We all want to stay young and beautiful for as long as possible so that the signs of aging don't bother us. Mainly on the face. Of course, no one can hide from time: 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 at different ages? How to use them correctly to get 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 may 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.
Wrinkle formation mechanism
Under the influence of external factors (ultraviolet radiation, poor diet, vitamin deficiency, chronic stress, lack of sleep) and natural processes, our skin loses elasticity and actively loses moisture. Over time, the body produces less and less hyaluronic acid, which retains water in dermal 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 structure) cope less and less with their support function over time. Partially they glycate, becoming brittle and hard, and partially they degrade 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.
- Gravity.Elastin and collagen fibers also gradually sag 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, leading to dehydration, damage to skin structures, activation of oxidative processes and premature aging.
- Bad habits.Smoking and lack of outdoor walks cause problems with blood circulation and tissue nutrition. When smoking, the skin "burns" and comes into contact with combustion products - increasing oxidative stress. Visually, smokers' skin appears darker and rougher.
- Incorrect or inadequate nutrition.Strict diets that lead to a lack of nutrients. Sudden weight loss, when the skin does not have time to "shrink" and sags.
- Active facial expressions.Characteristic of emotional people, it causes spasms in small muscles. In this way, skin creases are corrected.
- Increase or decrease in facial muscle tone.When the facial muscles are constantly relaxed or, on the contrary, tense, for example, during work (fold between the eyebrows, squinting), this leads to a change in the position of the tissues and the appearance of wrinkles even at a young age .
- Dermatological diseases, allergic reactions.Atopic dermatitis, for example, leads to dehydration and decreased 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 exist.
Types of wrinkles
Wrinkles are divided into groups according to different criteria: depth of occurrence, degree of severity, location or formation mechanism. The following types of wrinkles are distinguished:
- on the forehead;
- eyebrows;
- "Crow's foot";
- "rabbit wrinkles";
- nasolabial and nasolabial;
- purse string;
- "puppets";
- mental bending;
- "Rings of Venus"
If everything is clear with wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, nasolabial and nasolacrimal wrinkles, we will briefly talk about the characteristics of the other groups below.
- "Crow's foot"called wrinkles located around the eyes. These are thin superficial folds that appear to diverge in different directions from one point. Because of this feature, which resembles a goose's feet, they get their name.
- "Rabbit Wrinkles"- small folds that form on the side of the nose. From the back of the nose they diverge at an angle towards the cheek. These folds are typical of people with active facial expressions, who tend to laugh, wrinkle their nose and squint their eyes. Then the facial expression takes on some resemblance to that of a rabbit chewing.
- "Puppets", or mourning lines, run in a straight line from the corners of the lips to the chin. The reason for its appearance is the constant excessive tension of the mouth muscles (pursed lips). Similar to puppet doll slots.
- "Wrinkles on the Purse String"go from nose to upper lip. They look like a tight bag or purse, which is why they got their name. They usually appear in adulthood.
- "Rings of Venus"- folds in the form of horizontal stripes on the neck. They look like deep grooves and appear due to the weakness and lack of elasticity of the neck muscles, which no longer support the skin. In addition, sleeping on high, uncomfortable pillows, constantly tilting your head forward - and unattractive wrinkles gradually appear on the neck.
How to combat wrinkles?
Let's move on to the most interesting and important - methods that help combat wrinkles on the face and other signs of premature aging. There are already many 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 cosmetologist (plasmolifting, botulinum toxin injections, etc. );
- facelift and plastic surgeon;
- regular use of specialanti agingcosmetics (face creams, masks, serums) at home;
- facial strengthening classes, facial fitness (facial gymnastics against wrinkles);
- anti-aging massage;
- take 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 reconsider your entire lifestyle: eat right, eliminate 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 this article, we'll take a closer look at which essential oils are best for preventing and eliminating wrinkles depending on age. The potential of this product in the fight against age-related changes in cosmetology is very great, 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 facial skin? Firstly, they have a beneficial effect on the limbic system of our brain, which is responsible for emotions. Secondly, the advantage of essential oils is that they affect the skin at a cellular level. This occurs because the molecules of the active substances in the oils are very small and lipophilic, they easily penetrate the skin's structures and have a modulating effect on the processes.
Table of the best carrier and essential oils to combat wrinkles
| Base/Essential Oil | Basic properties | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Primula | Protects against the first wrinkles, helps normalize hormonal levels and has an anti-inflammatory effect. | 30+ |
| Borago (borage) | Indispensable for skin problems and atopic dermatitis (allergic reactions). Reduces irritation, dryness and flaking, restores the barrier function of the epidermis, preventing loss of hydration. Slows down age-related changes, has a powerful regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. | 30+ |
| Gooseberry | Restores, effectively removes peeling and inflammation, suitable for dry skin. Helps combat pigmentation and has a brightening effect. | 30+ |
| Macadamia | Ideal oil for dry, cracked and dehydrated skin. Essential for caring for the face, knees and elbows in autumn and winter, it 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, deeply nourishes tissues, preventing dehydration, accelerates the healing of small wounds. Recommended for oily, combination and dry skin, it normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands. | 30+ |
| Jasmine | Evens out the complexion, removes flaking and dryness. Suitable for problematic, inflammation-prone and oily skin. | 40+ |
| Himalayan cedar | Powerful antioxidant effect and proven anti-allergic effect. It makes the skin's texture smoother and activates regeneration processes. | 40+ |
| Lavender | Effectively combats photoaging and helps with sunburn. Soothes irritated skin and accelerates healing. | 40+ |
| Incense | It increases elasticity, eliminates inflammation and is actively used in anti-aging care. Accelerates healing. | 40+ |
| Myrrh | Smoothes fine wrinkles, slows down degenerative processes and effectively restores cracked skin. | 40+ |
| Jojoba | Excellent as a mixing base, it is highly stable, regulating both excess and deficiency of sebum. | More than 50 |
| Neroli | Increases elasticity and combats sagging of tissues. | More than 50 |
| pink | It helps to saturate with moisture, stimulates renewal, relieves inflammation and swelling, protects against negative external factors. | More than 50 |
| Lemon | Brightens, removes age spots, tones and evens out the complexion. | More than 50 |
| Sandalwood | It fights sagging and dry skin well, making wrinkles around the eyes less noticeable. | More than 50 |
| Immortelle | Increases collagen synthesis, improves the condition of the vascular wall. | More than 50 |
The division 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 causing addiction and influence various processes. Therefore, these oils can be used at any age.
