Every woman strives to always remain attractive. The main guarantee of this is proper care of facial skin, which is quite possible at home. We are talking 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 the resistance of tissues to the metabolic processes taking place in them. Simply put, the cells of the body cannot restore their chemical balance after the reactions that have occurred in them, which is why 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 too dry and acquires wrinkles. There are other factors that lead to more intense or premature aging of the epidermis:
- lack of skin care;
- bad nutrition;
- frequent stress on the skin (for example, being 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 aging of epidermal tissue includes a comprehensive 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 pores and doesn't allow it to breathe. Therefore, makeup should always be removed when you return home. To remove it, use the most neutral products or clean water (if possible).
Facial cleansing
Epidermal tissue renews itself regularly. The frequency of this process depends on the characteristics of the body, and for different people it lasts on average between 20 and 40 days. Dead skin cells exfoliate, but often do not fall off on their own and remain on the face. This has two harmful consequences. First, dead tissue blocks pores and prevents the skin from breathing. Second, it can contribute to the development of pathogenic microflora. Your face must therefore be cleaned regularly. The most effective and safest way to do this is to use special scrubs or pads. They exfoliate dead particles from the skin well without causing damage.
Facial skin toning
As mentioned above, with age, it becomes increasingly difficult for epidermal cells to restore the chemical balance disrupted during metabolic processes. As a result, 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 cosmetic products. 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 tonics cannot be used if they are too dry - this can only harm.
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 adverse health consequences, for example the appearance of microcracks.
Dry skin is fought with the help of specialized cosmetic products. 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. It 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 dryness and flaking of the skin. Unfavorable processes also occur in deeper layers of epidermal tissue - the hormone melanin is produced in the body under the sun's rays. Its excess can cause metabolic disorders in the skin and, consequently, a deterioration in its appearance.
For this reason, when going out in the sun, the face and other parts of the body should be covered with sunscreen. This will not only avoid the harmful 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 worsens.
The situation can be corrected by improving blood circulation in the facial area. At home, the easiest way to do this is to massage.
No complex massage techniques are required. You can simply move your palms across your face for 2-3 minutes, starting from the area of your forehead above the bridge of your nose.
This alone will cause noticeable blood flow to the epidermis and increase the amount of nutrients in the massaged area, resulting in firming 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 to 2 hours before bedtime.
Good nutrition and clean water
To maintain the chemical balance of the skin on your face, 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 expands. This has a detrimental 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 snack consisting of fruit. The menu for each following day must be different from the previous one (at least during the week). Between main meals, you need to prepare snacks, while reducing the portions of lunch, breakfast and dinner. In total there should be 4-6 meals per day.
Drinking regimen 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 carbonated drinks, juice or compote. We are talking here exclusively about drinking water. The only possible alternative is mineral water, preferably still or slightly sparkling.
It is advisable to drink as soon as you wake up and throughout the day in small portions depending on thirst. But after 7: 00 p. m. , 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 harm the condition and appearancefacial skin.
Facial skin rejuvenation techniques
The most common facial skin rejuvenation techniques are:
- face lift;
- peeling;
- microcurrents, darsonvalization and phototherapy;
- masks, patches and serums;
- ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum cleaner.
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 facelift, but only two can be performed at home.
RF lifting
This technique involves influencing the epidermis using radio waves, which trigger natural skin regeneration 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.This involves the effect of low current and voltage on the epidermis. Improves complexion.
- Darsonvalisation.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 in the epidermis.
All three procedures are carried out using special devices. Microcurrents will also require a special conductive gel applied to the face.
Masks, patches and serums
Masks consist of depositing a nutritional composition on the face in order to provide the epidermal cells with the substances necessary for their 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 mask. 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 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 with water).
Patches are pieces of canvas 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 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 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.
- Mechanical.In this case, the beautician carries out the 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 done at home. She helps:
- improve blood flow in epidermal tissue;
- normalize metabolic processes in the skin;
- improve facial complexion.
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 to achieve a very good effect. To make massage procedures as effective as possible, you should 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:
- the aloe vera;
- retinol;
- vitamin C;
- hyaluronic acid;
- collagen;
- omega-3 fatty acids.
Let's talk about their usefulness.
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 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 its ability to kill pathogens. Aloe vera is often used in masks instead of or along 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 that means renewal of facial skin. Retinol is used in creams and masks, and is also taken orally as a course of treatment - 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 unwanted microflora. Regular intake of the substance makes the epidermis more elastic, helps it better resist the harmful 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 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 located beneath the epidermis. With its deficiency, the structure of the dermis changes. This leads to sagging, diminished skin tone and the appearance of wrinkles. The lack of collagen is compensated with the help of special cosmetic products that contain it. Since proteins promote the absorption of other nutrients by the cells of the human body and their preservation, cosmetics containing them 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 facial care products that nourish the skin.
Recommendations and warnings
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 harmful consequences and damage to health.
How to avoid damaging your facial skin while still 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 any discomfort occurs during the procedure, you must stop the session immediately. If discomfort persists, you should consult a doctor.
Do not use excessive force during procedures such as massage or mechanical peeling. This could cause skin injury.
How to choose skin care products
Ideally, skincare products should be prescribed by a beautician. If you cannot visit it, it is better to follow the recommendations of the cosmetic manufacturer. As a general rule, it indicates on its product its destination, the type of skin for which it is intended, as well as the contraindications. You should pay special attention to the latter - this will help avoid problems in the future.
As for brands, it is necessary to focus on more or less proven and popular brands. If you buy "no name" cosmetics, you may get into trouble. At a minimum, it will be the absence of the desired result from its use. Well, in the worst case, various harmful consequences - for example, irritation.
If, after using the care product, redness, rash or swelling appear, 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 help from a cosmetology professional 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 medical field. Therefore, you should contact professionals whenever possible. Even if you do not have serious problems with your skin, a beautician will select skin care products as effectively as possible and recommend suitable home measures that will help keep your facial skin young longer andslow down its aging.
Conclusion
With age, the condition of the skin on the face worsens. You can improve it at home. Preventive measures (proper nutrition, cleansing, timely makeup removal), the use of cosmetic and care products (masks, patches, serums), physiotherapeutic techniques (microcurrents), massage will contribute to this. None of the above products 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 and correct and thoughtful selection of procedures, its condition will begin to improve in 3-4 weeks. It will become less dry, more elastic and more 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 clean water, taking vitamins and microelements. Your peace of mind will improve, especially because you will be satisfied with your appearance.