How to improve body skin tone

What is skin tone?

Skin pleases when you look in the mirror and see it elastic and well-groomed. When we talk about skin tone, we mean a set of concepts such as:

1. moisture or hydration (addition of water molecules),
2. turgor (osmotic internal pressure in a living cell, which regulates the water balance of the skin),
3. elasticity and oxygen supply.

At the same time, skin tone also depends on hormonal health. Hormonal imbalance immediately affects the skin, as does an age-related decrease in hormone levels, says Natalya Buzhinskaya, general director of the Petrovka-Beauty clinic.

The role of hydration in skin care

It is widely known that water helps keep the skin looking healthy and fresh. In short, the situation is like this: we drink water, water comes from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood, from the blood into the cells and intercellular space of the skin. And, it would seem, drink water, and your skin is toned - young and beautiful! But no matter how it is. The water content in the epidermis depends not only on the amount of water received from the dermis, but also on the ability of the epidermis to retain it, as well as on the osmotic pressure in the cells and the proper activity of the kidneys.

The first thing we can influence in this complex system is to maintain the balance of the elements of the lipid mantle of the skin, which minimizes the process of water loss.

Leslie Bauman, in her book Cosmetic Dermatology, describes an experiment that shows that it is an imbalance in the composition of natural moisturizing factors and lipids that leads to the appearance of such a skin condition as dryness. But fortunately, dry or dehydrated skin is a reversible condition.

With age, the epidermis retains moisture less and less, the skin tone becomes weaker, so outside help is needed.

Many people believe that oily skin does not become dehydrated, but this is a misconception. The phenomenon of dehydration is common to all skin types, and although dry skin is more susceptible to this due to a damaged protective hydrolipid mantle, oily skin can also become dehydrated for the same reason (due to aggressive skin care products - lotions with alcohol, extreme climatic conditions, drug courses of treatment, etc.).

Often on the Internet you can find recommendations to drink about 2 liters of water per day and wipe your face with an ice cube made from infusions of medicinal herbs or mineral water in order to moisturize and tone. In fact, these are common misconceptions.

Perhaps this is due to the bright tonic effect that ice provides, comments cosmetologist Ekaterina Glagoleva, but it is important to remember that the powerful constriction and dilation of blood vessels that occurs after any extreme exposure is fraught with adaptation failures. That is, training for facial vessels should be gentle and very regular, otherwise we risk getting rosacea capillaries in the nose and cheeks instead of a healthy blush. So if a bath/sauna is contraindicated for you, if you blush from a glass of red wine and a light jog, refrain from this advice and take a course of venotonic drugs (on the advice of your doctor).

The problem of insufficient hydration must be solved in tandem with a cosmetologist; a specialist will determine the cause of dehydration and eliminate the consequences.

How can you tell if your skin turgor is normal?

Turgor - the ability to recover after deformation - is determined by the state of the dermis, or more precisely by the activity of its fibroblasts.

A woman's skin turgor depends on the hormone estrogen, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin fibers work on the principle of elastic, returning the skin to its original appearance and shape when deformed.

How to improve skin turgor?

Special procedures will help improve skin turgor, for example: meso- and ozone therapy and microcurrents. The development of cosmeceuticals makes it possible to develop comprehensive skin care procedures, simultaneously solving many problems, such as hyperpigmentation, facial hyperactivity, vascular problems, because a decrease in collagen synthesis is not the only problem with aging skin.

Body skin care should include mechanical procedures: light peeling, massage at least 1-2 times a week, contrast shower, which increases blood microcirculation and the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, body wraps. Flabbiness persists the longest in the abdominal area, and here you can use physical exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles. Baths with aromatic oils help to improve the turgor of the body's skin.

To summarize, we can say that tone is a complex concept that characterizes the quality of the skin. With a systematic approach, it is possible to improve moisture, turgor and elasticity of the skin and significantly delay a trip to a plastic surgeon. With reduced skin tone, aesthetic procedures aimed at rejuvenation will have an effect, but the effect of plastic surgery will be visually more noticeable.

When it comes to skin tone, the presence of several factors is implied. These include turgor, moisture and elasticity. Not every person maintains tone at the same high level even in youth, and even in adulthood, a decrease in this indicator is considered a natural aging process. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to increase and improve skin tone. Often good results can be achieved at home.

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What affects skin tone

To determine the indication in question, doctors take into account three important factors:

1. the degree of hydration of the skin - in medicine the concept sounds like “hydration” and means the level of strength of attachment of water molecules;
2. turgor is the pressure inside each cell, which regulates water balance;
3. elasticity - its level depends on how fully the skin is saturated with oxygen.

Often, when determining skin tone, hormonal levels are also taken into account: if it is disturbed due to aging of the body or due to various diseases of the endocrine system, then this is immediately reflected in the appearance of the skin.

Why does the skin of the body lose moisture and elasticity?

