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, 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.
Brief audio summary of the article
Your browser does not supportaudioelement.
What types of wrinkles are there?
Wrinkles on the face are the most obvious and unpleasant sign of old age and aging skin. 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.
Mechanism of wrinkle formation
Under the influence of external factors (ultraviolet radiation, poor diet, 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 the dermal tissues. As a result, facial skin becomes drier and more sensitive to negative external factors.
Collagen and elastin fibers (proteins that play the role of a frame) cope with their supporting function less and less 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 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 looks darker and rougher.
- Incorrect or inadequate nutrition.Strict diets leading 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. This way the skin creases are fixed.
- Increased or decreased tone of the facial muscles.When the facial muscles are constantly relaxed or, on the contrary, tense, for example, during work (the 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. Therefore, let’s figure out what types of wrinkles there are.
Types of wrinkles
Wrinkles are divided into groups according to different criteria: depth of occurrence, degree of severity, localization or mechanism of formation. The following types of wrinkles are distinguished:
- on the forehead;
- eyebrows;
- "crow's feet";
- "bunny wrinkles";
- nasolabial and nasolabial;
- purse string;
- "puppets";
- mental fold;
- "Rings of Venus"
If everything is clear with wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, nasolabial and nasolacrimal wrinkles, then 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 seem to diverge in different directions from one point. Because of this feature, which resembles the feet of a goose, 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. Such folds are typical for 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.
- "Puppets", 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 mouth muscles (pursed lips). Similar to the slots on marionette dolls.
- "Purse-string wrinkles"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 creases gradually appear on the 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 early aging. There are already quite a lot of them in the arsenal of humanity. Everyone can choose a method to suit 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-agecosmetics (face creams, masks, serums) at home;
- face-building classes, face fitness (gymnastics for the face against wrinkles);
- 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 reconsider 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, learn to cope 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 for counteracting 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 the cellular level. This is because the molecules of the active substances 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 and essential oils to combat wrinkles
| Base/Essential Oil | Basic properties | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Primrose | Protects against the first wrinkles, helps normalize hormonal levels, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. | 30+ |
| Borago (borage) | Indispensable for problem skin and atopic dermatitis (allergic reactions). Reduces irritation, dryness and flaking, restores the barrier function of the epidermis, stopping moisture loss. Slows down age-related changes, has a powerful regenerating and anti-inflammatory effect. | 30+ |
| Currant | Effectively restores, removes peeling and inflammation, suitable for dry skin. Helps fight pigmentation and has a brightening effect. | 30+ |
| Macadamia | Ideal oil for dry, chapped, dehydrated skin. Indispensable for caring for the face, knees and elbows in autumn and winter, 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. Suitable for oily, combination and dry skin, normalizes the sebaceous glands. | 30+ |
| Jasmine | Evens out complexion, removes flaking and dryness. Suitable for problematic, inflammation-prone and oily skin. | 40+ |
| Himalayan cedar | Powerful antioxidant effect and proven antiallergic effect. Makes skin texture smoother and activates regeneration processes. | 40+ |
| Lavender | Effectively fights 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 out fine wrinkles, slows down degenerative processes, and effectively restores chapped skin. | 40+ |
| Jojoba | Excellent as the basis of a mixture, it is highly stable, regulates both excess and deficiency of sebum. | 50+ |
| Neroli | Increases elasticity and fights tissue sagging. | 50+ |
| Rose | Helps saturate with moisture, stimulates renewal, relieves inflammation and swelling, protects against negative external factors. | 50+ |
| Lemon | Lightens, removes age spots, tones, evens out complexion. | 50+ |
| Sandalwood | It fights well against sagging and dry skin, making wrinkles around the eyes less noticeable. | 50+ |
| Immortelle | Increases collagen synthesis, improves the condition of the vascular wall. | 50+ |
The division by age of 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 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 creases in the skin can be successfully prevented 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 ages 30+ in your individual care program:
- currant;
- primrose (evening primrose);
- borago (borage, borage);
- avocado;
- macadamia.
The first 3 oils from 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 deeply nourish it, 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 either in their pure form, in the form of an oil serum under a cream, or by making creams and masks with them yourself.
If at this age you are already bothered by 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 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 earlier 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 the age of 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 more 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 ceases to independently produce estrogen, which protects the skin from aging. You can try including anise 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% over the same time at age 40+). The skin becomes thinner, the volume and density of facial bones decrease, 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 right 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 care of 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 UV rays, and the use of oils help support the skin at this age. The most effective broadcasts for people aged 50+:
- immortelle;
- neroli;
- roses;
- sandalwood;
- lemon (as an additional one, to improve complexion).
How each of these oils works is detailed in the table above. Oils from previous age groups are also used, especially esters from resins (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 maximum benefit from natural ingredients.
Key rules
Let us remember that essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. Therefore, you need to use them carefully, observing basic rules and precautions.
- Esters may cause skin irritation. Therefore, it is prohibited 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, then you can safely use it.
- Many essential oils have contraindications. Some are prohibited for use by pregnant women, asthma patients, and other serious problems. Therefore, please read the instructions carefully before purchasing.
- Do not apply undiluted essential oils to your face. In the worst case scenario, you can develop intolerance to oil for many years.
- Only natural essential oils are suitable for fighting wrinkles. The use of synthetic substitutes may worsen the skin condition.
- For the skin around the eyes, esters can be used exclusively together 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 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 include more than 4 types of essential oils. Complicate the mixture gradually, using a mixture with one ester for a week, adding another oil the next week, etc. And not 4 types at once. 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.
Methods of application
Essential oils can be used for anti-aging care in different ways. You can use one specific type of ether, but the best effect can be achieved in a combination of several. Combinations of esters must be made correctly, then the beneficial properties of each oil will be enhanced and not conflict.
To combat wrinkles, essential oils can:
Add organics 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 the prevention and fight against wrinkles. Apply cream on top of the mixture or alternate in care: day mixture, day cream. Store the mixture in a brown glass bottle.
- You can overcome expression 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 the 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, black currant 1 ml, 1 drop each of rose oil and incense. 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 the fight against wrinkles and slowing down skin aging. It is important to choose the right esters and their combinations in order to get the best results from your 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 proper facial care, but also to change your daily habits:
- Healthy food,
- take regular walks in the fresh air;
- 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 combat wrinkles.