Every woman strives to always remain attractive. The main guarantee for this is proper facial skin care, which is quite possible at home. We are talking about anti-aging procedures and facial skin tightening that can be done at home.
Causes of skin aging
The causes of aging are still not fully understood by science. But its manifestations are well studied. The main thing is the violation of tissue resistance to the metabolic processes taking place in them. In simpler terms, the cells of the body cannot regain their chemical balance after the reactions that have taken place in them, as a result of which they lose their functionality and cannot perform their tasks with the same efficiency. If we talk about the skin, then it loses its tone, becomes too 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, staying in the cold).
Although skin aging is inevitable in any case, it can be slowed down or reduced with the help of care and preventive measures.
Skin care tips
Home facial skin care to prevent epidermal tissue aging includes a wide set of measures. Let's talk about the main ones 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, powder blocks the pores and does not allow her to breathe. Therefore, make-up 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 organism and for different people it is on average from 20 to 40 days. Dead skin cells peel off, but often do not fall off on their own and remain on the face. This causes two harmful consequences. First, dead tissue blocks the pores and prevents the skin from breathing. Secondly, it can contribute to the development of pathogenic microflora. That is why it is necessary to clean the face regularly. The most effective and safest way to do this is to use special scrubs or pads. They exfoliate well dead skin particles without causing damage.
Facial skin toning
As already mentioned, 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 the result of a change in its composition. This problem is solved by additional toning of the skin using special cosmetics. They are called tonics or tonics.
Choosing a tonic must be done taking into account the characteristics of your skin. For example, a mattifying toner cannot be used if it is too dry - it can only harm.
Facial skin moisturizing
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 lead to harmful health consequences - for example, the appearance of microcracks.
Dry skin is fought with the help of specialized cosmetics. There are many serums on the market today that saturate the epidermal tissue with moisture.
There are also folk remedies for moisturizing, which include the use of medicinal herbs. For example, you can apply gauze soaked in chamomile decoction to your face or make a mask of crushed aloe leaves. This also helps in removing 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 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.
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 harmful effects of excessive tanning, but it will also hydrate 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 flow in the facial area. At home, the easiest way to do this is massage.
Complex massage techniques are not 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 blood flow 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 is best to do it at the end of the day, 1. 5-2 hours before going to bed.
Proper nutrition and drinking water
To maintain the chemical balance of the facial skin, you need to eat properly. Too much fatty and high-calorie food should be excluded from the diet, do not eat a lot of salty and sweet food, try to avoid fast and processed food.
It is also recommended to minimize the consumption of coffee and alcohol, because they affect the capillary circulation, the former narrow blood vessels, the latter expand them. This negatively affects the epidermal capillaries.
The following products are considered beneficial for facial skin:
- fruits, vegetables and herbs;
- milk 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 bite of fruit. The menu of each following day should be different from the previous one (at least within a week). Between the main meals, it is necessary to make snacks, while reducing the portions of lunch, breakfast and dinner. In total there should be 4-6 meals a day.
Drinking regime is also important for skin health. You should drink 1-2 liters of water a day. This will help maintain the necessary level of moisture in the epidermis. Water should not be replaced 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 slightly carbonated.
It is recommended to drink from the moment you wake up and during the day in small portions when you feel thirsty. But after 7 pm it is better to refrain from drinking water. The fact is that in the evening, while 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 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, vacuuming.
Let's look at each in more detail.
Face lift
The term comes from the English elevator - to raise. The name well reflects its essence - during the procedure, the tone of the skin increases and it seems to be lifted.
Today there are several types of lifting, but only two can be done at home.
RF lifting
This technique involves acting on 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 hand-held device.
Microcurrents, darsonvalization and phototherapy
Today, facial physiotherapy is available at home to improve the condition of the skin:
- Microcurrents.It includes the effect of low current and voltage on the epidermis. Improves skin tone.
- Darsonvalization.The procedure is similar to the previous one, but it involves changing the frequency of the current and acting on a smaller part of the skin. It also improves skin tone.
- Phototherapy.It allows moderate exposure of the skin 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 that is applied to the face.
Masks, patches and serums
Masks involve applying a nutritional composition to the face in order to supply the cells of the epidermis with substances necessary for normal functioning. You can prepare them yourself. Compositions depend on the goals of the procedure. So, a moisturizing mask will differ from a nourishing one. The universal composition should contain 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 desired, you can alternate different compositions for different tasks.
You can buy ready-made masks in the store. You can simply apply them on 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 practical 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 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 that breaks down dead epidermal tissue. Then it is cleaned.
- Mechanically.In this case, the cosmetologist performs the exfoliation manually using special brushes and brushes.
- Ultrasonic.Ultrasound pulses are sent to the skin, which exfoliate the dead skin.
Ultrasonic peeling is preferable - it is safe and effective.
Facial skin rejuvenation massage
Facial self-massage is an effective procedure that can be done at home. It helps:
- improve blood flow to 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 that's not enough for a really good effect. In order for massage procedures to be as effective as possible, it is necessary to use several techniques and alternate them properly.
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 useful they are.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera (and other types of plants) are used primarily to moisturize the skin, because 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) that 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 true vitamin A, plays an important role in redox processes and regulation of protein synthesis in the body. In fact, without it, the restoration of many tissues, including the epidermal one, 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 action of harmful microflora. Regular intake of the substance makes the epidermis more elastic, helps it better resist the harmful effects of the sun and retains 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 basis of the dermis, the lower part of the skin that is located below the epidermis. With its deficiency, the structure of the dermis changes. This leads to sagging, reduced 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 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 a skincare facial that nourishes 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 harmful consequences and damage to health.
How to avoid damaging the skin of the face while taking care of it
You cannot do massage and physiotherapeutic skin care procedures if you have:
- dermatological diseases;
- injuries (bruises, scratches, cuts);
- neurological pathologies of the face;
- oncological diseases.
If discomfort occurs during the procedure, the session should be stopped immediately. If discomfort persists, you should seek medical attention.
Do not use excessive force during procedures, such as massage or mechanical peeling. This may cause skin injury.
How to choose skin care products
Ideally, skin care 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, the product indicates its purpose, the type of skin for which it is intended, as well as contraindications. Special attention should be paid to the latter - it 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 cosmetics without a name, you can run into trouble. At the very least, it will be the absence of the desired result from its use. Well, in the worst case, various harmful consequences - for example, irritation.
If redness, rash or swelling occurs after using a 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 cosmetic help is never 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 turn to professionals whenever possible. Even if you don't have serious problems with your skin condition, the cosmetologist will choose skin care products as effectively as possible and recommend appropriate home measures that will help your facial skin stay young longer and slow down its aging.
Conclusion
With age, the condition of the facial skin deteriorates. You can improve it at home. Preventive measures (proper diet, cleaning, timely makeup removal), use of cosmetics and care products (masks, plasters, serums), physiotherapeutic techniques (microcurrents), massage will help in this. None of the above can be called absolutely effective. All these measures give the best results only in combination (eg prevention + regular masks + massage).
With regular skin care and a proper, thoughtful selection of procedures, its condition will improve within 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, rejuvenation of the epidermis is associated with proper nutrition, drinking water, taking vitamins and microelements. Your peace of mind will improve, not only because you will be satisfied with your appearance.