The reason our skin loses its firmness and elasticity may not only be due to age. This could be due to improper care and nutrition, pregnancy, dryness, dehydration of the skin, exposure to harmful ecology, rapid weight loss, etc. Currently, there are quite a lot of cosmetic products that can correct the situation, but in this article I would like to talk about how to increase skin elasticity with the help of food and oils.
Oils for skin elasticity There are quite a lot of fatty oils in nature. Often we don’t even suspect that we can obtain oil from the plant that restores skin elasticity. Oils can be used separately, added to soaps or shampoos, creams or masks for the body and face, and used as a base for oil mixtures. Their value is explained by their rich composition: oils contain large amounts of vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids and other biologically active substances. Thanks to this composition, vegetable oils help cleanse the skin, improve overall metabolism, stimulate regeneration processes in skin cells, strengthen cell membranes, preventing oxidation, and also retain moisture.
Some oils are already widely known, but there are also those whose effects we know little about. The first include oil such as almond oil. It is very rich in vitamins, in particular vitamin E, which slows down the aging process. With long-term use of almond oil, your skin will become young, moisturized and fresh, in addition, it will be protected from UV radiation.
To increase elasticity and give the skin a healthy color, peach oil is often used. It can relieve inflammation, tone, moisturize, brighten and rejuvenate the skin. Peach oil is very useful for sensitive and damaged skin, as it improves the condition of mucous membranes and heals scratches and wounds. This oil is often included in masks for skin and hair, shampoos, balms, as well as in children's cosmetics. Apricot oil has approximately the same effect, suitable for any skin type.
Avocado oil will make even dry, flaky and aging skin more elastic - it perfectly nourishes and moisturizes, and is also widely used for sunburn. This oil is especially beneficial for the skin around the eyes. To improve skin tone and increase its elasticity, after a shower, rub your body with a mixture of avocado oil and a few drops of rosemary oil.
Wheat germ oil can be used for any skin type. It restores the firmness and elasticity of the skin thanks to the high content of vitamin E, and also relieves swelling, irritation, peeling, and itching. This oil can prevent the occurrence of rosacea or reduce its manifestation.
Castor oil and walnut oil will also restore skin elasticity well. It is worth noting that castor oil can be purchased at any pharmacy at a very affordable price, so it is worth paying attention to it and adding it to your skin care products.
In our country, some effective oils are little known. For example, garcinia indica oil, kokum. It stimulates cell renewal, softens the skin, increases its elasticity and firmness, and protects against dryness. Garcinia oil is often used in products to treat cracks, peeling and ulcers.
Not many people know that the oil of such a famous crop in our country as rice is also used in cosmetology. This oil is obtained from rice bran. Rice oil moisturizes and softens the skin, has a regenerating effect and prevents the appearance of premature wrinkles. This oil is especially recommended for women over fifty years of age.
A very high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids is found in borage oil, also called borage or borage oil. It is also rich in other beneficial substances, so it is widely used to treat skin and other diseases. This oil is included in dietary supplements and cosmetics. It retains moisture in the skin, increases elasticity and protective properties, revitalizes fading, dry and tired skin.
Products that increase skin elasticity
Whatever creams and oils we use, it is important to remember that the elasticity of the skin depends on the amount of moisture in its tissues. The skin needs hydration not only outside, but also inside - you should drink not only coffee or tea, but also clean water. This will be a great help for relatively young women, but for older women, they should use cosmetics that bind moisture.
It is impossible to talk about all the products that can be used to increase skin elasticity. Many of them can be purchased in regular stores, and they are not considered exotic.
If you take simple buckwheat seriously, you can keep your skin elastic for quite a long time. Buckwheat contains a lot of rutin, a flavonoid that maintains skin elasticity and slows down the appearance of wrinkles. This cereal also contains a lot of unsaturated fatty acids, the benefits of which we already know.
Silicon can easily be called the element of youth. They are rich in bran, cereals, some berries and fruits, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, seeds, fresh herbs, sprouted cereal seeds, etc.
