Every woman strives to always remain attractive. The main guarantee of this is proper facial skin care, which is quite possible at home. We 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 elucidated by science. But its manifestations are well studied. The main thing is a violation of tissue resistance to metabolic processes occurring in them. In simple terms, the body's cells are unable to restore their chemical balance after the reactions that have occurred in them, which is why they lose their functionality and are unable to carry out their tasks with the same efficiency. If we talk about the skin, this is why it loses its tone, becomes very dry and acquires 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 (e. g. 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
Home facial skin care to prevent aging of epidermal tissue includes an extensive set of measures. Let's talk about the main ones that every woman should take.
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 blocks the pores and does not allow it to breathe. Therefore, makeup should always be removed when returning home. To remove it, you should use more neutral products or pure water (if possible).
Facial cleaning
Epidermal tissue is renewed regularly. The frequency of this process depends on the characteristics of the body and for different people the average is 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 adverse consequences. Firstly, the dead tissue blocks the pores and prevents the skin from breathing. Secondly, it can contribute to the development of pathogenic microflora. Therefore, your face needs to be cleaned regularly. The most effective and safe 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. As a result, the skin loses its tone, due to a change in its composition. This problem is solved by additional toning of the skin with special cosmetics. They are called tonics or toners.
The selection 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 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 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 popular 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.
Using sunscreen
Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation contained in the sun's rays, the upper layer of the epidermis dies. This leads to dryness 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 by the sun's rays. Its excess can cause metabolic disorders in the skin and, consequently, deterioration of its appearance.
Therefore, when going out in the sun, the face and other parts of the body must be covered with sunscreen. Not only will it prevent the adverse effects of excessive tanning, but it will also hydrate your 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 worsen.
The situation can be corrected by improving blood flow in the facial region. At home, the easiest way to do this is by massaging.
No complex massage techniques are required. You can simply move your palms over your face for 2 to 3 minutes, starting from the forehead area above the bridge of your nose.
This alone will cause a noticeable flow of blood to the epidermis and increase the amount of nutrients in the massaged area, which will lead to tightening of the facial skin.
This massage is recommended to be performed at least once a day. It's best to do this late in the day, 1. 5 to 2 hours before bed.
Proper nutrition and drinking water
To maintain the chemical balance of your facial skin, you need to eat well. You should exclude very fatty and high-calorie foods from your diet, not eat a lot of salty and sweet foods, try to avoid fast food and processed foods.
It is also recommended to minimize the consumption of coffee and alcohol, as they affect capillary circulation, the first constricts blood vessels, the second dilates. This has an adverse effect on the 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.
The diet must be varied. For example, breakfast is porridge, lunch is lean meat with a side dish, and dinner is a small fruit snack. The menu for each next 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 for lunch, breakfast and dinner. In total, 4 to 6 meals should be eaten per day.
The consumption regime is also important for skin health. You should drink 1 to 2 liters of water per day. This will help maintain the required level of moisture in the epidermis. You should not replace water with soft drinks, juices or compotes. Here we are talking exclusively about drinking water. The only alternative that can be used is mineral water, preferably still or slightly carbonated.
It is advisable to drink it as soon as you wake up and throughout the day in small portions as thirst arises. But after 7pm it's better not to drink water. The fact is that at night, as the body prepares for sleep, metabolic processes slow down and the consumption of moisture can cause microedema, which in the future can harm the condition and appearance of the skin on the face.
Facial skin rejuvenation techniques
The most common facial skin rejuvenation techniques are:
- face lifting;
- peeling;
- microcurrents, darsonvalization and phototherapy;
- masks, patches and serums;
- ultrasonic cleaning, vacuuming.
Let's look at each one in more detail.
face lift
The term comes from the English lift - to raise. The name reflects its essence well - during the procedure, the skin tone increases and appears to lift.
Today there are several types of lifting, but only two can be done at home.
