We all want to stay young and beautiful as long as possible so that the signs of aging do not bother us. Especially in the face. Of course, no one can hide at the moment: this is a natural process to which all living beings without exception are subject.
Age-related skin changes cannot be stopped completely. But it is quite possible to slow them down and make the signs of aging less pronounced. And essential oils will help us with this.
Which oil helps best against wrinkles, which essential oils are suitable for facial skin of different ages? How to use them correctly for maximum effect? We will talk about all this in our article.
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What types of wrinkles are there?
Wrinkles on the face are the most obvious and unpleasant sign of old age and skin aging. The first wrinkles can appear after 25-30 years. Although at this age they are mainly associated with dehydration and dryness. Let's take a closer look at the mechanisms behind skin aging.
Mechanism of wrinkling
Under the influence of external factors (ultraviolet radiation, poor diet, vitamin deficiency, chronic stress, lack of sleep) and natural processes, our skin loses its elasticity and actively loses moisture. Over time, the body produces less and less hyaluronic acid, which holds the water in the skin tissues. As a result, the facial skin becomes drier and more sensitive to negative external factors.
Collagen and elastin fibers (proteins that play the role of a framework) perform their supporting function less and less over time. Partly they glycate, become brittle and hard, and partly they break down completely. The remaining fibers are not enough for the skin to remain as elastic and smooth as before. It literally sinks and age-related wrinkles appear.
The main reasons for the formation of wrinkles on the face:
- Natural age-related changes.Decreased production of elastin and collagen, hyaluronic acid, gradual thinning of the subcutaneous fat layer.
- Gravity.Elastin and collagen fibers also gradually sink under their own weight due to gravity. The oval of the face becomes less clear and "floats".
- Ultraviolet damage.Exposure to the sun or solarium without protective equipment, which leads to dehydration, damage to skin structures, activation of oxidative processes and early aging.
- Bad habits.Smoking and lack of walks in the fresh air cause problems with blood circulation and tissue nutrition. When smoking, the skin "burns" and comes into contact with combustion products - which increases oxidative stress. Visually, smokers' skin looks darker and rougher.
- Improper or insufficient nutrition.Strict diets that lead to nutrient deficiencies. Sudden weight loss when the skin does not have time to "shrink" and sags.
- Active facial expressions.Characteristic of emotional people, it causes spasms of small muscles. In this way, the skin folds are fixed.
- Increased or decreased tone in the facial muscles.When the facial muscles are constantly relaxed or, on the contrary, tense, for example during work (the fold between the eyebrows, squinting), this leads to a change in the position of the tissue and wrinkles. at a young age.
- Dermatological diseases, allergic reactions.Atopic dermatitis, for example, leads to dehydration and reduced elasticity, which depletes the skin's resources.
As you can see, we can influence most of the causes by changing our habits and lifestyle. Delaying the appearance of wrinkles is much easier than removing them. So let's find out what types of wrinkles there are.
Types of wrinkles
Wrinkles are divided into groups according to different criteria: depth of occurrence, severity, localization or mechanism of formation. The following types of wrinkles are distinguished:
- on the forehead;
- eyebrow;
- "crow's toes";
- "rabbit wrinkles";
- nasolabial and nasolabial;
- wallet string;
- "dolls";
- mental fold;
- "Rings of Venus"
If everything is clear with wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, nasolabial and nasolacrimal wrinkles, then we will briefly talk about the features of other groups below.
- "crow's toes"called wrinkles around the eyes. These are superficial thin folds that appear to diverge in different directions from a point. Because of this feature, which resembles a goose's feet, they get their name.
- "Bunny Wrinkles"- small folds that form on the side of the nose. From the bridge of the nose they diverge at an angle towards the cheek. Such folds are typical of people with active facial expressions, who often laugh, wrinkle their noses and squint. Then the facial expression actually takes on a certain resemblance to a chewing rabbit.
- "Dolls", or grief lines, run in a straight line from the corners of the lips down to the chin. The reason for their appearance is constant overloading of the mouth muscles (pressed lips). Similar to the slits on marionettes.
- "Purse Cord Wrinkles"go from the nose to the upper lip. They look like a tight bag or pouch, hence their name. They usually appear in adulthood.
- "Rings of Venus"- folds in the form of horizontal stripes on the neck. They look like deep furrows and appear due to weakness, lack of elasticity in the neck muscles, which no longer support the skin. Plus sleeping on high, uncomfortable pillows, constantly tilting the head forward - and gradually unattractive folds appear on the neck.
How to fight wrinkles?
Let's move on to the most interesting and important - methods that help against wrinkles on the face and other signs of early aging. There are already quite a few of them in humanity's arsenal. Everyone can choose a method that suits their taste and budget:
- anti-aging procedures in the office of a professional beautician (plasmolifting, botulinum toxin injections, etc. );
- face lift and plastic surgeon;
- regular use of special
anti-aging cosmetics (face creams, masks, serums) at home; - classes for face building, facial fitness (gymnastics for the face against wrinkles);
- anti-aging massage;
- takes specialized vitamin and mineral complexes;
- use essential oils.
