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: it is a natural process to which all living beings are subjected 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 in 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 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 (ultraviolet radiation, improper nutrition, lack of vitamins, 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 water in the 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 a framework) cope less and less with their supporting function over time. They are partially glycated, becoming brittle and hard, and partially degraded completely. The remaining fibers are not enough to keep the skin 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.Reduced 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, which leads to dehydration, damage to skin structures, activation of oxidation 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 - increasing oxidative stress. Visually, the skin of smokers appears darker and rougher.
- Improper or inadequate nutrition.Strict diets leading to nutrient deficiencies. Sudden weight loss when the skin does not have time to "shrink" and sags.
- Active facial expressions.Characteristic of emotional people, causes spasms of small muscles. In this way, the folds of the skin are fixed.
- Increased or decreased facial muscle tone.When the facial muscles are constantly relaxed or, on the contrary, tense, for example during work (fold between the eyebrows, narrowing 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 reduced elasticity, depleting 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, degree of expression, localization or mechanism of formation. The following types of wrinkles are distinguished:
- on the forehead;
- eyebrows;
- "chanterelle";
- "rabbit wrinkles";
- nasolabial and nasolabial;
- purse;
- "dolls";
- mental fold;
- "Rings of Venus"
If everything is clear with forehead wrinkles, between the eyebrows, nasolabial and nasolacrimal wrinkles, then we will briefly talk about the characteristics of other groups below.
- "Chanterelle"called wrinkles located around the eyes. These are superficial thin folds that seem to diverge in different directions from a single point. Due to this feature, which resembles the legs 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 to the cheek. Such folds are typical of people with active facial expressions, who often laugh, wrinkle their nose and squint their eyes. Then the facial expression actually takes on some 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 overstrain of the muscles of the mouth (curved lips). Similar to the marionette doll slots.
- "Wrinkles like a purse"go from the nose to the upper lip. They look like a tight bag or 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. Plus sleeping on high, uncomfortable pillows, constantly tilting the head forward - and unattractive folds gradually appear on the neck.
How to fight wrinkles?
Let's move on to the most interesting and important - methods that help against facial wrinkles and other signs of early aging. In the arsenal of humanity there are already quite a few of them. Everyone can choose a method according to their taste and budget:
- anti-aging procedures in the office of a professional cosmetologist (plasmolifting, botulinum toxin injection, etc. );
- facelift and plastic surgeon;
- regular use of special
anti-aging cosmetics (face creams, masks, serums) at home; - face building classes, face fitness (anti-wrinkle facial gymnastics);
- anti-aging massage;
- taking 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 revise your entire lifestyle: eat right, eliminate sweets, regularly exercise and walk in the fresh air, give up bad habits, sleep 7-8 hours a day, to learn to cope with stress.
Further 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 the skin of the face? First, they have a beneficial effect on the limbic system of our brain, which is responsible for emotions. Second, 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 the oils are very small and lipophilic, they easily penetrate the skin structures and have a modulating effect on the processes.
Chart of the best anti-wrinkle carriers and essential oils
| Base/essential oil | Basic properties | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Primrose | It protects against the first wrinkles, helps normalize hormonal levels and has an anti-inflammatory effect. | 30+ |
| Borago (Poreč) | Indispensable for problem skin and atopic dermatitis (allergic reactions). Reduces irritation, dryness and flaking, restores the barrier function of the epidermis, stopping moisture loss. It slows down age-related changes, has a powerful regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. | 30+ |
| black currant | Effectively restores, removes peeling and inflammation, suitable for dry skin. It helps fight pigmentation and has a brightening effect. | 30+ |
| Macadamia | An ideal oil for dry, chapped, dehydrated skin. Indispensable in the care of 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 withering. | 30+ |
| avocado | Protects from ultraviolet rays, prevents the appearance of the first wrinkles, deeply nourishes the tissues, preventing dehydration, accelerates the healing of small wounds. Suitable for oily, combination and dry skin, normalizes the work of sebaceous glands. | 30+ |
| Jasmine | Evens the complexion, removes flaking and dryness. Suitable for problematic, inflamed and oily skin. | 40+ |
| Himalayan cedar | Powerful antioxidant effect and proven anti-allergic effect. It makes the texture of the skin smoother and activates regeneration processes. | 40+ |
| Lavender | Effectively fights photoaging and helps with sunburn. Soothes irritated skin and accelerates healing. | 40+ |
| Incense | It increases elasticity, removes 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 mixture base, highly stable, regulates both excess and deficiency of sebum. | 50+ |
| Neroli | Increases elasticity and fights tissue sagging. | 50+ |
| Rose | It helps to saturate with moisture, stimulates renewal, relieves inflammation and swelling, protects against negative external factors. | 50+ |
| Lemon | Brightens, removes age spots, tones, evens the complexion. | 50+ |
| Sandalwood | It fights well with sagging and dry skin, making wrinkles around the eyes less noticeable. | 50+ |
| Immortal | Increases collagen synthesis, improves the condition of the vascular wall. | 50+ |
The age division of the 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 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 copes with its barrier function and does not retain moisture 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 moment when the formation of wrinkles and folds on the skin can be successfully prevented if you choose the right care, the right diet and 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:
- black currant;
- primrose (evening primrose);
- borage (borago, borage);
- avocado;
- macadamia.