With a lack of iron, the skin may become pale and lose elasticity. There is a lot of it in buckwheat, as well as in egg yolk, oatmeal, liver, red meat: rabbit, veal, a little less in chicken, lamb and pork.
Responsible for skin elasticity and selenium, which is found in Brazilian and coconut nuts, sardines and tuna, beef and pork liver, garlic, eggs, wheat grains, brown rice.
Seafood and fish contain a lot of zinc, which prevents loss of elasticity. Its sources also include yeast, wheat bran, veal liver, beef, mushrooms, cocoa, nuts, and pumpkin seeds.
What is skin elasticity
The characteristics “elasticity” and “strength” are closely related. In 99 cases out of 100, these two concepts are used separated by a comma, and many generally think that they are one and the same thing. Indeed, they are close and play an equally important role for skin tone. But there are still differences between them.
Elasticity is the ability of the skin to stretch without damaging its structure.
Elasticity is the ability of the skin to resist deformation and return to its original shape when stretched or compressed.
Here is what Vichy medical expert Elena Eliseeva says about this:
“ Collagen fibers are responsible for the elasticity of the skin, which, like the spring frame of a mattress, restore the surface of the tissue after compression. Elastin fibers are responsible for elasticity
Elastin fibers are responsible for skin elasticity © iStock
Both collagen and elastin fibers are synthesized by the same cells - fibroblasts. Over time, their activity slows down, and consequently, elastin and collagen become less, which leads to loss of tone and the list goes on:
wrinkles (folds and creases);
sagging skin of the face and body.
Antioxidant Products for Skin
Antioxidants have a positive effect on the renewal of organs and systems at the cellular level. All nature is rich in them, and various fruits are rich in them to one degree or another. They are also present in food of animal origin. We offer a sample list of such skin products.
Orange, bright yellow, red fruits (tomatoes, pumpkin, peppers, carrots, apricots). Contains provitamin A, which is responsible for skin cell renewal. Fruits and berries (kiwi, oranges, currants, strawberries). These storehouses of ascorbic acid strengthen blood vessels, take part in the formation of collagen, and “slow down” aging. Fish (mackerel, herring, sardine, salmon). A source of essential acids, vitamins A and D. Under their influence, wrinkles are smoothed out, the skin regenerates, becomes fresher and younger. Cottage cheese is not only a storehouse of calcium, which is so necessary for teeth and bones. It also contains powerful antioxidants selenium and vitamin E, which delay the inevitable, alas, process of natural withering for an indefinite future. The grain-legume group of agricultural plants contains silicon - a material for collagen, as well as various B vitamins. Their presence softens and promotes skin renewal. Wholemeal bread and cereals perfectly cleanse the intestines, which has a miraculous effect on the beauty of the skin. Green tea is among the best antioxidant foods for skin.
What does skin elasticity depend on?
Elasticity is directly dependent on the relationship between the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers and their destruction. At a young age it is 1:1. But gradually the proportions change: more elastin and collagen are consumed than produced. We cannot stop this process, but we can slow it down. How? Let's move on to the next point.
Elasticity is determined by the skin's ability to stretch © iStock
Skin Lightening Products
No matter how fashionable artificial dark skin may be, women have long wanted to be “all rosy and whiter.” Many fairy-tale heroines, from Cinderellas to queens, resorted to miraculous remedies for this purpose.
Nowadays, beauties have a whole scientific and industrial branch at their service, offering cosmetics for all occasions. But we will focus on the most economical methods of lightening using special skin products.
Skin is whitened in several cases:
when they want to get rid of annoying freckles; to remove pigmentation; whiten excess dark skin; I just don't like the complexion.
Many products have a brightening effect:
cucumbers; parsley (decoction); dandelion, bearberry, yarrow, licorice (decoction); juices of various berries; kefir, sour cream, whey; lemon; rice (decoction); essential oils (grapefruit, lemon, orange, mint, eucalyptus, tea tree).
The oil ingredient should be added to the mask one or two drops at a time.
