We all want to stay young and beautiful as long as possible so that the signs of aging do not bother us. Especially on the face. Of course, no one can hide from time: this is a natural process that all living things are subject to, without exception.
Age-related skin changes cannot be completely stopped. But it is entirely possible to slow them down and make the signs of aging less noticeable. And essential oils 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 to achieve the maximum effect? We will talk about 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 age and aging skin. 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 of skin aging.
Mechanism of wrinkle formation
Under the influence of external factors (UV radiation, poor nutrition, 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 retains water in skin tissue. As a result, the facial skin becomes drier and more sensitive to negative external factors.
Collagen and elastin fibers (proteins that take on the role of a scaffold) become less and less able to fulfill their supporting function over time. Some of them glycate, becoming brittle and hard, and some of them break down completely. The remaining fibers are not enough for the skin to remain as elastic and smooth as before. It literally sags 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.
- Heaviness.Elastin and collagen fibers also gradually slacken under their own weight due to gravity. The oval of the face becomes less clear and "floats".
- UV damage.Exposure to the sun or solarium without protective equipment leads to dehydration, damage to skin structures, activation of oxidative processes and premature skin aging.
- Bad habits.Smoking and lack of walks in the fresh air lead to 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 appears darker and rougher.
- Incorrect or inadequate nutrition.Strict diets lead to nutrient deficiencies. Sudden weight loss when the skin does not have time to "shrink" and becomes slack.
- Active facial expressions.It is characteristic of emotional people and causes spasms of small muscles. This fixes the skin folds.
- Increased or decreased tone of the facial muscles.For example, if the facial muscles are constantly relaxed or, on the contrary, tense during work (wrinkle between the eyebrows, squinting of the eyes), this leads to a change in the position of the tissues and even the appearance of wrinkles at a young age.
- Dermatological diseases, allergic reactions.Atopic dermatitis, for example, leads to dehydration and reduced elasticity, depleting the skin's resources.
As you can see, we can influence most of the reasons by changing our habits and lifestyle. Delaying the appearance of wrinkles is much easier than eliminating them. Therefore, let's find out what types of wrinkles there are.
Types of wrinkles
Wrinkles are divided into groups according to various criteria: depth of formation, severity, location or mechanism of formation. A distinction is made between the following types of wrinkles:
- on the forehead;
- Eyebrows;
- "Crow's feet";
- "Hare Folds";
- nasolabial and nasolabial;
- purse string;
- "puppets";
- mental wrinkle;
- "Rings of Venus"
If everything is clear with wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, nasolabial and nasolacrimal folds, then below we will briefly talk about the features of other groups.
- "Crow's feet"so-called wrinkles around the eyes. These are superficial thin folds that appear to diverge from one point in different directions. Because of this feature, which resembles the feet of a goose, they got their name.
- "rabbit wrinkles"- Small wrinkles that form on the sides of the nose. From the bridge of the nose they diverge diagonally towards the cheek. Such wrinkles are typical for people with active facial expressions who often laugh, wrinkle their nose and squint their eyes. Then the facial expression actually resembles a chewing rabbit.
- "puppets"The so-called mourning wrinkles run in a straight line from the corners of the lips to the chin. The reason for their appearance is constant overstrain of the muscles of the mouth (pursed lips). Similar to the slots on marionette dolls.
- "Wrinkles in your wallet"Go from your nose to your upper lip. They look like a tight bag or pouch, which is why they get 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 are caused by weakness, a lack of elasticity in the neck muscles, which no longer supports the skin. Add to that sleeping on high, uncomfortable pillows and constantly tilting your head forward - and unsightly wrinkles gradually appear in the neck.
How do you fight wrinkles?
Let's move on to the most interesting and important methods that help combat wrinkles on the face and other signs of premature skin aging. There are already a lot of these in humanity's arsenal. Everyone can choose a method that suits their taste and budget:
- Anti-aging treatments in the office of a professional beautician (plasmolifting, botulinum toxin injections, etc. );
- facelift and plastic surgeon;
- regular use of specialAnti-ageingCosmetics (face creams, masks, serums) for home use;
- Facial building courses, facial fitness (facial gymnastics against wrinkles);
- anti-aging massage;
- taking special vitamin and mineral complexes;
- Use essential oils.
