Homemade anti-aging facial skin care

When choosing cosmetics, you should not focus on the brand, but on the recommendations of a beautician given after a personal examination. All people are different, the aging process also happens differently, and an individual approach is required to correct it. The doctor will determine the appropriate means that do not correspond to the calendar, but to the biological age.

The main functions of anti-aging care

• Gentle effect. It's time to give up harsh scrubs and aggressive products that dry out your skin. Mature skin is sensitive and does not recover well after traumatic procedures. She needs delicate, gentle care;
• Mandatory skin protection. The sun is the skin's enemy No. 1. It is not for nothing that there is a special term "photoaging" to refer to the changes that occur on the skin under the influence of ultraviolet rays. With age, it becomes harder and harder for the skin to resist their effects. Creams with SPF will help her with this. It is also necessary to protect the skin from the effects of free radicals;
• Intense hydration. The immediate cause of the deterioration of tone and the appearance of wrinkles is a lack of moisture. Anti-aging care is based on deep hydration;
• Stimulation of collagen production. In adulthood, collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity of the skin, is synthesized more slowly and destroyed more quickly than in youth. This means that further stimulation of the formation of its own protein compounds, necessary to increase the turgor of the epidermis, is necessary;
• Not just cream. A thin layer of moisturizer may not be enough. Anti-aging care also involves intensive skin nutrition, the use of exfoliation, masks and serums. The need for professional procedures also increases every year;
• Regularity. Young skin will forgive its owner for small sins such as cosmetics left unwashed at night or irregular care. Adult women must care for their face, neck and décolleté constantly, day after day, year after year. Only in this case can you count on a noticeable effect.

Doctor's comment:There is no need to complicate the process of skin care in your mind, start small, with proper home care! If you have dermatological diseases, consult a dermatologist! Since even high-quality home care will not be able to get you out of the acute process. First, treatment based on cosmoceutical care, then only everything else.

Is it possible to do without a beautician?

Aesthetic medicine and cosmetology have not yet made the dream of eternal youth a reality, but they have made it possible to get much closer to its realization. Injection and hardware cosmetology procedures allow you to rejuvenate from the inside and naturally restore the skin. However, it would be a mistake to think that it is enough to take a course at a cosmetology clinic once a year, and the rest of the time to neglect taking care of your face and body. Professional care must be supplemented with home care – constantly, daily. This approach allows you to achieve optimal results and push back old age by many years.

To preserve youth, cosmetic procedures are highly desirable, and home anti-aging care is absolutely necessary. It is best to combine both.

Home anti-aging care

And now it's time to consider in detail what anti-aging skin care should consist of. What stages it consists of, what tools to use and how to use them correctly.

It must be emphasized once again that the age at which you should start approaching facial care from a rejuvenation point of view is determined individually. It is difficult to independently assess the condition of your skin and detect changes in time, so it is better to consult a beautician to draw up an individual plan to preserve youth.

Cleansing

It is necessary to constantly fight age-related changes, and it is better to choose even routine personal care products with a rejuvenating effect. To prevent fading, it is recommended to use the softest and most delicate cleansers. They should easily remove remnants of make-up, sebum and impurities, but not dry out the skin or damage it.

When choosing a cleanser, you should focus on the condition of your skin. If after washing there is a feeling of tightness or discomfort, look for another option with a higher content of moisturizing components. The appearance of an oily sheen also, oddly enough, indicates a lack of moisture. If irritation and redness occur, pay attention to hypoallergenic products.

Even if your skin is prone to rashes, you should not choose aggressive drying products. It is better to prefer cosmetics with an anti-inflammatory effect.

Cleansing morning and evening are two completely different procedures. In the first case, simply remove the skin secretions and the remains of the night cream. Foam can easily cope with this task, and in some cases it is enough to use only tonic. In the evening, you must also remove any traces of sunscreen, cosmetics and atmospheric pollution. In such a situation, lotions, creams and makeup remover oils will come in handy. In addition, you should use a pore-cleansing mask 1-2 times a week.

You must clean not only your face, but also your neck and décolleté. These areas are very susceptible to aging and therefore require careful attention.

Toning

This care step is underestimated by many and completely in vain. Using a tonic restores the water and acid balance, prepares the face for the application of cream and protects it from aggressive influences. In addition, residual impurities are removed that the cleansing lotion or foam could not handle.

Tonic is selected according to skin type and used after washing (or other cleansing) morning and evening. In both cases, the same suitable agent can be used.

Hydration

Perhaps the most important thing in anti-aging care is hydration. Mature skin always needs moisture and therefore moisturizing products and professional procedures.

The hyaluronic acid molecule has an impressive size and cannot penetrate the epidermal barrier to enter the deeper layers of the skin, so injections have been and remain the most effective way to use it. However, scientists have learned to process the molecule so that it penetrates better into the dermis. Thanks to this development, the effectiveness of modern external products with hyaluronic acid has increased significantly.

