Every woman always tries to remain attractive. The main guarantee for this is proper facial skin care, which is quite possible at home. We talk 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 elucidated by science. But its manifestations are well studied. The main thing is a violation of the resistance of the tissues to the metabolic processes that occur in them. In simple words, the cells of the body cannot restore their chemical balance after the reactions that have occurred in them, therefore they lose their functionality and cannot perform their tasks with the same efficiency. If we talk about the skin, then because of this it loses its tone, becomes very dry and gets wrinkles. There are additional 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, it can be slowed down or its manifestations reduced with the help of care and preventive measures.
Skin care tips
Facial skin care at home to prevent epidermal tissue aging includes a wide range of measures. Let's talk about the main ones that every woman should take.
Makeup removal
Although modern cosmetics contain only ingredients that are safe for the human body, they create a certain load on the skin of the face. For example, the foundation blocks the pores and does not allow it to breathe. Therefore, make-up should always be removed after returning home. To remove it, you should use the most neutral products or plain water (if possible).
Facial cleansing
Epidermal tissue is renewed regularly. The frequency of this process depends on the characteristics of the body and for different people on average from 20 to 40 days. Dead skin cells are exfoliated, 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 should be cleaned regularly. The most effective and safe way to do this is to use special cleaners or pads. They exfoliate the 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. Because of this, the skin loses its tone, which is due to a change in its composition. This problem is solved with additional toning of the skin using special cosmetics. They are called tonic or tonic.
Choosing a tonic should be done taking into account the characteristics of your skin. For example, mattifying toners cannot be used if it is too dry - this can only cause harm.
Moisturizes the skin of the face
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 lead to adverse health consequences - for example, the appearance of microcracks.
Dry skin is combated with the help of specialized cosmetics. Today, there are many serums on the market that saturate the epidermal tissue with moisture.
There are also folk remedies for hydration, which include the use of medicinal plants. For example, you can apply a gauze soaked in chamomile decoction to your face, or make a mask from crushed aloe leaves. This also helps in eliminating dryness.
Using sunscreen
Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation contained in sunlight, the upper layer of the epidermis dies. This leads to drying and flaking of the skin. Unfavorable processes also occur in the deepest layers of the epidermal tissue - the hormone melanin is produced in the body in sunlight. Its excess can cause metabolic disorders in the skin and, as a result, deterioration of its appearance.
Because of this, when going out in the sun, the face and other parts of the body should be covered with sunscreen. It will not only prevent the unwanted effects of excessive tanning, but also moisturize the skin, which is also very important in the summer heat. It is also recommended 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 deteriorate.
The situation can be corrected by improving blood circulation in the facial area. At home, the easiest way to do this is massage.
No complex massage techniques are required. You can simply move your palms over your face for 2-3 minutes, starting from the forehead area above the bridge of the nose.
This alone will cause a noticeable flow of blood to the epidermis and increase the amount of nutrients in the area that was massaged, which will lead to the tightening of the facial skin.
This massage is recommended to be performed at least once a day. It is best to do it at the end of the day, 1. 5-2 hours before going to bed.
Proper food and drinking water
To maintain the chemical balance of the facial skin, you must eat properly. You should exclude from your diet very fatty and high-calorie foods, do not eat too many salty and sweet foods, try to avoid fast foods and processed foods.
It is also recommended to minimize the consumption of coffee and alcohol, as they affect the capillary circulation, the first narrows the blood vessels, 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;
- big;
- 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 fruit snack. Every other day's menu should be different from the previous one (at least within a week). Between the main meals you should prepare meals, reducing the portions of lunch, breakfast and dinner. In total, there should be 4-6 meals a day.
Drinking regimen 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. You should not replace water with soda, juice 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 still or slightly carbonated.
It is recommended to drink from the moment you wake up and throughout the day in small portions as you feel thirsty. But after 19: 00 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 the consumption of moisture can cause microedema, which in the future can damage the condition and appearance of the facial skin.
Facial skin rejuvenation techniques
The most common facial skin rejuvenation techniques are:
- face lift;
- peeling;
- microcurrent, darsonvalization and phototherapy;
- masks, patches and serums;
- ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum cleaning.
Let's look at each in more detail.
Face lift
The term comes from the English lift - to raise. The name well reflects its essence - 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 lift
This technique involves impacting 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.
Microcurrent, darsonvalization and phototherapy
Today, facial physiotherapy is available at home to improve skin conditions:
- Microcurrents.It involves the effect of current and low 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 touching 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 equipment. Microcurrents will also require a special conductive gel that is applied to the face.
