause skin damage.
How to Choose Skin Care Products
Ideally, skin care products should be prescribed by a beautician. If you cannot visit it, it is better to follow the recommendations of the cosmetics manufacturer. As a rule, it indicates its purpose in the product, the type of skin it is intended for, as well as contraindications. You should pay special attention to the latter - it will help to avoid problems in the future.
As for brands, you should focus on more or less proven and popular ones. If you buy "no-name" cosmetics, you may be in trouble. At least, it will be the absence of any desired result from its use. Well, in the worst case, various negative consequences - for example, irritation.
If redness, rashes or swelling appear after using the skin care product, you should stop using it immediately. If these symptoms do not disappear on their own after a while, you should consult a doctor.
When to turn to professionals
Seeking professional cosmetology help is never a bad idea. A qualified cosmetologist will perform any procedure better than a person who does not have special knowledge and skills in the relevant medical field. Therefore, you should contact professionals whenever possible. Even if you don't have a serious problem with your skin condition, the cosmetologist will choose the most effective skin care products and recommend suitable home measures that will help your facial skin stay young longer and slow down its aging.
The result
With age, the condition of the facial skin deteriorates. You can improve this at home. Preventive measures (proper nutrition, cleanliness, timely removal of makeup), use of cosmetics and care products (masks, patches, serums), physiotherapeutic methods (microcurrents), massage will help with this. None of the above can be called completely effective. All these measures give the best results only in combination (for example, prevention + regular masks + massage).
With proper, well-thought-out procedure selection and regular skin care, its condition will begin to improve within 3-4 weeks. It will be less dry, more flexible and attractive. At the same time, the general condition of the body will improve - after all, the rejuvenation of the epidermis is related to proper nutrition, drinking water, intake of vitamins and trace elements. Your comfort will improve, not least because you'll be happy with your appearance.