The problem of decreased skin tone begins to manifest itself especially clearly at the age of 30 years and older - this is a period when it is necessary to especially actively and competently carry out various caring procedures. The reasons for the loss of moisture and elasticity can be pathologies, for example, dermatological diseases, lack of vitamins, hormonal imbalance and others.

If we consider the most common causes of decreased skin tone, it is worth highlighting the following:

1. decreased self-healing ability of skin cells;
2. the use of too aggressive, low-quality decorative cosmetics;
3. insufficient hydration, which can result from a violation of the drinking regime;
4. disruption of metabolic processes directly in the skin.

Decreased tone is often associated with the lack of regular caring procedures. For example, optimal hydration can be achieved with a regular night cream, and elasticity is restored with massages and nourishing masks.

How to restore attractiveness at home

You can increase skin tone with a variety of procedures that are carried out in beauty salons and cosmetology clinics. To achieve the goal, specialists use both professional cosmetics and special equipment. But it is quite possible to achieve good results at home. Masks, wraps and other procedures will be no less effective than those carried out in specialized institutions.

Recovery with vitamins

The best option would be to use nourishing creams twice a day - 20 minutes before going outside in the morning and an hour and a half before resting at night. Cosmetologists recommend washing your face before applying such a product and not wiping your face, since water is an excellent “conductor” of all beneficial substances into the deep layers of the skin. Nourishing creams are applied to the skin in a fairly thick layer, and after half an hour the excess is removed with a cotton swab or napkin.

If preference is given to natural remedies, then you should pay attention to the following recipes for masks rich in vitamins:

1. From cottage cheese. 2 teaspoons of fermented milk product should be combined with the same amount of green tea and stir everything thoroughly (there should be no lumps or grains in the mixture). Then add half a teaspoon of zest of any citrus fruit and the same amount of fish oil. The finished product is applied to the face in a thick layer, left there for 20 minutes and then washed off with warm water.

1. From orange. You will need juice from half a citrus fruit, to which add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half a tablespoon of honey. Mix everything thoroughly, apply the finished mass in several layers to the skin of the face and neck. The duration of the procedure is until the mask dries completely, then it is washed off with warm water.
2. From potatoes. You need to boil one root vegetable “in its uniform”, then peel it and mash it into a puree. The yolk of a chicken egg and a little milk are added to it. The output should be a homogeneous, non-liquid mass. The mask is applied to the face while warm, left there for 15 minutes and washed off with warm water. A potato mask perfectly nourishes dry and sensitive skin, which automatically increases its elasticity.

1. Elderberry infusion. In a ceramic bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of elderberry infusion (sold in pharmacies), 2 tablespoons of powdered oatmeal and 100 ml of warm milk. The prepared mass should be boiled in a water bath for 10 minutes, then cooled and applied to the skin while warm. The procedure takes 20 minutes, after which the face is washed off first with warm and then with cold water.
2. From melon. This fruit is so rich in vitamins that adding anything to it is not necessary. During the melon harvest season, you need to take its pulp, grind it into puree and simply spread it on your face in a thick layer for 20 - 30 minutes. This fruit will improve the tone of even mature skin with age-related changes.
3. From apples. It is perfect for oily skin types. You can prepare the product from 1 - 2 medium apples, grated on a fine grater, and 1 chicken egg white, whipped into a stable foam.

1. From carrots. This recipe is the optimal solution for dry skin. You need to grate 2 medium raw carrots on a fine grater, mix with a tablespoon of sour cream or cream. One nuance needs to be taken into account: this mask can stain the skin and make it darker.

Of course, the result will not be visible after the first procedure, but regular use of vitamin masks in any case gives a positive effect.

To learn how to prepare a skin-tightening face mask at home, watch this video:

Wraps for tightened skin

For such procedures, you need to use products with pepper, based on plant extracts and fermented milk products. Wraps are carried out no more than 2 times a week and require a preparatory stage. It involves thoroughly steaming the skin, which can be done under a hot shower or in a bath, bathhouse, or sauna.

Basic rules for performing body wraps for tightened skin:

1. a fermented milk product (kefir or sour cream) must be applied to the surface of the selected area of ​​the body in a thick layer;
2. if cream with pepper is chosen as a remedy, then, on the contrary, it is used in minimal quantities;
3. the cling film should fit snugly to the body, but not overtighten it - circulatory problems may occur in small and medium-sized vessels;
4. You cannot do wraps to improve skin tone for people with varicose veins.

Oils

This is a controversial point, since not all doctors confirm the effectiveness of oils in solving the problem of low skin tone. Yes, plant-based ones moisturize the skin as much as possible, and they also have a nourishing effect. But it is unlikely that they will be able to nourish the skin with vitamins and strengthen its muscle fibers or enhance the production of its own collagen and elastin.

Nevertheless, you can safely use oils in daily skin care for your face and body. Apply them to a previously cleaned surface, leave for 10-15 minutes, remove excess with a napkin or cotton swab. Cosmetologists recommend carrying out this procedure in the evening, an hour and a half before a night's rest.