The first 3 oils on this list are especially important. Thanks 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 recovery.
Avocado and macadamia oils are very useful for dry skin care. They nourish it in depth, soften it, make it smooth and elastic, smooth out small wrinkles caused by dehydration and metabolic disorders. Avocado and macadamia oils are considered carrier oils. They can be used both in their pure form, in the form of an oil serum under a cream, and by making your own creams and masks with them.
If at this age you are already worried about circles under the eyes and swelling, you can use anti-wrinkle essential oils with a 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 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, which 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 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 widely used frankincense and myrrh work more to increase elasticity.
After 50 years
The use of phytoestrogens is highly recommended in the care of mature skin. Because with the onset of menopause, the female body stops producing estrogen on its own, which protects the skin from aging. You can try including fennel 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% for the same time 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 have taken good care of your face, protected it from the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation, eaten right and led a healthy lifestyle, then by the age of 50 your skin will be in much better condition than that ofthose who did not accept care for quality care.
Measures aimed at maintaining normal blood flow in the tissues of the epidermis, strengthening blood vessels, as well as active moisturizing, protection from ultraviolet rays and the use of oils help to maintain the skin at this age. Top performing shows for people aged 50+:
- immortal;
- neroli;
- roses;
- sandalwood;
- lemon (as an extra, to improve the complexion).
How each of these oils works is detailed in the table above. Oils from previous age groups are also used, especially resin esters (myrrh, frankincense).
Using essential oils for wrinkles
Now let's talk about how to properly use essential oils to effectively fight age-related changes in appearance and prevent wrinkles. Following these simple recommendations will help you get the most out of the natural ingredients.
Key rules
Let's remember that essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Therefore, you should use them carefully, observing the basic rules and precautions.
- Esters can cause skin irritation. Therefore, it is forbidden to use a new face care oil without prior sensitivity testing. To do this, dilute 2 drops of ether in a teaspoon of carrier oil. Apply the mixture to the crease of the elbow and wait at least 24 hours. If after a day there are no signs of irritation at the application site, then you can safely use it.
- Many essential oils have contraindications. Some are prohibited for use by pregnant women, patients with asthma and other serious problems. Therefore, please read the instructions carefully before purchasing.
- Do not apply undiluted essential oils to your face. At worst, you can develop an intolerance to the oil over 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 together with base oils or as part of other home cosmetic products (creams, masks) and only in a reduced percentage (1 drop per 10 ml of base oil). During application, care should be taken not to get the oil on the mucous membrane.
- You need to choose the type of essential oil for wrinkles and a specific recipe, taking into account not only the age, but also the type of skin.
- You should not use combinations that include more than 4 types of essential oils. Compound the mixture gradually, using a mixture with one ester for one week, adding another oil the next week, etc. Not 4 types at once. Otherwise, it will be difficult to find the culprit in a negative reaction.
- It is preferable to change the used set every month. Thus, the effect will be brighter and more varied.
Ways of application
Essential oils can be used for anti-aging care in a variety of ways. You can use one specific type of ether, but the best effect can be achieved in a combination of several. The combinations of esters 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 matter to special cosmetic bases (night creams, lotions, nourishing masks, etc. ). Literally a few drops of ether are enough to significantly improve the care properties and anti-aging effect.
Mix with base oils (macadamia, almond, sesame, rosehip, pomegranate, avocado, wheat germ, grape seed). It is an excellent means of prevention and fight against wrinkles. Apply cream to the mixture or alternate care: day mixture, day cream. Store the mixture in a brown glass bottle.
- You can overcome 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 lemon grass, 1 drop of fennel, 1 drop of sage.
- The area around the eyes and the whole face will enjoy a refined recipe: macadamia nut 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 formulations for eyelids at home.
Conclusion
There is a wide variety of essential oils that are useful in fighting wrinkles and delaying skin aging. It is important to choose the right esters and their combinations to get the best results from your daily facial care. The essential oils that 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 the right face care, but also to change your daily habits:
- Healthy food,
- take regular walks in the fresh air;
- give up smoking and alcohol;
- exercise;
- drink enough water;
- get some sleep;
- avoid stress.
We wish you to always stay young, beautiful and choose your ideal combination of essential oils for an effective fight against wrinkles.