The number of face creams on the shelves of stores and pharmacies makes everyone who decides to choose a product for the first time confused. They differ in cost, function and composition.
After 25 years, the skin begins to wither; creams perform the function of moisturizing, nourishing, protecting, maintaining the tone and healthy appearance of the epidermis.
Women sometimes complain that the much-praised, expensive product does not produce any results. The reason may be the choice of the wrong cream or incorrect application technique.
How to apply the cream correctly?
Face cream is applied to cleansed and prepared skin. Step-by-step algorithm of actions:
- Makeup is removed.
- The skin is cleansed with a special cleanser (foam, mousse, milk or facial gel).
- The skin is toned (with tonic, cucumber water).
- The cream is applied strictly along the massage lines.
Hands must be clean, washed with soap.
Cosmetologists recommend using a cosmetic spatula (disposable or plastic) to apply the cream. This is necessary to ensure that the product has as little contact with air as possible, which helps prevent oxidation and destruction of substances.
Also, upon contact with fingers, it will become infected with microorganisms, which will subsequently cause inflammatory phenomena. When using a plastic spatula, it is treated with an antiseptic before each use.
If not one product, but several, is used for the final stage, then a more liquid and lighter product is applied first, and then one with a denser structure. It is recommended to pause between using the first and second composition so that all components are absorbed and do not destroy each other.
Don't forget about your neck and décolleté. These areas also need hydration. It is important to avoid areas of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
The cosmetic product must be applied and massaged for at least 3 minutes. This massage is done 2 times a day: morning and evening. The exception is when a person plays sports: after exercise, you need to cleanse the skin of sweat and dirt, and then apply cream on top again.
How to choose the right cosmetic product
In order to choose a suitable night cream, you should decide on the condition of the skin on your face and the desired effect. Recommendations when selecting a cosmetic product:
- for oily skin types, creams with an airy texture or light emulsions containing vitamins and zinc oxide, which prevent inflammation on the skin, are ideal;
- dry skin type requires purchasing a nourishing cream containing Lecithin, Cholesterol, and vitamins to smooth out wrinkles;
- the appearance of the first wrinkles implies the use of a thick consistency cream containing a ceramide peptide complex;
- after the age of 35, it is preferable to use cosmetics containing collagen, which is responsible for the softness and elasticity of the skin;
- The 45–50 year old category involves choosing a cream with components that ensure skin restoration at this age.
If you have problematic skin, you should contact a qualified cosmetologist who will suggest an effective and safe cosmetic product!
Massage lines
To avoid stretching the skin, the cream should be applied strictly along massage lines. These conventional landmarks correspond to the direction of lymph outflow, as well as the location of collagen fibers. If applied incorrectly, natural collagen can be destroyed.
These lines are directed from the center to the periphery.
Scheme of the main massage lines of the face and neck:
- from the middle of the forehead towards the temple;
- from the root of the nose to the temples;
- from the center of the bridge of the nose to the temporal region;
- from the outer edge of the eye to the inner along the line of the lower eyelid;
- from the inner edge of the eye to the outer along the line of the upper eyelid;
- from the corners of the mouth to the tragus of the ear;
- from the middle of the chin to the earlobe;
- from the collarbone to the chin along the front surface of the neck;
- from the earlobe to the shoulder along the lateral line.
Massage lines
The meaning of lines in facial massage
Another popular facial skin care procedure is massage, which is performed in beauty salons or can be done yourself at home. The facial massage regimen may vary depending on the problem. Moisturizing is necessary for recovery, drainage promotes high-quality removal of toxins, massage with glycolic acid exfoliates well, and thanks to deep cleansing you can quickly get rid of blackheads. They all use langer.
The meaning of the lines plays a role: only with proper facial massage is it possible to achieve results. By stimulating facial massage lines against wrinkles, you can smooth out even the deepest depressions, and the right cream or serum applied along the facial lines will help achieve the effect even faster. Massage lines around the eyes will help get rid of puffiness and dark circles. Qualified specialists in salons carry out the procedure exclusively using massage techniques suitable for a specific skin type.
Features of applying different types of cream
The regularity of use and the nuances of its application depend on the characteristics of the cosmetic product. Before using the products, you should carefully study the instructions.
Nutritious
This cream is preferred at night, since cell regeneration occurs at this time. It is important to apply the right amount and never use more product. Due to its dense structure, the composition will not be completely absorbed and will leave marks on the bed linen, as well as clog the skin. When using the product, follow the general rules for applying creams.
The product is absorbed in 25-30 minutes, but it is recommended to apply it a couple of hours before bedtime and remove excess with a napkin.
Moisturizing
The cream should be used in the morning. It will maintain moisture levels throughout the day, preventing dryness and flaking.
Each type of dermis requires a different level of hydration, and therefore a cosmetic product must be selected taking into account the characteristics of the skin, otherwise there is a chance that the pores will become clogged.