Another well-known hydrant is urea. Don't be put off by the unappetizing name: the substance effectively saturates the skin with moisture and at the same time stimulates cell renewal. Such products are suitable for dry, dehydrated, rough and rough skin. To maintain moisture levels and improve complexion, creams with a small urea content are sufficient. More concentrated products are used to smooth rough calluses on the feet.

Glycerin is another popular ingredient. Due to its hygroscopicity, it attracts and binds water molecules such as hyaluronic acid. In terms of moisturizing properties, trivalent alcohol (glycerin) is inferior to hyaluronic acid, but it has smaller molecules that easily penetrate the skin. This component is included in most budget moisturizers with an anti-aging effect. At the same time, concentrated glycerin can have the opposite effect, drawing moisture from the epidermis, so most manufacturers combine trivalent alcohol with other skin moisturizers.

Doctor's comment: I would like to emphasize that we choose products with urea in case of hyperkeratosis, for example with rough skin, with psoriasis, with ichthyosis. Urea helps to exfoliate dandruff, and other components in the products moisturize and nourish.

Nutrition

Unlike other organs, the skin can receive nourishment not only in the traditional way - through the blood - but also by absorbing substances applied to its surface. This is not only moisture, but also all kinds of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and lipids. They replenish nutritional deficiencies in the skin, improve the structure of the epidermis, saturate it with useful ingredients and strengthen the protective lipid layer.

If earlier cosmetic products were confidently divided into moisturizing and nourishing, now this line has been erased: the same cream can saturate the skin with moisture and nutrients. As a rule, modern creams, serums and masks combine both types of effects.

In order to nourish the skin, fats and fat-soluble substances are needed above all. Do not underestimate their importance in preserving youth. With age, the skin needs more and more lipids. Even those girls who complained of excess sebum secretion in their youth notice that their skin becomes drier with age. The fat film on the surface of the skin becomes thinner and can no longer protect the epidermis against negative environmental influences.

Lipid deficiency leads to:

• Increased sensitivity;
• Slowing the exfoliation of dead cells;
• Reduced moisture levels;
• Premature wilting.

It is believed that the skin absorbs nutrients best at night, so it is recommended to apply nourishing products in the evening, at night.

Doctor's comment:Our skin is covered by a hydro-lipid sheath, this is a very important structure that ensures our skin's normal function! If its integrity is violated, the skin becomes fragile, dry, dehydrated, it does not withstand aggressive environmental factors, and the balance of the skin's microflora is disturbed. We become defenseless and lose resistance to various skin diseases.

Protection

The skin protects internal organs from negative environmental influences. It comes into contact with polluted air, ultraviolet radiation, aggressive substances, low or high temperatures. This effect does not go unnoticed: the condition of the skin worsens. To avoid premature aging, you should make sure to protect your skin throughout your life.

First of all, it is necessary to protect the skin from exposure to sunlight. And you need to do this every time you go outside during the day, and not just when you're getting ready for the beach. The cream is applied for 20-30 minutes until it comes out in a generous layer, if necessary it must be renewed. In addition, it is necessary to choose such products in accordance with your phototype: the whiter the skin, the higher the protection factor should be. If you do not follow these rules, it will not provide the expected benefits of using sunscreen.

Sunscreen cosmetics protect the skin not only from burns, but also from ageing. Long-wave radiation (UVA) penetrates the deep layers of the skin and destroys cells. Such rays damage the epidermis even in cloudy weather, so it is recommended to use products with SPF all year round.

Daily use of protective creams will protect against photoaging of the skin - pigmentation, sagging, wrinkles, dehydration. But you have to choose the means carefully. The best option would be pharmaceutical cosmetic products.

High-quality day creams usually contain sunscreen ingredients. If you must combine moisturizer with Sanskrins, first apply a moisturizing cream to the face and neck, and after it is completely absorbed, a protective one.

UV radiation is not the only factor that causes skin aging. To prolong youth, it is also necessary to protect the epidermis from the effects of free radicals - molecules that damage cells and destroy collagen. For this purpose, antioxidants are used to neutralize the effects of "aggressors".

They can be:

• Vitamins A, C, P and E;
• alpha lipoic acid;
• Amino acids;
• Coenzyme Q10;
• isoflavones;
• Tannins;
• Beta glucan.

These components can be contained in the cream in various combinations. Antioxidants are a recognized means of preventing aging, so it is recommended to start using creams containing such ingredients even before the first signs of age-related changes appear.

Doctor's comment:It is important to know that different antioxidants only work in certain combinations, and their absorption takes place strictly according to the body's needs. Cosmoceutical products are already presented in the right combinations. It is important to determine your skin type and your needs; a dermatologist or beautician can help you with this.

Special care

In addition to routine skin care, "special purpose" procedures are also required. This category includes both anti-aging courses in cosmetology clinics and the use of masks and peelings at home.

Mature skin needs to exfoliate dead cells much more than young skin, as natural renewal processes slow down with age. Therefore, peels, which girls use only occasionally in their youth, become a necessity for adult women. Gentle exfoliation should be used 2-3 times a week.

It is important to use products designed for mature skin. They must be gentle, without scratching particles or irritating ingredients.

