Smooth, firm and elastic skin on the face and body is every woman's dream. The tone of the dermis can decrease for several reasons: due to age, certain diseases, weight gain, dehydration. Let's talk about ways to restore and long-term preserve the excellent turgor of the epidermis.
What determines skin elasticity?
The tone of the dermis is your general state of health, that is, normal cell metabolism, free tissue breathing, hence softness, density and beautiful appearance. The period during which the skin retains its elasticity is only 10-15% dependent on genetics. For the most part, the condition of the skin depends on our lifestyle, habits, nutrition, etc.
The skin tone of the face and body begins to deteriorate from the age of 25 onwards: at this time, age-related changes and care errors accumulate, triggering negative processes in the dermis. As a rule, visually it is still invisible, but self-care needs to be intensified to increase the density and elasticity of the skin.
After 35 years, the decrease in tone begins to manifest itself especially clearly. The reasons for this process:
- decreased production of collagen, elastin and hyaluron in the skin: the first is responsible for tissue density, the second gives general tone, the third helps to retain moisture;
- weakening of the facial muscles: the muscular structure that supports the skin ceases to fulfill its functions, and the skin flows under the influence of gravity, becoming covered with folds and creases;
- weakness of blood vessels and capillaries - once nutrients and oxygen enter the skin through them, vascular problems immediately affect your condition;
- acute and chronic diseases, especially of a hormonal nature, as well as dermatological; - because of them, metabolic processes are disturbed in the skin;
- inaccuracies in nutrition: lack of nutrients and fluids prevents the skin from regenerating, forming new healthy cells;
- inadequate care: poor quality aggressive cosmetics disturb the hydration balance of cells, poison the skin with toxins, do not provide the necessary protection, damage the lipid layer;
- toxins and free radicals in the air and ultraviolet light: all of this dries out the skin, makes it lazy and prone to wrinkles.
As you can see, each of the factors that reduce skin tone can be corrected with the help of competent care procedures.
Important! Decreased skin tone is mainly caused by lack of regular skin care. Therefore, if you don't use night creams or apply them incorrectly, the dermis loses its optimal level of hydration. Ignoring nourishing creams and masks leads to a decrease in firmness.
How to improve skin tone?
To restore the skin's elasticity and firmness, many turn to cosmetology and plastic surgery. Professional procedures (biorevitalization, botulinum toxin injections, introduction of subcutaneous fillers, threads, tensors, etc. ) are really capable of quickly and effectively making the face and body attractive.
However, regular skin care is essential, even after invasive procedures. Furthermore: an attentive attitude towards yourself, the timely implementation of simple actions will help to postpone the knowledge of needles and a scalpel for a long time, to eliminate skin imperfections. We'll share these safe and affordable ways to restore skin turgor.
Important! To achieve results, you need strict self-discipline for 2 to 4 months. If during this period you perform daily procedures at home, your face will literally be transformed. And then useful actions will simply become a habit.
Moisturizer - rule number 1
To tone your skin - on your face, around your eyes and all over your body - you need to drink plenty of fluids. It's the water that helps keep the skin fresh and healthy at any age: after 45 and after 50 years. Thanks to the water in the epidermis, the metabolic and regeneration processes proceed intensely, the collagen and elastin fibers remain flexible. Hyaluronic acid binds and retains water molecules, giving cells an ideal turgor.
The skin gets most of the water it needs, not from the creams and serums we apply, but from the intercellular space. This is where water molecules from the blood enter and enter the blood - from the digestive tract. The dermis consumes about 200 ml of water a day - not a single bottle of cream can contain that amount.
How much water should you drink for optimal skin tone? The fee is calculated based on a person's weight: approximately 30 ml per 1 kg. In any case, for an adult, the amount of clean water consumed should not be less than 1. 5 liters per day.
The volume of water in the epidermis depends not only on the amount of liquid ingested, but also on the skin's ability to retain it: with age and under the influence of harmful factors (sun, wind, toxic substances, alcohol cosmetics, medications) , this capacity decreases. In order for moisture to be retained in the skin, it is necessary to monitor the state of the lipid layer - the thin fatty layer of the dermis.
