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 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 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 perform their tasks with the same efficiency. If we talk about the skin, then because of this it loses its tone, becomes too 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 (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
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 burden on the skin of the face. For example, foundation blocks the pores and does not allow her to breathe. Therefore, makeup should always be removed upon 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 for different people averages 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 adverse consequences. Firstly, 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 cleansed 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 more and more 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 by additional toning of the skin using special cosmetics. They are called tonics or toners.
The selection of a tonic must 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.
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 folk remedies for moisturizing, 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 drying and flaking of the skin. Unfavorable processes also occur in the deeper layers of the epidermal tissue - the hormone melanin is produced in the body in the sun's rays. Its excess can cause metabolic disorders in the skin and, as a result, deterioration of its appearance.
Because of this, when going out into the sun, the face and other parts of the body must be covered with sunscreen. It will not only prevent the adverse 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 become worse.
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 required. You can simply move your palms over your face for 2-3 minutes, starting from the area of your forehead 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 area that was massaged, which will lead to 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 bedtime.
Proper nutrition and drinking water
To maintain the chemical balance of your facial skin, you need to eat right. 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 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;
- 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 within a week). Between main meals you need to make snacks, while reducing the portions of lunch, breakfast and dinner. In total, there should be 4-6 meals per day.
Drinking regime is also important for skin health. You should drink 1-2 liters of water per day. This will help maintain the required level of moisture in the epidermis. You should not replace water with carbonated drinks, 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 lightly carbonated.
It is advisable to drink from the moment you wake up and throughout the day in small portions as thirst arises. 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 micro-edema, which in the future can harm the condition and appearance of the facial skin.
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, 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 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 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 apparatus.
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. Also improves skin tone.
- Phototherapy.Provides moderate exposure of the skin to ultraviolet and infrared light through a special mask. Normalizes metabolic processes of the epidermis.
All three procedures are carried out using special devices. Microcurrents will also require a special conductive gel that is applied to the face.
Masks, patches and serums
Masks involve placing a nutritional composition on the face in order to supply the epidermal cells with substances necessary for normal functioning. You can prepare them yourself. The 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 tsp cottage cheese;
- 1 medium cucumber without peel;
- 1 tsp olive oil.
Keep the mask on your face for about an hour. If desired, 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 canvas soaked in nutrients. They work like masks, but are more convenient to use.
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, vacuum cleaning
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 carried out using special devices.
Peeling
Facial peeling is a procedure for removing flakes 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. Then it is cleaned off.
- Mechanical.In this case, the cosmetologist performs the peeling manually using special brushes and graters.
- Ultrasonic.Ultrasound pulses are sent to the skin, which exfoliate dead skin.
Ultrasonic peeling is preferable - it is safe and effective.
Massage for facial skin rejuvenation
Self-massage of the face is an effective procedure that can be done at home. She helps:
- improve blood flow in epidermal tissue;
- normalize metabolic processes in the skin;
- improve facial skin tone.
The simplest option for self-massage of the face 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 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 used primarily to moisturize 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 the tone of the skin. 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 true vitamin A, plays an important role in redox processes and the regulation of protein synthesis in the body. In fact, without it, restoration of many tissues, including epidermal tissue, is impossible. And that 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.
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. It participates in the metabolic processes of the epidermis and ensures the normal functioning of the 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 beneath the epidermis. With its deficiency, 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 preservation, 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 not able 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 Cautions
The wrong approach to skin care, rejuvenation and aging prevention 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 damage to your facial skin while caring for it
Massage and physiotherapeutic skin care procedures cannot be done 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 peeling. This may cause skin injuries.
How to Choose Skin Care Products
Ideally, skincare products should be prescribed by a cosmetologist. If you cannot visit it, it is better to follow the recommendations of the cosmetics manufacturer. As a rule, he indicates on 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 popular ones. If you buy "no-name" cosmetics, you may run into trouble. 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, after using the skincare product, redness, rashes, or swelling appear, 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 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 suitable home measures that will help keep your facial skin youthful longer and slow down its aging.
Conclusion
With age, the condition of 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), 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, 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, rejuvenation of the epidermis is associated with proper nutrition, drinking water, taking vitamins and microelements. Your peace of mind will improve, not least because you will be satisfied with your appearance.