RF Survey
This technique involves influencing the epidermis using radio waves, which trigger the skin's natural regenerative processes.
Ultrasonic
In this case, the skin is exposed to ultrasound. It is carried out at home using a special manual device.
Microcurrents, darsonvalization 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.
- 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.Provides moderate skin exposure to ultraviolet and infrared light through a special mask. Normalizes metabolic processes in 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 epidermal cells with substances necessary for normal functioning. You can prepare them yourself. The compositions depend on the objectives of the procedure. Thus, a moisturizing mask will be different from a nourishing one. The universal composition must include proteins, fats, vitamins and amino acids, which is why one of the most common recipes includes:
- 2 teaspoons of cottage cheese;
- 1 medium cucumber without peel;
- 1 teaspoon of 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 in water).
Patches are pieces of mesh soaked in nutrients. They work like masks but are more convenient to use.
The serum is essentially 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, vacuuming
These procedures are used to unclog pores clogged 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 devices.
Peeling
Facial peeling is a procedure to remove scales of dead skin 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. So it's clean.
- Mechanic.In this case, the cosmetologist performs the peeling manually using special brushes and graters.
- Ultrasonic.Ultrasound pulses are sent into 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 done at home. It helps:
- improve blood flow in epidermal tissue;
- normalize metabolic processes in the skin;
- improve facial skin tone.
The simplest facial self-massage option is simple stroking, which 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 need to use several techniques and alternate them correctly.
Popular products and ingredients for facial skin rejuvenation
The following substances and plants are most often used for facial care and skin rejuvenation;
- aloe;
- retinol;
- vitamin C;
- hyaluronic acid;
- collagen;
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
Let's talk about how useful they are.
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. In addition, they perfectly nourish the epidermis with amino acids, vitamins and tannins (aloin, resins), which increase skin tone. Another property of the plant is its ability to kill pathogens. Aloe vera is often used in masks instead of cucumber or along with it.
Retinol
Retinol, or true vitamin A, plays an important role in redox processes and the regulation of protein synthesis in the body. Indeed, without it, the restoration of many tissues, including epidermal tissue, is impossible. And that means facial skin renewal. 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 adverse microflora. Regular intake of the substance makes the epidermis more elastic, helps it 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. 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 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 below 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 for with the help of special cosmetics that contain it. As 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 not capable of synthesizing 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 skin-nourishing facial care products.
Recommendations and Care
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 adverse consequences and harm to health.
How to avoid damaging your facial skin while taking care of it
Physiotherapeutic massage and 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, stop the session immediately. If discomfort persists, you should seek medical help.
Do not use 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 cosmetologist. If you can't visit, it's best to follow the cosmetics manufacturer's recommendations. As a rule, he indicates on his product the purpose, the type of skin it is intended for, as well as contraindications. Special attention should be paid to the latter - this will help avoid problems in the future.
As for brands, you should focus on the more or less proven and popular ones. If you buy "no name" cosmetics, you may have problems. At the very least, it will be the absence of the desired result from its use. Well, at worst, various adverse consequences - for example, irritation.
If, after using the skin product, redness, rashes or swelling appear, you should stop using it immediately. If these symptoms do not go away on their own after a while, 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 your skin condition, a cosmetologist will select skin care products as effectively as possible and recommend appropriate home measures that will help keep your facial skin young for longer and slow down its aging.
Conclusion
With age, the condition of the facial skin worsens. You can improve at home. Preventive measures (proper nutrition, cleansing, timely makeup removal), use of cosmetics and care products (masks, patches, serums), physiotherapeutic techniques (microcurrents), massages will help in this. None of the above options can be considered absolutely effective. All these measures give the best results only in combination (for example, prevention + regular masks + massage).
With regular skin care and the correct and judicious selection of procedures, your condition will begin to improve within 3-4 weeks. It will be 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, water intake, intake of vitamins and microelements. Your peace of mind will improve, not least because you will be satisfied with your appearance.