We all want to stay young and beautiful for 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 to which all living beings are subject, without exception.
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 achieve maximum effect? We will talk about all this in our article.
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What types of wrinkles exist?
Wrinkles on the face are the most obvious and unpleasant sign of old age and aging of the 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.
Wrinkle formation mechanism
Under the influence of external factors (ultraviolet radiation, poor nutrition, vitamin deficiency, chronic stress, lack of sleep) and natural processes, our skin loses elasticity and actively loses moisture. As time passes, the body produces less and less hyaluronic acid, which retains water in the dermal tissues. As a result, the skin on the face becomes drier and more sensitive to negative external factors.
Collagen and elastin fibers (proteins that play the role of structure) over time are less and less able to carry out their support function. Partly glycan, becoming brittle and hard, partly degrading 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.
- Severity.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 leads to dehydration, damage to skin structures, activation of oxidative processes and premature aging.
- Bad habits.Smoking and lack of walks in the fresh air cause problems with blood circulation and tissue nutrition. When you smoke, your skin "burns" and comes into contact with combustion products, increasing oxidative stress. Visually, smokers' skin appears darker and rougher.
- Incorrect or inadequate power supply.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 of small muscles. In this way the skin folds are repaired.
- Increased or decreased tone of the facial muscles.When the facial muscles are constantly relaxed or, conversely, tense, for example, during work (fold between the eyebrows, squinting of the eyes), 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. So let's try to understand what types of wrinkles exist.
Types of wrinkles
Wrinkles are divided into groups based on different criteria: depth of appearance, degree of severity, location or mechanism of formation. The following types of wrinkles are distinguished:
- on the forehead;
- eyebrows;
- "Crow's feet";
- "rabbit wrinkles";
- nasolabial and nasolabial;
- bag drawstring;
- "puppets";
- mental fold;
- "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 features of other groups below.
- "Crow's feet"called wrinkles located around the eyes. These are superficial thin folds that appear to diverge in different directions from one point. Because of this feature, which resembles the paws of a goose, they get their name.
- "Rabbit Wrinkles"- small folds that form on the sides of the nose. From the back 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 their eyes. So the facial expression actually takes on some resemblance to a chewing rabbit.
- "Puppets", or pain lines, run in a straight line from the corners of the lips to the chin. The reason for their appearance is the constant overstrain of the mouth muscles (pursed lips). Similar to puppet doll slots.
- "Bag wrinkles"go from nose to upper lip. They look like a bag or a narrow pouch, 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 furrows and appear due to weakness, 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, unattractive folds gradually appear on your 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 premature aging. There are already quite a few of them in humanity's arsenal. Everyone can choose a method suited to their tastes 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;
- face building courses, face fitness (facial gymnastics against wrinkles);
- anti-aging massage;
- taking specialized vitamin and mineral complexes;
- use essential oils.
All these methods are effective in combating age-related changes. To make it sustainable, you need to reconsider your entire lifestyle: eat well, eliminate sweets, regularly exercise and walk in the fresh air, abandon 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 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? First of all, they have a beneficial effect on the limbic system of our brain, responsible for emotions. Secondly, the advantage of essential oils is that they act on the skin at a cellular level. This is because the molecules of the active ingredients contained in the oils are very small and lipophilic, they easily penetrate the skin structures and have a modulating effect on the processes.
Table of the best carrier and essential oils to fight wrinkles
| Base/essential oil | Basic properties | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Primrose | Protects against first wrinkles, helps normalize hormone levels and has an anti-inflammatory effect. | 30+ |
| Borago (borage) | Indispensable in case of problematic skin and atopic dermatitis (allergic reactions). It reduces irritation, dryness and flaking, restores the barrier function of the epidermis, stopping the loss of moisture. Slows down age-related changes, has a powerful regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. | 30+ |
| Currant | Effectively restores, removes flaking and inflammation, suitable for dry skin. It helps fight pigmentation and has a brightening effect. | 30+ |
| Macadamia | Ideal oil for dry, chapped, dehydrated skin. Indispensable for the care of the face, knees and elbows in autumn and winter, it can be applied to the eyelids. It has a pronounced repairing and deeply nourishing effect, slows down aging and fading. | 30+ |
| Avocado | Protects from UV rays, prevents the first wrinkles, deeply nourishes the tissues, preventing dehydration, accelerates the healing of small wounds. Suitable for oily, combination and dry skin, it normalizes 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 structure smoother and activates regeneration processes. | 40+ |
| Lavender | Effectively fights photoaging and helps against sunburn. Soothes irritated skin and accelerates healing. | 40+ |
| Incense | It 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 chapped skin. | 40+ |
| Jojoba | Excellent as a mixture base, it is highly stable, regulates both excess and deficiency of sebum. | 50+ |
| Neroli | Increases elasticity and fights tissue relaxation. | 50+ |
| Rose | Helps saturate moisture, stimulates renewal, relieves inflammation and swelling, protects from negative external factors. | 50+ |
| Lemon | Lightens, removes age spots, tones, evens out the complexion. | 50+ |
| Sandal | It fights sagging skin and skin dryness well, making wrinkles around the eyes less evident. | 50+ |
| Immortalize | Increases collagen synthesis, improves the condition of the vascular wall. | 50+ |
The age division of oils is more than arbitrary. They are selected based on 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 influence various processes. Therefore, these oils can be used at any age.