The skin can lose moisture, including due to the malfunction of the kidneys, the heart, certain diseases (diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, etc. ). In that case, a consultation with a specialist and timely treatment will help to resolve the problem.
Important! Even slight dehydration significantly changes the appearance of the epidermis and spoils its structure: dark circles become more pronounced, wrinkles become deeper and the oval of the face sinks and becomes distorted.
What foods improve skin tone?
The beauty and health of the skin 80% depends on food: all the components necessary for the construction and repair of cells enter our body through nutrition. The skin tone can also be improved with products that stimulate the production of hyaluronate, elastin and collagen.
The nutritionists' recommendations are as follows:
- the basis of the diet should be fresh or roasted fruits and vegetables; special attention should be given to orange and red fruits (tomatoes, peppers, carrots, pumpkin, persimmon, apricot, etc. ) - they are rich in lycopene (antioxidant), which protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation and sagging;
- you should consume 150-200 g of lean meat, chicken, cheese, vegetables a day, because protein is an essential component of collagen, elastin (its main component is amino acids); in addition, dietary protein helps synthesize the carnosine dipeptide, which increases the strength of collagen fibers;
- eat at least 300 g of fish and seafood per week: contain omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, selenium - components that prolong the youth of the skin by protecting the collagen fibers from destruction;
- include nuts, plant seeds (30 g per day) in your diet - in addition to fatty acids, they also contain rare alpha-linolenic acids, proteins, zinc, copper and magnesium - everything you need to keep your skin soft and supple;
- get used to using 5 g of gelatin-containing products a day (jelly meat, gelatin, etc. ) - gelatin contains a large amount of bioavailable collagen and after two months of use it visibly increases skin tone (fish oil has similar properties );
- eat soy products (tofu cheese, soy meat, milk, etc. ) - they contain a plant analogue of the hormone estrogen, which is responsible for skin hydration, turgor and density, as well as the isoflavonoid genistein, which blocks enzymes that reduce the tone of the epidermis;
- it's worth giving up on baked, sweet, carbonated, alcoholic, caffeinated, fried, smoked, savory, fast food beverages - all of these products destroy elastin and collagen fibers and halt the production of hyaluronic acid.
Important! Dermatologists and cosmetologists know the term "sugar face": it is a face with greyish, sagging, swollen, sagging oval, wrinkles, bags under the eyes and rashes. Why is sugar so bad for your skin? Eating too many sweets leads to glycation: glucose molecules destroy the elasticity of collagen fibers. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and saggy - especially around the eyes.
Sports: the collagen factory within us
How to improve the skin tone of the face and body after 40-45 years, when the decrease in the elasticity of the epidermis becomes especially noticeable? First, with the help of sport and physical activity.
- First, strength training strengthens muscles, increases their volume, which causes the skin to stretch and straighten naturally. This is especially true for people who have lost weight as a result of diet and cardiovascular training.
- Second, microdamage to muscle fibers and adjacent tissues during physical exertion triggers powerful regeneration processes in the body, which increases the production of collagen fibers throughout the body - the skin after exercise receives more collagen than after the program of most modern cosmetology.
- Third, the charges activate blood circulation in the body, forcing the epidermis to breathe more intensely and nourishing it with useful substances. As a result, skin color improves, its density and elasticity increase.
Intensive exercise is sufficient three times a week for an hour. Use additional weight: Your weight should be such that the working muscle group cannot perform more than 8-12 reps. However, physical activity shouldn't end with just training: don't miss any opportunity to move, and your skin will respond with a flowery appearance.
Important! If you are short on time, there are serious contraindications to strength training, so do at least minimal physical activity. Let it be simple for an hour's walk a day, yoga or swimming - this will do a good job of increasing skin tone.
facial construction and massage
Exercising and facial massage is one of the best and safest ways to tone your skin. The developed muscular structure of the face helps to smooth the epidermis, increase its elasticity, strength, turgor.