You need to apply moisturizer 40 minutes before going outside, taking into account the general rules for distributing the composition over the face and the recommendations in the instructions.
For facial skin tightening
The main purpose of such creams is to combat sagging, sagging skin, reduce wrinkles and smooth out, tighten the skin, correct the oval shape - a lifting effect.
The cream is applied in the morning and evening a couple of hours before going out/going to bed. There is no need to press on the skin or vigorously rub the composition. The movements should be light, patting.
For rejuvenation
This type of cream also fights age-related changes. Such products promote regeneration and enhance the nutrition of cells with essential nutrients. They are recommended to be applied at night, a few hours before bedtime. The movements should be light, patting. If the cosmetics were in the refrigerator, then you need to warm them up a little in room conditions or rub them on your fingertips.
The product must be applied strictly along the massage lines.
For skin treatment
These creams contain components whose action is aimed at eliminating a specific problem. Most often they fight fungi or bacteria.
This product should be applied pointwise, affecting only the affected areas. Healthy tissues should not be exposed to drugs. Do not touch the mucous membranes (mouth, corners of the mouth, eyelids, conjunctiva, nostrils).
The regularity of use of medicinal compositions depends on the disease and is determined by a specialist.
Day
This product protects the face from excess moisture, dryness, dust and dirt. After application, it forms a protective film and gives a mattifying effect. For people who are prone to dry skin, you can first apply a little nourishing cream, and then, after 20 minutes, apply a day cream.
This type of cream is applied only after morning procedures - washing, toning. 30 minutes after using it, remove the remaining product with a napkin. After such actions, decorative cosmetics will fit well on the skin.
Night
The products have a dense oily structure, so you should not apply them in a thick layer.
The procedure should be carried out 1.5 hours before bedtime, otherwise swelling may be observed in the morning. Before use, warm the cream with your fingers. Movements during application should be light, “driving in”.
Tonal
Before using decorative cosmetics, your face needs to be moisturized. Sometimes foundation is mixed with cream. Then, using a brush or sponge, or a beauty blender, apply the product pointwise over the entire face. It is recommended to moisten a brush or other product with water.
Next, using movements from the center to the periphery, shade the foundation. You can’t do the opposite, as the skin will stretch, and the foundation will be applied unevenly, highlighting flaws and wrinkles.
Sun protection
Creams with ultraviolet protection protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, premature aging and burns. First you need to choose the appropriate level of protection - SPF. Products with a high value are suitable for those who have very fair skin from birth and who should not sunbathe. The higher the level of protection, the denser the consistency of the cream. The best option remains creams with SPF-30.
Sunscreen cosmetics should be applied evenly to the skin after daytime or moisturizer. It is necessary to wait until the product dries completely on the skin, as you can accidentally wipe it off and the protection will not be complete.
Regular use depends on solar activity and the intended use of the product. If sunscreen is used while relaxing at sea, then after each swim you need to reapply the product. In the spring-summer period, you can use regular moisturizers or day creams with a certain SPF level, then the frequency of use will correspond to the type of cosmetics.
Application of night cream
The main task of the night cream is to maximize the restoration of skin cells during sleep, when processes in the body slow down and regeneration occurs much faster. In this case, you just need to choose the right cosmetic product according to your specific skin type.
During the daytime, the skin of the face performs a protective function and protects the skin from the effects of external environmental factors. At night, when applying the appropriate cream, the ability of skin cells to accelerate metabolism and blood circulation increases, which gives the face natural beauty and youth. The use of night cream is a mandatory procedure in order to maintain the elasticity and tenderness of the skin!
Features of application depending on the area of the face
Facial skin has uneven thickness and degree of sensitivity. Therefore, the movements in different zones are not the same.
To apply cream to your face correctly, you need to consider its areas:
- Skin around the eyes. You can only apply a special eye cream. A small amount of the product should be “driven in” with your fingertips from the inner corner of the eye along the upper eyelid and from the outer corner along the lower eyelid. You cannot rub the product, as the skin in this area is delicate and thin. For crow's feet, apply the product using tapping movements.
- Forehead area. The cream should be distributed pointwise, evenly over the entire forehead. It must be applied in a horizontal direction. Using tapping movements with your fingertips, you need to “drive” the composition in the direction from the center to the periphery (temples).
- Cheek area. It is necessary to rub the product with arc movements along the massage lines (towards the temples).
- Mouth and chin area. It is necessary to apply the cream using movements, rubbing it from the center to the periphery. Then, two fingers should be drawn from the corners of the mouth to the wings of the nose along the epidermis, smoothing out the folds in this area. At the same time, you should not squeeze the dermis too much so as not to stretch the skin.
- Nose area. Movements should be sliding. You need to start applying from the bridge of the nose to the tip of the nose, then move on to the wings.