All these methods are effective in the fight against age-related changes. To make it sustainable, you need to rethink your whole lifestyle: eat right, eliminate sweets, exercise regularly and go in the fresh air, give up bad habits, sleep 7-8 hours a day, learn to cope with stress.
Later in the article, we will take a closer look at which essential oils are best for preventing and removing wrinkles depending on age. The potential of this product in the fight against age-related changes in cosmetology is very large, but not everyone knows about it.
The best essential oils for facial wrinkles
What are the benefits of essential oils to counteract age-related changes in the facial skin? First, they have a beneficial effect on the limbic system in our brain, which is responsible for emotions. Secondly, the advantage of essential oils is that they affect the skin at the cellular level. This is because the molecules of the active substances in oils are very small and lipophilic, they easily penetrate the skin's structures and have a modulating effect on processes.
Table of the best carrier and essential oils to fight wrinkles
| Base/essential oil | Basic properties | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Primrose | Protects against the first wrinkles, helps normalize hormone levels and has an anti-inflammatory effect. | 30+ |
| borage (borage) | Indispensable for problem skin and atopic dermatitis (allergic reactions). Reduces irritation, dryness and peeling, restores the barrier function of the epidermis and stops moisture loss. Slows down age-related changes, has a strong regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. | 30+ |
| Currants | Effectively restores, removes peeling and inflammation, suitable for dry skin. Helps fight pigmentation and has a brightening effect. | 30+ |
| Macadamia | Ideal oil for dry, chapped, dehydrated skin. Indispensable for face, knee and elbow care in autumn and winter, can be applied to the eyelids. It has a pronounced restorative and deeply nourishing effect, slows down aging and fading. | 30+ |
| Avocado | Protects against UV rays, prevents the first wrinkles, nourishes tissues in depth, prevents dehydration, accelerates the healing of small wounds. Suitable for oily, combination and dry skin, normalizes the sebaceous glands. | 30+ |
| Jasmine | Evens out complexion, removes peeling and dryness. Suitable for problematic, inflamed and oily skin. | 40+ |
| Himalayan cedar | Powerful antioxidant effect and documented anti-allergic effect. Makes the skin's texture smoother and activates regeneration processes. | 40+ |
| Lavender | Effectively fights photoaging and helps against sunburn. Soothes irritated skin and speeds up healing. | 40+ |
| Incense | Increases elasticity, eliminates inflammation and is actively used for anti-aging care. Accelerates healing. | 40+ |
| Myrrh | Smoothes fine wrinkles, slows down degenerative processes and effectively restores cracked skin. | 40+ |
| Jojoba | Excellent as a base for a mixture, it is very stable, regulates both excess and deficiency of sebum. | 50+ |
| Neroli | Increases elasticity and fights tissue sagging. | 50+ |
| Rose | Helps saturate with moisture, stimulates renewal, relieves inflammation and swelling, protects against negative external factors. | 50+ |
| Lemon | Brightens, removes age spots, tones, evens complexion. | 50+ |
| Sandalwood | It fights well against loose and dry skin, which makes wrinkles around the eyes less visible. | 50+ |
| Immortelle | Increases collagen synthesis, improves the condition of the vascular wall. | 50+ |
The division by age of oils is more than arbitrary. They are selected according to their tasks. It can also be used at a young age. Essential oils are not hormones. They normalize the function of the skin without causing addiction and affect various processes. Therefore, these oils can be used at all ages.
After 30 years
At this age, the skin fulfills its barrier function and does not retain moisture so well. The stratum corneum thickens and the layer of living cells decreases. The first wrinkles appear, including "crow's feet" in the delicate area around the eyes. This is the time when the formation of folds and folds in the skin can be successfully prevented if you choose the right care, eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle.
To prevent the appearance of facial wrinkles, we recommend including the best essential oils for age 30+ in your individual care program:
- currants;
- primrose (evening light;
- borage (borago, borage);
- avocado;
- macadamia.
The first 3 oils from this list are particularly important. Due to the presence of gamma-linolenic acid and other fatty acids in these oils, they effectively eliminate moisture loss, fight desquamation, relieve inflammation and accelerate tissue restoration.
Avocado and macadamia oils are very useful for dry skin care. They deeply nourish it, soften it, make it smooth and elastic, smooth out small wrinkles caused by dehydration and metabolic disorders. Avocado and macadamia oils are considered base oils. They can be used either in their pure form, in the form of an oil serum under a cream, or by making creams and masks with them yourself.
If at this age you are already bothered by circles under the eyes and puffiness, you can use anti-wrinkle essential oils with lymphatic drainage, vascular strengthening effect (pelargonium, fennel, immortelle, etc. ).
After 40 years
At this age, the skin accumulates more and more age-related changes. The number of collagen and elastin fibers decreases by approximately 1% per year. The ability of the dermis to retain moisture continues to decrease and less and less hyaluronic acid and other glycosaminoglycans are produced.
These processes take place in the deep layers of the dermis, so it is much more difficult to deal with them than with wrinkles at an earlier age that occur due to insufficient hydration. Not many substances are able to penetrate tissues far from the surface of the skin.