Masks, patches and serums
Masks involve placing a nourishing composition on the face to supply the epidermal cells with substances necessary for normal functioning. You can prepare them yourself. The ingredients depend on the goals 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 spoons of cottage cheese;
- 1 medium cucumber without peel;
- 1 spoon of olive oil.
Keep the mask on your face for about an hour. If you want, you can alternate different compositions for different tasks.
Ready-made masks can be bought in the store. You can simply apply them on your face (sometimes you need to dilute them with water).
Patches are pieces of canvas soaked in nutrients. They work like masks, but are more convenient to use.
The serum is basically 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 unblock pores blocked with oily secretions. As the name implies, 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 equipment.
excoriation
Facial peeling is a procedure for removing dead skin flakes from the facial area. The following types are available at home:
- Chemical.A special composition is applied to the face, which breaks down dead epidermal tissue. It is then cleaned.
- Mechanical.In this case, the cosmetologist performs manual peeling using special brushes and graters.
- Ultrasonic.Ultrasound pulses are sent to the skin, which exfoliate the dead skin.
Ultrasonic peeling is preferred - it is safe and effective.
Facial skin rejuvenation massage
Facial self-massage is an effective procedure that can be done at home. It helps:
- improves blood circulation in epidermal tissues;
- normalization of metabolic processes in the skin;
- improves facial skin tone.
The simplest option for self-massage of the face is a simple stroke, which should start from the forehead above the bridge of the nose. But this is not enough for a really good effect. To make the massage procedures as effective as possible, you need to use several techniques and alternate them correctly.
Products and ingredients known for facial skin rejuvenation
The following substances and plants are most often 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 mainly used to moisturize the skin, as they contain a lot of water and substances that help to preserve it. In addition, they perfectly nourish the epidermis with amino acids, vitamins and tannins (aloin, resin), which increase skin tone. Another property of the plant is the ability to kill pathogens. Aloe vera is often used in masks on the spot or together with cucumber.
Retinol
Retinol, or true vitamin A, plays an important role in redox processes and the regulation of protein synthesis in the body. In fact, without it, the restoration of many tissues, including epidermal tissue, is impossible. And this means rejuvenation 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 protective functions of the skin, as well as its ability to resist the effects of negative microflora. Regular intake of the substance makes the epidermis more elastic, helps it 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 supplied with substance from the outside - with the help of creams, patches and masks.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that forms the base of the dermis, the lower part of the skin that lies beneath the epidermis. With its absence, the structure of the dermis changes. This leads to looseness, decreased skin tone and the appearance of wrinkles. The lack of collagen is compensated with the help of special cosmetics that contain it. Since protein promotes the absorption of other nutrients by the cells of the human body and their storage, 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 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 should 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 warnings
The wrong approach to skin care, rejuvenation and anti-aging can be harmful. Here are some important rules and recommendations that, if followed, will help to avoid adverse consequences and damage to health.
How to avoid damaging your facial skin while taking care of it
Massage and physiotherapeutic skin care procedures cannot be done if you have:
- dermatological diseases;
- injuries (bruises, scratches, cuts);
- facial neurological pathologies;
- oncological diseases.
If discomfort appears during the procedure, you should immediately stop the session. If the discomfort persists, you should seek medical help.
Do not use excessive force during procedures, such as massage or mechanical peeling. This may cause skin injuries.
How to choose skin care products
Ideally, skin care products should be prescribed by a cosmetologist. If you cannot visit, it is better to follow the recommendations of the cosmetics manufacturer. As a rule, he indicates in his product its purpose, the type of skin for which it is intended, as well as contraindications. You should pay special attention to the latter - this will help to avoid trouble in the future.
As for brands, you should focus on more or less proven and well-known ones. If you buy "no-name" cosmetics, you may run into trouble. At a minimum, this will be the lack of the desired result from its use. Well, in the worst case, various negative consequences - for example, irritation.
If redness, rash or swelling occurs after using the skin care product, you should stop using it immediately. If these symptoms do not disappear on their own after some time, you should seek medical help.
When to turn to professionals
Seeking professional cosmetology help 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 when possible. Even if you do not have serious problems with the condition of your skin, a cosmetologist will choose the most effective skin care products and recommend suitable home measures that will help you keep your facial skin youthfullonger 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, cleaning, timely removal of makeup), use of cosmetics and care products (masks, patches, serums), physiotherapeutic techniques (microcurrent), 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 right 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 accompanied by proper nutrition, drinking water, intake of vitamins and trace elements. Your peace of mind will improve, not only because you will be satisfied with your appearance.