All of these methods are effective in the fight against age-related changes. To make it sustainable, you need to rethink your entire lifestyle: eat right, give up sweets, exercise regularly and walk in the fresh air, give up bad habits, sleep 7-8 hours a day, learn to deal with stress.
Later in the article, we will take a closer look at which essential oils are best for preventing and eliminating wrinkles, depending on your age. The potential of this product in the fight against age-related changes in cosmetics is very great, but not everyone knows about it.
The best essential oils for facial wrinkles
What are the benefits of essential oils for counteracting age-related changes in facial skin? First, they have a positive effect on the limbic system of our brain, which is responsible for emotions. Secondly, the benefit of essential oils is that they act on the skin at a cellular level. The molecules of the active ingredients in oils are very small and lipophilic, they easily penetrate the skin structures and have a modulating effect on processes.
Table of the best carrier oils and essential oils for fighting wrinkles
| Base oil/essential oil | Basic properties | Old |
|---|---|---|
| primrose | Protects against the first wrinkles, helps normalize hormone levels and has an anti-inflammatory effect. | 30+ |
| Borago (borage) | Indispensable for problem skin and neurodermatitis (allergic reactions). Reduces irritation, dryness and flaking, 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+ |
| currant | Effectively restores peeling and inflammation, suitable for dry skin. Helps fight pigmentation and has a brightening effect. | 30+ |
| Macadamia | Ideal oil for dry, cracked and dehydrated skin. Essential for the care of the face, knees and elbows in autumn and winter, can be applied to the eyelids. It has a pronounced regenerating and deeply nourishing effect, slowing down aging and fading. | 30+ |
| avocado | Protects against UV rays, prevents the first wrinkles, nourishes the tissue deeply, prevents dehydration and accelerates the healing of small wounds. Suitable for oily, combination and dry skin, normalizes sebaceous gland function. | 30+ |
| jasmine | Evens complexion, removes dandruff and dryness. Suitable for problematic, inflammatory and oily skin. | 40+ |
| Himalayan cedar | Strong antioxidant effect and proven anti-allergic effect. Makes the skin structure smoother and activates regeneration processes. | 40+ |
| lavender | Effectively combats photoaging and helps with sunburn. Soothes irritated skin and accelerates 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 | It is ideal as a base for a mixture, is very stable and regulates both excess and deficiency of sebum. | 50+ |
| Neroli | Increases elasticity and combats tissue sagging. | 50+ |
| rose | Helps saturate with moisture, stimulates renewal, relieves inflammation and swelling, and protects against negative external factors. | 50+ |
| lemon | Brightens, removes age spots, tones and evens the complexion. | 50+ |
| sandalwood | It fights well against sagging and dry skin and makes wrinkles around the eyes less visible. | 50+ |
| Immortelle | Increases collagen synthesis and improves the condition of the vascular wall. | 50+ |
The classification of oils by age 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 skin function without being addictive and influence various processes. Therefore, these oils can be used at any age.
After 30 years
At this age, the skin no longer fulfills its barrier function as well and no longer retains moisture as well. The stratum corneum becomes thicker and the layer of living cells decreases. The first wrinkles and even "crow's feet" appear in the delicate eye area. This is the time when the formation of wrinkles and folds on the skin can be successfully prevented if you choose the right care, eat right and have a healthy dietlead lifestyle.
To prevent expression wrinkles from forming, we recommend including the best essential oils in your individual care program from the age of 30:
- Currant;
- primrose (evening primrose);
- Borago (borage, 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 flaking, relieve inflammation and accelerate tissue recovery.
Avocado and macadamia oil are very suitable for caring for dry skin. They nourish it deeply, soften it, make it smooth and elastic, and smooth out small wrinkles caused by dehydration and metabolic disorders. Avocado and macadamia oil are considered base oils. They can be used either in pure form, in the form of an oil serum under a cream, or by making creams and masks yourself.
If you already suffer from dark circles and puffiness at this age, you can use anti-wrinkle essential oils with lymph-draining and vascular-strengthening effects (geranium, fennel, immortelle, etc. ).
After 40 years
At this age, age-related changes to the skin become more common. The number of collagen and elastin fibers decreases by about 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 and are therefore much more difficult to combat than with wrinkles at an earlier age that arise due to insufficient hydration. Not many substances can penetrate tissues far from the surface of the skin.
