Every woman strives to always remain attractive. The main guarantee of this is proper facial skin care, which is quite possible at home. Let's talk about anti-aging and facial skin tightening procedures that can be done at home.
Causes of skin aging
The causes of aging have not yet been fully clarified by science. But its manifestations are well studied. The main thing is a violation of the resistance of tissues to the metabolic processes occurring in them. In simple terms, the cells of the body cannot restore their chemical balance after the reactions that have taken place in them, which is why they lose their functionality and cannot carry out their tasks as efficiently. If we talk about the skin, because of this it loses tone, becomes too dry and acquires wrinkles. There are further factors that lead to 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 treatment and prevention measures it is possible to slow it down or reduce its manifestations.
Skin care tips
Home care of facial skin to prevent aging of epidermal tissue includes a wide range of measures. Let's talk about the main ones that every woman should adopt.
Makeup removal
Although modern cosmetics contain only components that are safe for the human body, they create a certain load on the skin of the face. For example, foundation clogs her pores and doesn't allow her to breathe. Therefore, makeup should always be removed upon returning home. To remove it you need to use more neutral products or simple water (if possible).
Face cleaning
The epidermal tissue is renewed regularly. The frequency of this process depends on the characteristics of the body and for different people it is on average from 20 to 40 days. Dead skin cells exfoliate, but often do not fall off on their own and remain on the face. This causes 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, your face needs to be cleansed regularly. The most effective and safest way to do this is to use special scrubs or pads. They exfoliate dead skin particles well without causing any harm.
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 tone, due to a change in its composition. This problem is solved by further toning the skin using special cosmetics. They are called tonics or tonics.
The choice of a toner must 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 damage.
Moisturizing facial skin
As we 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 lead to negative health consequences, for example, the appearance of microcracks.
Dry skin is fought with the help of specialized cosmetics. Today on the market there are many serums that saturate the epidermal tissue with moisture.
There are also folk remedies for hydration, which involve the use of medicinal plants. For example, you can apply gauze soaked in chamomile decoction to your face or make a mask from crushed aloe leaves. This also helps eliminate dryness.
Use sunscreen
Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation contained in the sun's rays, the upper layer of the epidermis dies. This leads to drying and peeling of the skin. 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, consequently, a deterioration of its appearance.
For this reason, when you go out in the sun, your face and other parts of your body should be covered with sunscreen. It will not only prevent the negative effects of excessive tanning, but will also moisturize the skin, which is very important even in the summer heat. It is also advisable to wear a hat with a visor, which will prevent the sun's rays from reaching your face.
Regular facial massage
The skin itself does not produce essential nutrients, but receives them through the blood. However, with age, the blood supply to the epidermis deteriorates, and at the same time the condition of the skin and its appearance worsen.
The situation can be corrected by improving blood flow in the facial area. At home, the easiest way to do this is massage.
No complex massage techniques are necessary. You can simply move your palms over your face for 2-3 minutes, starting from the forehead area above the bridge of your nose.
This alone will cause a noticeable rush of blood to the epidermis and increase the amount of nutrients in the massaged area, which will lead to a tightening of the facial skin.
It is recommended to perform 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 sleep.
Proper nutrition and drinking water
To maintain the chemical balance of your facial skin, you need to eat well. You should exclude too fatty and high-calorie foods from your diet, do not eat a lot of salty and sweet foods, try to avoid fast food and processed foods.
It is also advisable to minimize the consumption of coffee and alcohol, as they affect capillary circulation, the former narrows the blood vessels, the latter dilates. This has a negative effect on the epidermal capillaries.
The following products are considered beneficial for facial skin:
- fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs;
- dairy products;
- great;
- bran bread;
- Fish and seafood;
- low-fat meat.
Food should be varied. For example, breakfast is porridge, lunch is lean meat with a side dish, and dinner is a small fruit snack. The menu of each subsequent day should be different from the previous one (at least within a week). Between main meals it is necessary to have snacks, reducing the portions of lunch, breakfast and dinner. In total, there should be 4-6 meals per day.
Diet is also important for skin health. You should drink 1-2 liters of water a day. This will help maintain the required level of moisture in the epidermis. Do not replace water with carbonated drinks, juices or compote. Here we are talking exclusively about clean drinking water. The only thing that can be used as an alternative is mineral water, preferably natural or slightly carbonated.
It is recommended to drink from the moment you wake up and throughout the day in small portions when thirst arises. But after 7: 00 pm it is better to refrain from drinking water. The fact is that in the evening, as the body prepares for sleep, metabolic processes slow down, and moisture consumption can cause microedema, which in the future can damage the condition and appearance of the skin of the face.
Facial skin rejuvenation techniques
The most common facial skin rejuvenation techniques are:
- face lift;
- peeling;
- microcurrents, darson evaluation and phototherapy;
- masks, patches and serums;
- ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum cleaner.
Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Face lift
The term derives from the English lift - to lift. The name reflects its essence well: during the procedure, the skin tone increases and seems to lift.
Today there are several types of lifting, but only two can be done at home.
RF lifting
This technique consists of influencing the epidermis using radio waves, which trigger natural regenerative processes in the skin.
Ultrasonic
In this case, the skin is exposed to ultrasound. It is performed at home using a special manual device.
Microcurrents, darson evaluation and phototherapy
Today facial physiotherapy is available at home to improve skin conditions:
- Microcurrents.It involves the effect of low current and voltage on the epidermis. Improves skin tone.
- Darsonevaluation.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.Provides moderate skin exposure to ultraviolet and infrared light through a special mask. Normalizes the metabolic processes of the epidermis.