Considering that masks made from skin lightening products dry it out, after washing your face you need to apply a nourishing cream.
How to increase skin elasticity
If you want your skin to be elastic and firm, you will have to make some changes to your diet and not neglect the rules of care.
Sun protection
Failure to comply with this point can be costly for your skin. Ultraviolet A rays, which are not contained by clouds or window glass, are destructive day after day, reducing the ability of fibroblasts to synthesize the main skin proteins - collagen and elastin.
The more responsibly you approach the issue of UV protection, the greater the chance of your skin maintaining its tone, firmness and elasticity.
Ultraviolet damages elastin fibers © iStock
Hydration
Skin with an insufficient level of moisture a priori cannot be elastic. Imagine a dry blade of grass - it breaks even with a little tension. It’s a completely different matter - fabrics saturated with moisture, they stretch better and are not injured. Pay attention to cosmetics with the following ingredients:
aloe extract and juice;
We give examples of moisturizers and remind you that the skin needs to be moisturized not only from the outside, but also from the inside (observing a drinking regime at the rate of 30 ml of pure still water per 1 kg of weight per day). Otherwise, no cosmetics will help.
Daily gel-serum for skin exposed to external aggressive influences, Minéral 89, Vichy consists of 89% thermal water rich in microelements. In addition, the product contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract and retain water.
Aquafluid for normal and combination skin “Genius of Hydration”, L'Oréal Paris , based on purified water, enriched with hyaluronic acid and aloe juice, supplies moisture to 5 layers of the epidermis.
Aquasource Everplump, Biotherm softens, moisturizes and tightens the skin due to the action of Blue Hyaluron, a natural activator of collagen synthesis.
Skin Moisturizing Products
Hydrated skin is beautiful skin. With the help of products to moisturize the skin, it is quite possible to make the reflection in the mirror something that is pleasant to look at.
Olives and olive oil
Oleic acid has a beneficial effect on elasticity. Good fats help absorb antioxidants that come from a variety of plant foods and remove waste.
Natural yoghurts
No need to put sugar in them. For those with a sweet tooth, it is better to add honey, raisins, and dried apricots. The beneficial microflora it contains treats inflammation, even eczema.
Fish
Fish protein comes in handy when it comes to hydration. Nutritionists recommend salmon, sardines and trout due to their high content of substances with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Berries, fruits, vegetables
The gifts of fields, gardens and wild nature contain many things necessary for health. Fruits of all shades of yellow-red are replete with carotenoids, which can even resist malignant tumors. Berries are excellent natural desserts. In particular, raspberries and blueberries, with the help of anthocyanins, protect against an overdose of ultraviolet rays.
Natural honey
This is a unique skin moisturizing product. In terms of its usefulness, it is one of the leaders. It’s easier to say what honey doesn’t have than to list its advantages – both taste and healing. There are many varieties of this bee product, all of them very valuable.
Water
Without water, hydration is impossible in principle. If the menu can be varied, then water in each case has a place of honor. The requirements for its quality are also the same: clean, without chemicals, sugar and gas.
Spices
It turns out that even spices contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Not to mention dill-parsley and onion-garlic. Therefore, both local and imported spices are a must in the kitchen of a woman who wants to moisturize her skin. Of course, they cannot be abused: it is better to “under-” than “over-”.
Vitamin complexes
Sometimes, on the advice of doctors, it is necessary to enhance the effect of food products on the skin with pharmaceuticals. There is nothing wrong with this, just don’t get carried away with self-medication.
Omega-3, omega-6 and omega - 9
All of these are polyunsaturated fatty acids, which make the skin not just elastic, but smooth, nourished, and moisturized. They are found in seafood, fatty sea fish and unrefined vegetable oils: flaxseed, olive, sesame.
- how to increase skin elasticity
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Products for skin elasticity
Products for skin elasticity consist of several groups; they “jointly” ensure its elasticity, and therefore health and youth.
Let's start with water. Most of the physiological processes that ensure the vital activity of each cell occur in the aquatic environment. The speed and clarity of these reactions, the absorption of food and the removal of toxins depend on the volume and quality of water. Every day the human body needs about two liters of fluid.