When talking about skin care, it is impossible not to mention masks. They usually contain the same ingredients as creams, but in higher concentrations, so masks are intended for intensive care. They can be used regularly, gradually improving the condition of the skin, or as express care if you need to get your face under control before an event.

Masks can be made in the form of cream, gel, powder for self-dilution and a finished piece of fabric soaked in healing compounds. The latter variety is most often used to urgently refresh the skin.

The purpose of masks can also be different. For mature skin, nourishing, moisturizing, toning, firming and brightening products are best suited. The choice of a specific mask is best made together with a beautician.

Doctor's comment:Pay attention to alginate masks, they are sold for home use, and there are also professional ones. They have unique properties and are ideal for any skin type. Their healing properties are explained by the fact that they are made from brown algae. They have a super pronounced lymphatic drainage effect and are a powerful anti-ageing prevention.

From theory to practice: choosing cosmetics

A general understanding of the ingredients useful for rejuvenation will help you choose personal care products.

Day cream to prolong youth

The main tasks of a day cream are to moisturize and protect the skin. Hyaluronic acid and other moisturizing components help achieve the first goal. The day cream should also improve the quality of the skin, making it more resistant to the negative effects of free radicals - aggressive molecules that cause aging. For this, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are used.

Vitamin C is generally called the vitamin of youth, and it is no coincidence: ascorbic acid stimulates the production of collagen by fibrocytes and destroys melanin, eliminating unnecessary pigmentation.

When choosing a cream, you should prefer so-called cosmeceuticals, i. e. cosmetics sold in pharmacies. These variants differ from mass creams by their high content of active substances and. thus greater efficiency. And the best results can be achieved by combining the use of the cream with cosmetic procedures, for example, mesotherapy and biorevitalization.

Anti-aging night cream

Night is the best time to nourish the skin. Although modern night creams do not necessarily have a heavy, oily consistency, they always contain lipids and fat-soluble substances. These can be fatty acids, shea butter or wheat germ, cholesterol and other ingredients. Also contains moisturizing components.

The task of such products is to restore the skin, as well as to stimulate the production of substances necessary to improve its structure - hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin.

When nourishing the skin, it is important not to overdo it - not to overload it with lipids. This effect is possible if you choose the wrong night cream: the skin gets a greasy shine, the pores become clogged, comedones and rashes appear. Such phenomena indicate that the night cream is poorly selected or used incorrectly.

It is important to remember that thick, greasy products are primarily intended for dehydrated, rough, peeling skin. In other cases, it is better to choose lighter, melting textures. In addition, the cream must match your skin type and age: for anti-aging care, it is better to use cosmetics labeled anti-aging.

In terms of usage, the biggest mistake here is too much usage. Night cream should be applied in a thin layer to slightly damp skin after applying the toner. After 15 minutes, you can remove the excess that is not absorbed into the epidermis with a napkin.

Do not forget that the products must be applied not only to the face, but also to the neck and décolleté!

Doctor's comment: Modern high-quality creams bought at the pharmacy eliminate the need to use a tonic. It is important to choose your night cream and apply it half an hour before bedtime. Subtle, avoid contact with the eyes. Light clapping movements.

Serums, peels and masks: the secret weapon in the fight for youth

When choosing "special purpose" products, pay attention to the following parameters:

• Active substances in the composition;
• Their concentration;
• Potential allergens and irritants.

As when choosing creams, it is advisable to prefer serums and masks with antioxidants, moisturizing and nourishing ingredients. But the presence of SPF is no longer necessary - day cream will take care of sun protection.

Anti-aging serums may contain retinol, vitamin C, ceramides, peptides, collagen and acids. Masks also often contain a variety of oils that soften the top layer of the epidermis. Modern effective peelings rarely do without the addition of acids.

In addition to masks and peels, anti-aging serums are worth getting. These are highly concentrated products and literally a few drops are enough for transformation. As a rule, serums are non-greasy, they are absorbed instantly and significantly rejuvenate the skin. It is not surprising: after all, they contain shock doses of vitamins, amino acids, microelements, peptides and other substances that moisturise, nourish, lighten and tone the skin.

When choosing such products, focus not so much on your skin type, but on what problems need to be solved. Is there pigmentation? Serum that evens out the skin tone will come to the rescue. does the oval of the face "swim"? This means that you should choose the option with lifting effect. Increased dryness of the epidermis? The problem will be solved more quickly if, in addition to regular cream, you use a serum with hyaluronic acid.

Individual approach

Choosing anti-aging cosmetics on your own is not as easy as it might seem. The ideal option is to leave this choice to a beautician. An experienced doctor will easily identify "weak points" that require maximum attention and will help you choose the appropriate means.

It is much more difficult to detect signs of aging on our own: we get used to our own appearance and cannot track changes in time. The result is an incorrect selection of anti-aging products and consequently ineffective prevention and treatment of skin aging. So it is better to spend an hour consulting a doctor to immediately choose exactly the products your skin needs.

And of course, the best addition to routine home care will be professional cosmetic procedures in the clinic. We will talk about them next time.