All three procedures are performed using special devices. Microcurrents will also require a special conductive gel to be applied to the face.
Masks, patches and serums
Masks involve the application of a nutritional composition to the face to provide the epidermal cells with the substances necessary for normal functioning. You can prepare them yourself. The compositions depend on the objectives of the procedure. So, a hydrating 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 ricotta;
- 1 medium cucumber without peel;
- 1 teaspoon olive oil.
Keep the mask on your face for about an hour. If you wish, you can alternate different compositions for different tasks.
Ready-made masks can be purchased at the store. You can simply apply them to your face (sometimes you need to dilute them with water).
Patches are pieces of cloth soaked in nutrients. They work like masks, but are more convenient to use.
The serum is essentially a mask concentrate. It is applied on the face for a short time (5-15 minutes) and in a very small quantity (depending on the specific product, usually 2-3 drops).
Ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum cleaner
These procedures are used to unclog pores clogged with oily secretions. As the name suggests, ultrasonic cleaning involves the use of ultrasound, while vacuuming 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 facial area. At home the following types are available:
- Chemist.A special composition is applied to the face that breaks down dead epidermal tissue. Then it gets cleaned up.
- Mechanical.In this case, the cosmetologist performs peeling manually using special brushes and graters.
- Ultrasonic.Ultrasonic pulses are sent to the skin, which exfoliate dead skin.
Ultrasonic peeling is preferable - it is safe and effective.
Massage for facial skin rejuvenation
Facial self-massage is an effective procedure that can be performed at home. She helps:
- improve blood flow in the epidermal tissue;
- normalize metabolic processes in the skin;
- improve facial skin tone.
The simplest option for self-massage of the face is a simple stroking, which should start from the forehead above the bridge of the nose. But this is not enough to achieve a really good effect. To make massage procedures as effective as possible, you need to use several techniques and alternate them correctly.
Popular products and ingredients for facial skin rejuvenation
The following substances and plants are often used for facial care and skin rejuvenation;
- Aloe Vera;
- retinol;
- C vitamin;
- 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 mainly used to hydrate the skin, as they contain a lot of water and substances that help preserve it. They also perfectly nourish the epidermis with amino acids, vitamins and tannins (aloin, resins), which increase skin tone. Another property of the plant is the ability to kill pathogens. Aloe vera is often used in masks instead of or together with cucumber.
Retinol
Retinol, or real vitamin A, plays an important role in redox processes and the regulation of protein synthesis in the body. Without it, in fact, the restoration of many tissues, including epidermal tissue, is impossible. And this means renewal of facial skin. Retinol is used in creams and masks, and is also taken orally in a course, separately or as part of multivitamin complexes.
C vitamin
Vitamin C is responsible for healing and restoring the protective functions of the skin, as well as its ability to resist the effects of adverse microflora. Regular intake of the substance makes the epidermis more elastic, helps it to better resist the adverse effects of the sun and retain moisture. 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 the nerves and subcutaneous capillaries. With age, it is produced less and less, so the epidermis is replenished with the 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 sagging, decreased skin tone and the appearance of wrinkles. The lack of collagen is compensated with the help of special cosmetics containing it. Since protein promotes the absorption of other nutrients by the cells of the human body and their preservation, cosmetics with it give good results.
omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are substances involved in protein synthesis, but which the human body is unable to 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 facial care products that nourish the skin.
Recommendations and precautions
The wrong approach to skin care, rejuvenation and prevention of aging can be harmful. Here are some important rules and recommendations that, if followed, will help avoid negative consequences and damage to health.
How to avoid damage to your facial skin while taking care of it
Massage and physiotherapeutic skin care procedures cannot be performed if you have:
- dermatological diseases;
- injuries (bruises, abrasions, cuts);
- neurological pathologies of the face;
- oncological diseases.
If discomfort occurs during the procedure, you should stop the session immediately. If discomfort continues, you should seek medical help.
Do not use excessive force during procedures such as massage or mechanical peels. This could cause injury to the skin.
How to choose skin care products
Ideally, skin care products should be prescribed by a cosmetologist. If it is not possible to visit it, it is better to follow the recommendations of the cosmetics manufacturer. As a rule, it indicates on its product the purpose, the type of skin for which it is intended and contraindications. You should pay special attention to the latter - this will help 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 have problems. At a minimum, this will be the absence of the desired result from its use. Well, in the worst case, various adverse consequences, for example, irritation.
If any redness, rash, or swelling appears after using the skin care product, discontinue use immediately. If these symptoms do not go away on their own after some time, you should seek medical help.
When to turn to professionals
Seeking professional help in cosmetology will never be 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 field of medicine. Therefore, you should contact professionals whenever possible. Even if you do not have serious problems with the skin condition, a cosmetologist will select skin care products as effectively as possible and advise you on suitable home measures that will help keep the skin of your face young longer and slow down its aging.
Conclusion
With age, the condition of the facial skin worsens. You can improve it at home. Preventive measures (proper nutrition, cleansing, timely removal of makeup), the use of cosmetics and care products (masks, patches, serums), physiotherapeutic techniques (microcurrents) and massage will help with this. None of the above can be called absolutely effective. All these measures give the best results only in combination (for example, prevention + regular masks + massage).
With regular skin care with the correct and thoughtful selection of procedures, its condition will begin to improve within 3-4 weeks. It will become less dry, more elastic and attractive. At the same time, the general condition of the body will improve: after all, the rejuvenation of the epidermis is associated with proper nutrition, drinking water, intake of vitamins and microelements. Your peace of mind will improve, also because you will be satisfied with your appearance.