After 30 years
At this age, the skin copes with its barrier function and retains moisture not so 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 wrinkles on the skin can be successfully prevented if you choose the right care, eat well and lead a healthy lifestyle.
To prevent the appearance of facial wrinkles, we recommend including the best essential oils for people aged 30 and over in your individual care program:
- currant;
- primrose (evening primrose);
- borago (borage, borage);
- avocado;
- macadamia.
The first 3 oils on this list are especially important. Due to the presence of gamma-linolenic and other fatty acids in these oils, they effectively eliminate moisture loss, fight flaking, relieve inflammation and accelerate tissue restoration.
Avocado and macadamia oils are very useful for dry skin care. They nourish it deeply, 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 both in their pure form, in the form of an oily serum under a cream, and by making creams and masks with them.
If at this age you already suffer from dark circles and puffiness, you can use anti-wrinkle essential oils with lymphatic drainage and vascular strengthening effects (geranium, fennel, helichrysum, 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 decline 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 early age that arise due to insufficient hydration. Not many substances are able to penetrate tissues located 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, frankincense and myrrh, which are widely used, work more to increase elasticity.
After 50 years
The use of phytoestrogens is strongly recommended in mature skin care. Because with the onset of menopause, the female body ceases to independently produce estrogen, which protects the skin from aging. You can try including anise and fennel oils in homemade blends and creams in short servings. But with caution.
Due to estrogen deficiency, the number of collagen and elastin fibers decreases even more rapidly (by 2% per year instead of 1% compared to the same period from the age of 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 care of your face, protected it from the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation, ate well and led a healthy lifestyle, by the age of 50 your skin condition will be much better than that of those who do not took care of quality care.
Measures aimed at maintaining normal blood flow in the tissues of the epidermis, strengthening of blood vessels, as well as active hydration, protection from UV rays and the use of oils help to support the skin at this age. The most effective broadcasts for people over 50:
- immortal;
- neroli;
- Rose;
- sandal;
- lemon (as an adjunct, to improve the complexion).
How each of these oils works is detailed in the table above. Oils of earlier ages are also used, especially resin esters (myrrh, incense).
Using essential oils for wrinkles
Let's now talk about how to correctly use essential oils to effectively combat age-related changes in appearance and prevent wrinkles. Following these simple tips will help you get the most benefit from natural ingredients.
Key rules
Remember that essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Therefore it is necessary to use them carefully, observing fundamental rules and precautions.
- Esters may 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 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 others with serious conditions. Please therefore read the instructions carefully before purchasing.
- Do not apply undiluted essential oils to your face. In the worst case, you can develop an oil intolerance 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 be used exclusively together with base oils or within other homemade cosmetic products (creams, masks) and only in a reduced percentage (1 drop every 10 ml of base oil). During application, care must be taken to ensure that the oil does not penetrate 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. Gradually complicate the mixture, using a mixture with an ester for one week, adding 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 set used every month. This way the effect will be brighter and more diversified.
Application procedure
Essential oils can be used for anti-aging care in several ways. You can use a specific type of ether, but the best effect can be achieved with a combination of several. Ester combinations must be done correctly, then the beneficial properties of each oil will be enhanced and will not conflict.
To fight 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 healing properties and anti-aging effect.
Mix with base oils (macadamia, almond, sesame, rose hip, pomegranate, avocado, wheat germ, grape seed). This is an excellent remedy for preventing and fighting wrinkles. Apply the cream over the mixture or alternate in the care: day mixture, day cream. Store the mixture in a brown glass bottle.
- You can overcome fine lines by mixing 9 ml of avocado oil, 1 ml of pomegranate seed oil with 1 drop of helichrysum, 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, 1 drop of clary sage.
- The area around the eyes, and the entire face, will enjoy an exquisite recipe: macadamia 8 ml, wheat germ 1 ml, blackcurrant 1 ml, 1 drop each 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 useful in fighting wrinkles and slowing down skin aging. It is important to choose the right esters and their combinations to get the best results from daily facial care. Essential oils, which we 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 adequate facial care, but also to change your daily habits:
- Healthy food,
- take regular walks outdoors;
- quit smoking and alcohol;
- exercise;
- drink enough water;
- get enough sleep;
- avoid stress.
We wish you to always remain young, beautiful and choose your ideal combination of essential oils to effectively fight wrinkles.