The list of essential oils for wrinkles after 40 is quite long. The most popular oils are:
- Jasmine;
- Lavender;
- Himalayan cedar;
- Incense;
- Myrrh.
The facial oils Monarda and Myrtle provide a pronounced lifting effect. Traditionally, the widely used ingredients frankincense and myrrh tend to increase elasticity.
After 50 years
The use of phytoestrogens is strongly recommended when caring for mature skin. With the onset of menopause, the female body stops producing estrogen, which protects the skin from aging. You can try incorporating anise and fennel oil into blends and homemade creams in short courses. But with caution.
Due to the lack of estrogen, the number of collagen and elastin fibers decreases even faster (by 2% per year instead of 1% in the same period at age 40+). The skin becomes thinner, the volume and density of the facial bones decrease, which also leads to sagging of the epidermis and the appearance of wrinkles.
If you took good care of your face, protected it from the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation, eaten properly and led a healthy lifestyle, the condition of your skin at the age of 50 will be much better than those who did not careof high quality care.
Measures to maintain normal blood circulation in the epidermal tissue, strengthen blood vessels, as well as active moisturization, protection from UV rays and the use of oils help support the skin at this age. The most effective programs for people over 50:
- immortelle;
- neroli;
- roses;
- Sandalwood;
- Lemon (in addition to improving complexion).
How each of these oils works is shown in the table above. Oils of earlier ages are also used, especially esters from resins (myrrh, frankincense).
Using essential oils for wrinkles
Now let's talk about how to properly use essential oils to effectively counteract age-related changes in appearance and prevent wrinkles. By following these simple recommendations, you can get the maximum benefit from natural ingredients.
Important rules
Let's remember that essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Therefore, you need to use them carefully, observing the basic rules and precautions.
- Esters can cause skin irritation. Therefore, it is forbidden to use a new oil for facial care without first testing its 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 there are no signs of irritation at the application site after a day, you can use it safely.
- Many essential oils have contraindications. Some are prohibited for pregnant women, asthma patients and other serious problems. Therefore, please read the instructions carefully before purchasing.
- Do not apply essential oils undiluted to your face. In the worst case, oil intolerance can last for years.
- Only natural essential oils are suitable for fighting wrinkles. The use of synthetic substitutes can worsen skin condition.
- For the eye area, esters can only be used together with base oils or as a component of other homemade cosmetic products (creams, masks) and only in reduced quantities (1 drop per 10 ml base oil). When using it, care must be taken to ensure 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 contain more than 4 types of essential oils. Gradually complicate the mixture by using a mixture with an ester one week, adding another oil the next week, etc. And not 4 types at once. Otherwise, in case of a negative reaction, it will be difficult to find the culprit.
- It is preferable to change the set used every month. This way the effect will be brighter and more varied.
Application methods
Essential oils can be used in different ways for anti-aging care. You can use a specific type of ether, but you will get the best effect from a combination of several. The ester combinations must be done correctly so that the beneficial properties of each oil are enhanced and do not conflict.
To combat wrinkles, essential oils can:
Add organic substances to special cosmetic bases (night creams, lotions, nourishing masks, etc. ). In the truest sense of the word, a few drops of ether are enough to significantly improve the nourishing properties and anti-aging effect.
Mix with base oils (macadamia, almond, sesame, rosehip, pomegranate, avocado, wheat germ, grape seed oil). This is an excellent remedy for preventing and combating wrinkles. Apply the cream to the mixture or alternate care: day mixture, day cream. Store the mixture in a brown glass bottle.
- You can combat facial wrinkles 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 lemongrass, 1 drop of fennel and 1 drop of clary sage.
- The eye area and the entire face enjoy an exquisite formula: macadamia 8 ml, wheat germ 1 ml, black currant 1 ml, 1 drop each of rose oil and frankincense. This is one of the easiest and most effective at-home eyelid formulations.
Diploma
There is a sufficient selection of essential oils that are helpful in fighting wrinkles and slowing down skin aging. To achieve the best results in daily facial care, it is important to choose the right esters and their combinations. Essential oils, which we described in detail in the article, are suitable for all ages.
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;
- To do sports;
- drink enough water;
- get enough sleep;
- Avoid stress.
We wish you to always stay young and beautiful and choose your ideal combination of essential oils to effectively combat wrinkles.