Eggplants, garden greens, legumes, liver, yeast, grain bread contain a set of B vitamins. They keep the skin toned, help restore and retain moisture.
And again about green tea. This is a unique natural remedy, rich in polyphenols that support elasticity. In the same row are berries: blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, plums, beans, artichokes. The functions of the substances present in them are to “neutralize” free radicals and protect cell membranes from destruction.
Vitamins D, K, and F contribute to elasticity. There are many of them in vegetable oils, liver, fish, eggs, seeds, and peanuts.
Olive and other oils are valuable due to the presence of vitamin E. It slows down aging, retains moisture in the skin and effectively retains internal moisture. Thanks to this, the skin does not age for a long time.
Unsaturated organic acids rejuvenate the skin, helping to remain elastic. They come with nuts, flax seeds, seafood and other skin products. Retains moisture and helps pores breathe. Omega-6 is enough in the body, omega-3 needs to be replenished. As a duet, they redouble their efforts, directing them towards rejuvenation.
There is no way without vitamin C either. It promotes the formation of collagen, the healing of small wounds, and the strength of blood vessels. Contained in citrus fruits, kiwi, currants, cranberries, spinach, peppers, potatoes.
Baths
Baths not only help relieve muscle tension and lift your mood, but also improve skin tone. A honey-milk bath has an excellent tightening effect. To prepare, mix 1 cup of hot milk and honey, add 2-3 tbsp. rose oil. Pour the resulting mass into a warm bath. You can lie in the water as long as you want.
The following bath composition will give the skin elasticity and prevent early aging. Squeeze the juice from 5-7 oranges, grapefruits or lemons. Pour it into the bath and soak in the water for 15-25 minutes.
Skin tanning products
A long-lasting, even tan suits both blond and brown-haired faces. The subtlety lies in the shade. Many people are willing to pay a lot of money to have a tanned look all year round, and not just in the summer. Because of this, cosmetologists have used tons of chemicals, inventing effective recipes for lotions and creams, someone else came up with a solarium - any whim for your money! Skin tanning products will help speed up the desired result.
Tanning occurs due to the formation of melanin in the skin. The amount of pigment increases in proportion to the dose of sunlight and irradiation time. Products must certainly contain substances that promote tanning:
tryptophan, tyrosine (amino acids); beta-carotene (provitamin); vitamin E; selenium; lycopene (pigment).
These substances are contained in the following products:
carrots (a glass of juice on the beach is a great choice); apricots (in season – 200 g daily); peaches; grapes; melon; watermelon; tomatoes; meat; liver; seafood.
What a tan “doesn’t like” is tea, coffee, chocolate, fatty and smoked foods.
It should be emphasized that skin products by themselves are not capable of causing a tan. However, such a diet enhances dark skin, strengthens the tan, and makes it natural. The skin receives protection from excessive solar radiation and aging.
Masks
Homemade masks can tighten the skin and provide additional nutrition and hydration. Mix coconut milk, honey and chopped oatmeal in equal proportions. Apply the product to clean skin and leave for half an hour. Repeat the procedure three times a week.
There is another recipe for an effective tightening mask: mix a raw egg, 1 tbsp. natural yogurt and 1 tsp. vitamin E. Apply the finished mixture to the body, making circular massage movements, and hold for 20 minutes. This composition can be used not only to care for the body, but also for the face and neck.
To achieve excellent results, you can follow the following skin care tips:
- First you need to cleanse your skin well using a scrub. You can purchase this product at a specialty store or prepare it yourself using ingredients you have at home (salt, sugar, ground coffee, oatmeal). The scrub should be used more often on the skin of the body than on the skin of the face. Massage with a brush with natural bristles is also helpful.
- It is worth paying attention to restoring water balance and moisturizing the skin surface. Therefore, you cannot use ordinary gels and soaps; you should give preference to moisturizers.