After 30 years
At this age, the skin fulfills its barrier function and does not retain moisture as well. The stratum corneum becomes thicker 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 creases on the skin can be successfully avoided 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 over 30s in your individual care program:
- currant;
- primrose (primrose);
- borago (borage, borage);
- avocado;
- macadamia.
The first 3 oils on this list are especially important. Due to the presence of gamma-linolenic acids and other fatty acids in these oils, they effectively eliminate moisture loss, fight peeling, 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 soft and elastic, smooth out small wrinkles caused by dehydration and metabolic disorders. Avocado and macadamia oils are considered base oils. They can be used in their pure form, in the form of an oil serum under a cream, or making creams and masks from them yourself.
If at this age you are already bothered by dark circles and puffiness, you can use anti-wrinkle essential oils with lymphatic drainage, vascular strengthening effect (geranium, 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 dermis' ability to retain moisture continues to decline and less and less hyaluronic acid and other glycosaminoglycans are produced.
These processes occur in the deep layers of the dermis, so it is much more difficult to deal with them than with earlier wrinkles that appear due to insufficient hydration. Few substances can penetrate tissues located far from the skin's surface.
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 best to increase elasticity.
After 50 years
The use of phytoestrogens is strongly recommended in the care of mature skin. Because with the onset of menopause, the female body stops independently producing estrogen, which protects the skin from aging. You can try including fennel and anise oils in homemade mixtures and creams in short courses. But with caution.
Due to estrogen deficiency, the number of collagen and elastin fibers decreases even more rapidly (2% per year instead of 1% over the same period at age 40 and over). 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 well and led a healthy lifestyle, then by the age of 50 the condition of your skin will be much better than that of those who did not take careful care Of Quality.
Measures aimed at maintaining normal blood flow in the tissues of the epidermis, strengthening blood vessels, as well as active hydration, protection against UV rays and the use of oils help support the skin at this age. The most effective broadcasts for people over 50:
- immortal;
- neroli;
- roses;
- sandalwood;
- lemon (as an additional, to improve complexion).
How each of these oils works is detailed in the table above. Oils from previous age groups are also used, mainly resin esters (myrrh, frankincense).
Using Essential Oils for Wrinkles
Now let's talk about how to use essential oils correctly to effectively combat age-related changes in appearance and prevent wrinkles. Following these simple recommendations will help you get the most benefit from natural ingredients.
Main rules
Let us remember that essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Therefore, it is necessary to use them carefully, observing 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 use it safely.
- Many essential oils have contraindications. Some are prohibited for use by pregnant women, patients with asthma 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 may develop an intolerance to petroleum for many years.
- Only natural essential oils are suitable for fighting wrinkles. The use of synthetic substitutes can worsen the condition of the skin.
- For the skin around the eyes, esters can be used exclusively in conjunction 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). During application, care must be taken to ensure that the oil does not enter the mucosa.
- 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. Complicate the mixture gradually, using a mixture with an ester for a week, adding another oil the following week, etc. And not 4 types at the same time. Otherwise, it will be difficult to find the culprit in the event of a negative reaction.
- It is preferable to change the set used every month. This way the effect will be brighter and more diverse.
Application methods
Essential oils can be used for anti-aging care in different ways. You can use a specific type of ether, but the best effect can be achieved by combining several. Ester combinations must be made correctly, so the beneficial properties of each oil will be enhanced and not conflict.
To combat wrinkles, essential oils can:
Add organic products 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, rosehip, pomegranate, avocado, wheat germ, grape seed). This is an excellent remedy for preventing and combating wrinkles. Apply the cream on top of the mixture or alternate care: daytime mixture, daytime cream. Store the mixture in a brown glass jar.
- You can overcome fine 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 at night.
- 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 evening primrose, add 1 drop of lemongrass, 1 drop of fennel, 1 drop of sage.
- The area around the eyes and the entire face will enjoy an exquisite recipe: macadamia nuts 8 ml, wheat germ 1 ml, black currant 1 ml, 1 drop of rose oil and frankincense. This is one of the simplest and most effective eyelid formulations at home.
Conclusion
There is a sufficient variety of essential oils that are useful in combating wrinkles and slowing down skin aging. It is important to choose the correct esters and their combinations to obtain the best results in daily facial care. Essential oils, which we describe in detail in the article, are suitable for any age.
But remember: in the fight against aging, it is important not only to organize adequate facial care, but also to change your daily habits:
- Healthy food,
- take regular walks in the fresh air;
- stop smoking and alcohol;
- exercise;
- drink a lot of water;
- get enough sleep;
- avoid stress.
We wish you to always remain young, beautiful and choose the ideal combination of essential oils to effectively combat wrinkles.