There are a large number of facial building and facial fitness systems. The fundamentals of facial gymnastics can be taught by experts.
As for facial massage techniques, cosmetologists today have more than 20 types:
- zogan;
- asahi;
- toffa;
- hakeem;
- reassuring;
- roll-stretch technique, etc.
However, to perform a facial massage, you can do it without special skills. Simply pat, pinch and gently rub the skin along the massage lines.
To achieve this effect, regularity is important: spend 10 to 15 minutes in class. daily. Apply some moisturizer or natural oil to your face before proceeding to soften your skin and make it easier for your fingers to glide.
There are also contraindications for facial fitness and facial massage:
- Warm;
- violation of skin integrity;
- purulent eruptions;
- diseases in the acute phase;
- herpes;
- poor blood clotting.
Important! Facial gymnastics and massage are also excellent vascular training. They can also be trained with ice or contrast wash. However, if you blush easily in a stuffy room or over a glass of wine, you should refuse to use ice - otherwise, rosacea may develop on your face.
Cosmetics for skin elasticity
To maintain your skin tone, you should regularly use skin care cosmetics - naturally:
- as natural as possible;
- High quality;
- suitable for your skin type;
- according to the expiration date.
Cosmetic brands launch special product lines that promise to restore the skin's elasticity - the achievements of modern cosmetology make it possible to believe in these promises.
What substances must be present to increase skin tone?
- Hydro-fixing agents - are responsible for increasing the skin's hydration level: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, chitosan, aloe, algae extracts, etc.
- Antioxidants - tone the skin, protect cells from oxidation: vitamin C, E, coenzyme Q10, green tea extract, grape seed, chokeberry, etc.
- Draining components - carry useful components to the skin, retain moisture, restore the lipid mantle: caffeine, aescin, dextran.
- Natural oils - create a lipid film on the skin, contributing to its hydration, nutrition and regeneration: almond, peach, grape, apricot kernel, essential oils.
What cosmetic products are needed for regular use?
- Moisturizing serum. Skin cannot be elastic without strong cell membranes and good hydration - that's what serums are made for. The product has a very light texture, is instantly absorbed, preparing the dermis for subsequent application of the cream. Regular use of the product literally transforms the skin, making it possible to abandon even the foundation.
- Daily cream. Means to hydrate, nourish the skin, in addition to protecting against ultraviolet radiation (a good cream always has a high SPF). The cream covers the skin with a thin protective film of lipids, which prevents the dermis from losing moisture. There should be several day creams: it's better to have separate products for the skin around the eyes, neck and décolleté - here the skin is thinner, more delicate and the cream requires a lighter but more intense action.
- Night cream. It is the nighttime use of the product, and not the visit to the beauty salons, that gives the skin elasticity, density, firmness: the dermis cells are more active from 1 to 4 in the morning. At this time, the susceptibility to the product components is maximum. The ingredients in the night cream accelerate cell renewal and help build new and stronger ones.
- Masks are a very effective means of enhancing skin tone. Under its influence, blood circulation and lymph flow, metabolism and tissue respiration are improved. A noticeable effect is provided by the course running procedures: 10-15 times in a row, then 1-2 times a week to maintain the result. The effect of the mask is enhanced if applied after the massage.
- Peel, scrub. Once a week, you need to deeply cleanse your skin with these products. Exfoliation produces a dynamic massage of the skin's surface, being also perceived by it as a microdamage, which stimulates blood circulation and the regeneration of the epidermis, the growth of collagen and elastin fibers. As a result, the skin gains firmness, smoothness and an even color.
Important! The cream is best applied to clean, moist skin after washing: water is an excellent conductor of nutrients to the deep layers of the dermis. The product is applied to the skin in a very thick layer, along the massage lines. After half an hour, the excess is carefully removed with a napkin.
The tone of the epidermis directly depends on the general condition of our body. Often, a good night's sleep and rest are enough for the skin to regain the desired elasticity and density. And following the tips outlined in the article will help you always look beautiful!