- Homemade wraps will be very useful. To do this, you need to smear your thighs, legs, arms, buttocks and décolleté with a rich moisturizing cream or lotion and wrap in cling film and a terry towel, leave for 30 minutes, then rinse everything off with warm water.
- To combat the problem of goose bumps, quartz treatment, exfoliating scrubs, steaming in a bath, and taking vitamins A and E will help.
- Anti-cellulite creams are suitable for minor removal of cellulite and its external manifestations. Their regular use will significantly improve the visual appearance of problem areas of the body. You need to rub the cream with a special massager.
- Many women are concerned about the problem of ingrown hairs. To eliminate it, you need to treat problem areas of the body with 1% hydrocortisone solution ointment several times a day. After a couple of days, you need to lubricate them with exfoliating cream. Continue the procedure for 5 days. During this time, the hair will come out. It should be removed using tweezers.
- Epilation will give your skin real smoothness. There are a number of traditional methods for removing unwanted hair: special creams, wax, razors. You should approach the choice of hair removal products individually and carefully. It is better not to do the procedure before going out in the sun, as damaged skin is more susceptible to burns and irritation.
Products for dry skin
Together with proper external facial care, products for dry skin will be the key to a beautiful and healthy appearance. Dry skin quite often plagues women. The problem is provoked by various reasons: from genetics to allergies to cosmetics, cold or heat. Dryness can be caused by aggressive hygiene products, lack of moisture, vitamins or nutrients. In this case, the menu must be adjusted to increase them.
Simple recommendations to overcome the problem:
drink enough plain water; eat foods rich in vitamins A, B, E. These are dairy products, especially yogurt, green vegetables, fruits - wheat germ, apricot, avocado, melon;
Eat at least a little carrots and pumpkins every day, which contain irreplaceable beta-carotene; perfectly prevents dryness; there is enough of it in eggs, asparagus, garlic, onions; Olive and linseed oils are wonderful natural remedies in the fight against dry skin; Berries (grapes, currants), apples, tomatoes, yogurt, sugar beets, cane sugar are excellent for nourishing thinned skin - they contain biochemical alpha acids.
The main problem with dry skin is rapid aging. To enhance the beneficial effects, some skin products can be used in the form of nourishing masks. But what you need to resolutely give up is alcohol. You shouldn't overuse coffee either. And be sure to get enough sleep!
Lifestyle and skin condition
If the skin has not yet lost its elasticity, then you can maintain its condition by simply adhering to a healthy lifestyle and eating rationally. It is recommended to consume natural products prepared at home. Fried and salty foods, as well as sweet or fatty foods, worsen the skin condition. Adequate sleep is very important for youthful skin.
You need to pay special attention to the choice of decorative cosmetics. It should be of high quality and, if possible, natural. Cosmetics must be selected in accordance with the type of epidermis.
Nicotine is toxic to the skin. In women who smoke, the skin quickly becomes dry or, conversely, too oily. Smokers develop wrinkles early and their faces have a sallow complexion.
Various diets in which the diet is not balanced in the content of fats, proteins and carbohydrates have a bad effect on the condition of the skin.
Loss of elasticity can occur with a sharp increase in body weight or with a sharp loss. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor your weight, nutrition and health.
Sample menu for the day
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*Day 1 - protein; day 2 - carbohydrate
Daily skin care
At home, you can do simple procedures every day:
- cold and hot shower;
- applying moisturizers;
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A contrast shower is an excellent way to prevent sagging skin. The water temperature should be comfortable for you, trigger the release of endorphins and improve your mood. Regular use of a contrast shower tones the body and accelerates blood circulation.
It is very useful to wash your face with cold water at night, after which you can wipe it with herbal infusion. You can make ice cubes from herbal infusion. Regularly performing such procedures will help maintain elasticity and a healthy complexion for a long time.
To maintain skin hydration, it is recommended to apply a moisturizer in the mornings, and a nourishing one in the evenings. This will help prolong youth and ensure a healthy appearance. Creams, serums and balms are suitable for this. It is recommended to start using moisturizing and nourishing creams after 25 years.