The list of essential oils for wrinkles over 40 is quite long. The most popular oils are:
- jasmine;
- lavender;
- Himalayan cedar;
- incense;
- myrrh.
Monarda and myrtle facial oils provide a pronounced lifting effect. Traditionally, the widely used frankincense and myrrh work more to increase elasticity.
After 50 years
The use of phytoestrogens is strongly recommended for the care of mature skin. Because with the onset of menopause, the female body ceases to independently produce estrogen, which protects the skin against aging. You can try including anise and fennel oils in mixtures and homemade creams in short courses. But with caution.
Due to estrogen deficiency, the number of collagen and elastin fibers decreases even faster (by 2% per year instead of 1% at the same time at age 40+). The skin becomes thinner, the volume and density of facial bones decreases, which also leads to sagging of the epidermis and the appearance of folds.
If you took good care of your face, protected it from the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation, ate right and led a healthy lifestyle, then the condition of your skin at the age of 50 will be much better than for those who did not take care of quality care.
Measures aimed at maintaining normal blood flow in the tissues of the epidermis, strengthening blood vessels, as well as active moisture, protection against UV rays and the use of oils help support the skin at this age. The most effective broadcasts for people aged 50+:
- immortal;
- neroli;
- roses;
- sandalwood;
- lemon (as an extra, to improve complexion).
How each of these oils works is described in the table above. Oils from earlier age groups are also used, especially esters from resin (myrrh, frankincense).
Using essential oils for wrinkles
Now let's talk about how to use essential oils correctly to effectively fight age-related changes in appearance and prevent wrinkles. Following these simple recommendations will help you get the maximum benefit from natural ingredients.
Key rules
Let's remember that essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Therefore, you must use them carefully and observe basic rules and precautions.
- Esters can cause skin irritation. Therefore, it is forbidden to use a new oil for facial care without first testing for sensitivity. To do this, dilute 2 drops of ether in a teaspoon of base oil. Apply a drop of the mixture to the crook of your elbow and wait at least 24 hours. If after a day there are no signs of irritation at the application site, you can safely use it.
- Many essential oils have contraindications. Some are prohibited for use by pregnant women, asthma patients and other serious problems. Therefore, read the instructions carefully before purchasing.
- Do not apply undiluted essential oils to your face. In the worst case, you can develop intolerance to oil for many years.
- Only natural essential oils are suitable for fighting wrinkles. The use of synthetic substitutes can worsen the skin condition.
- For the skin around the eyes, esters can only be used together with base oils or as part of other homemade cosmetic products (creams, masks) and only in a reduced percentage (1 drop per 10 ml of base oil). When applying, be careful that the oil does not get on the mucous membrane.
- You need to choose the type of essential oil for wrinkles and a specific recipe, taking into account not only your age, but also your skin type.
- You should not use combinations that include more than 4 types of essential oils. Complicating the mixture gradually, use a mixture with an ester for one week, add another oil the next week, etc. And not 4 types at once. Otherwise, it will be difficult to find the culprit in case of a negative reaction.
- It is preferable to change the used set every month. In this way, the effect becomes brighter and more diverse.
Application methods
Essential oils can be used for anti-aging care in different ways. You can use one particular type of ether, but the best effect can be achieved in a combination of several. Combinations of esters must be made correctly, then the beneficial properties of each oil will be enhanced and not conflict.
To fight wrinkles, essential oils can:
Add organic substances to special cosmetic bases (night creams, lotions, nourishing masks, etc. ). Literally, a few drops of ether are enough to significantly improve the caring properties and anti-aging effect.
Mix with base oils (macadamia, almond, sesame, rose hip, pomegranate, avocado, wheat germ, grape seed). This is an excellent means of preventing and fighting wrinkles. Apply cream on top of the mixture or change in care: day mixture, day cream. Store the mixture in a brown glass bottle.
- You can overcome expression lines by mixing 9 ml of avocado oil, 1 ml of pomegranate seed oil with 1 drop of immortelle, 2 drops of rose or sandalwood and 1 drop of lemon (no lemon in summer). Apply in the evening.
- For deep wrinkles, try another recipe with essential oils. You need to mix 8 ml of jojoba oil, 1 ml of green coffee, 1 ml of primrose, add 1 drop of lemon grass, 1 drop of fennel, 1 drop of sage.
- The area around the eyes and the whole face will enjoy an exquisite recipe: macadamia 8 ml, wheat germ 1 ml, blackcurrant 1 ml, 1 drop each rose oil and frankincense. This is one of the simplest and most effective eyelid formulations at home.
Conclusion
There is a sufficient range of essential oils that are useful in the fight against wrinkles and slowing down the aging of the skin. It is important to choose the right esters and their combinations to get the best results from your daily facial care. Essential oils, which we have described in detail in the article, are suitable for any age.
But remember: in the fight against aging, it is important not only to organize proper facial care, but also to change your daily habits:
- Healthy food,
- take regular walks in the fresh air;
- quit smoking and alcohol;
- exercise;
- drink enough water;
- get enough sleep;
- avoid stress.
We want you to always stay young, beautiful and choose your ideal combination of essential oils to effectively fight wrinkles.