If you follow these recommendations, you can significantly enhance the effect of using creams. This is explained by the fact that the correct application technique promotes better absorption of cosmetic components.
Applying facial care products: rules and tips
All products, unlike those that are in tubes, need to be scooped up with special spatulas or, in extreme cases, with cotton swabs. That is, there is no need to pick your fingers in the jars. The product must remain sterile. Next, apply a small amount pointwise with a spatula or fingertips, removing it from the spatula. I don’t think it’s worth reminding that hands should be washed, or preferably disinfected.
Do not apply cream to wet skin; after washing, be sure to pat dry with a soft towel.
Before applying, you need to rub the product in your palms to warm it up a little, so the effectiveness will be even higher. Products that are stored in the refrigerator should be taken out to warm to room temperature before use.
Control the amount of product applied to your face. Start with a small pea. If you feel that it is difficult to slide your fingers, the quantity can be increased.
Apply the cream with light movements (using your fingertips). The massage should be done from the bottom up, as if pulling the skin upward.
To treat the eye area, use the pads of your ring fingers. It is better to use the cream specifically for the area around the eyes, it nourishes and also moisturizes it more than conventional products. Try to apply it as far as possible from the eyelash edge, otherwise the product may get on the mucous membrane of the eye, causing irritation and swelling.
When applying the cream to the décolleté and neck, try not to touch the thyroid gland area. This can lead to disruption of the endocrine system.
Do not use the same product for a long time, you need to change it every six months, this can be comprehensive care in summer and winter. If you do not change and use the same one for a long time, the skin will begin to get used to it, and the effect will gradually decrease until it completely disappears.
There is the most favorable time for the application procedure, during which the body is actively working, so you can achieve the maximum effect. Morning hours: from 8.00 to 11.00, evening hours: from 18.00 to 20.00. There is an opinion that the extreme limit for applying cream in the evening hours is 10:00 p.m., however, it can be argued that towards the evening the body’s activity decreases and at 10:00 p.m. it probably already “goes into hibernation,” so to speak.
Common Mistakes
It is recommended to avoid the following when using the cream:
- applying a large amount of cream - the skin will not absorb more than it can, but the product can clog pores and give an unsightly shine;
- using the composition on dirty skin - if you forget about cleansing and toning, the product will not have an effect, but will contribute to the formation of acne and comedones;
- wrong choice of cream - an unsuitable product for a certain skin type will aggravate existing problems and add new ones;
- violation of technique - failure to follow massage lines leads to stretching of the skin and destruction of its own collagen;
- incorrect movements - if you rub the skin, squeeze it again, it will lose its elasticity and firmness.
Fundamental differences between night and day cream
When using a night cream, you should understand the effects of the cosmetic product and understand the differences between the different categories of drugs. The texture of mixtures for application before bed is more airy and contains a larger number of vitamins and moisturizing components that have a beneficial effect on the overall condition of the skin.
Girls under the age of 25 do not need to use nighttime products, since the skin at this age is capable of self-healing. But if there are problem areas on the face, the use of cream is still recommended by cosmetologists. After 35 years, additional care is simply necessary, so the application of drugs in this category will contribute to the careful and proper care of the skin on the face.
The peculiarity of applying a night cream is to restore the skin compared to the hydration and protection of a product for daytime use. Sometimes using regular cosmetics before bed has an adverse effect on the skin and contributes to the formation of puffiness on the face.
Homemade recipes
Many women prefer to prepare their own night cream, adding natural ingredients that are safe for their skin, thereby significantly saving money and receiving a high-quality product. Its only drawback is its short shelf life if stored in the refrigerator, so prepare a minimum amount of product that you will use within 2 - 3 days.
For mature and aging skin
Combine liquid natural honey, homemade milk in equal proportions, add 2 powdered mummy tablets and a teaspoon of almond oil, thoroughly mixing the mass until smooth. Transfer the cream into a clean jar, close the lid and place in the refrigerator.
For dry and dehydrated epidermis
First, prepare juice from fresh cucumber or aloe in the amount of 50 milliliters. Then melt a tablespoon of cocoa butter in a water bath, add a teaspoon of castor oil and 1 ampoule of vitamin E. When the mass becomes warm, add the juice and mix the composition thoroughly using a mixer. Place it in a jar with a lid and store it in the refrigerator.
For normal skin type
Melt a tablespoon of beeswax in a water bath, cool it a little, add a slightly beaten raw egg yolk (1/2 part), a tablespoon of freshly squeezed carrot juice and a teaspoon of unrefined olive oil. Mix the mixture well and place in a clean container with a lid.
- To 2 tablespoons of natural yogurt without sugar or additives, add a tablespoon of orange or persimmon puree, 3 drops of tea tree oil and a teaspoon of flaxseed oil. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, transfer to a clean jar with a lid and place in a cool place.