Water regime and nutrition

A very important point in restoring skin tone! The drinking regime consists of drinking one and a half liters of clean water every day. And note, this is the minimum amount! The more fluid you drink, the faster and more completely toxins and waste will be removed from the body, and the more hydrated your skin will be.

Regarding nutrition, it is worth remembering the following recommendations from nutritionists:

1. the diet should consist of vegetables and fruits, fresh or baked;
2. You must definitely eat fish and seafood - at least 300 g per week;
3. lean meat should be present in the diet, but not more than 150 g every day;
4. It is advisable to give up baked goods, sweets and carbonated drinks;
5. It is worth limiting chocolate and coffee in the menu.

Mechanical impact

This includes a contrast shower and massage. Such procedures should be done at least twice a week - and in just a couple of months you will notice improvements. A contrast shower is done only after the body is completely cleansed of dust and dirt. The duration of the procedure is 5 minutes, during which every 10 seconds you need to change the water temperature - from cold to hot.

The massage is performed on the face with your fingertips; there is no need to put any special effort into this, because there is always a risk of the formation of light, but very unsightly bruises. Greater effectiveness can be achieved when performing a massage with vegetable oils or nourishing creams.

Skin tone is a purely individual indicator, but it can always be improved. It is enough to follow the recommendations of cosmetologists and dermatologists and use an integrated approach to solving the problem.

Useful video

For information on massage to improve facial skin tone, watch this video:

Do not think that this problem can be solved in an elementary way. In addition to cosmetics and procedures, patience is required. We consulted with an expert and are sharing our knowledge. A list of useful cosmetics is attached.

1. What is skin tone
2. How to check skin tone
3. How to improve skin tone
4. How to improve facial skin tone with daily care
5. How to restore body skin tone
6. Review of effective skin tone products

What is skin tone

This question cannot be answered in one sentence, because the concept of tone includes three parameters that depend on the state of the main proteins of the dermis:

turgor - that is, the ability to resist deformation;

hydration - the level of moisture in the epidermis;

metabolic rate - it affects complexion and smoothness of the skin.

Skin tone is a flexible concept © iStock

“Close to tone is the concept of “density,” that is, the thickness and strength of the skin,” says Vichy expert Elena Eliseeva. — Density is very dependent on the hormonal balance in the body. For example, a drop in estrogen levels inevitably causes degradation of matrix proteins, decreased elasticity and tissue atony.

In general, tone is the overall good condition of the skin: beautiful appearance, softness, normal cellular metabolism and free breathing of tissues.”

How to check skin tone

There are several tests that can be used to determine whether your skin has lost tone or not. Elena Eliseeva recommends such a check.

Pinch the skin on the back of your hand, forming a fold with your fingers (not your nails!). Does it smooth out almost immediately after you release the skin? So everything is fine. After a couple of seconds, is there still a grip mark on your hand? We need to take action. If after 5-6 seconds the trace is still noticeable, the measures must be serious and comprehensive.

Pinch your cheek at the level of the zygomatic arch. If “patting the cheek” is easy, the skin is grabbed and held without difficulty - this indicates that the tissues have lost density (this happens at the age of 45+ and is accompanied by a change in the contour of the face) or the general turgor of the skin is reduced (this does not depend on age) .

How to improve skin tone

It seems that there is not a single problem related to the condition and quality of the skin that could be solved by bypassing moisturizer. Insufficient hydration of both the epidermis and the body as a whole is one of the main causes of loss of skin tone. How to increase it? First of all, eliminate the moisture deficiency.

1. Strengthen skin barrier functions, to avoid transepidermal fluid loss. When the integrity of the stratum corneum is compromised, water quickly evaporates.

How to improve facial skin tone with daily care

So, we have learned that the skin needs to be moisturized not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Have you poured yourself a glass of water yet? Then you can start talking about cosmetics.

Skin tone products perform multiple tasks © iStock

Explore lines that promise to restore skin tone and elasticity. Typically, such products contain several categories of substances.

1. Hydraulic clamps - the first thing that atonic, dull skin needs. Among them:

2. Antioxidants - antioxidant additives. As a rule, they have tonic properties. These include:

3. Drainage components important for night care. They will help avoid swelling:

It is effective to use several moisturizers at once: cream, serum, mask. And don’t forget about regular renewal care - exfoliation with scrubs or peelings.

How to restore body skin tone

Dealing with the problem of skin laxity on the body is somewhat more difficult than with the face. Different areas of the body have their own characteristics and require a specific approach. It will take more effort and time, but the result will please you.

Wrap

A well-known way to combat cellulite and sagging thighs is to apply hot, cold or neutral mixtures based on algae, natural mud, and caffeine.

Massage

There is little that can compare in effectiveness to the touch of human hands, provided that these are the hands of a competent craftsman. Massage improves blood circulation, metabolic processes, tissue nutrition and, as a result, improves skin tone.

Cold and hot shower

Pouring cool water stimulates blood flow and metabolic processes, “invigorates” the skin, which also has a beneficial effect on its tone.

Scrub and peeling

Exfoliation is an essential step in body care.

Gel and cream

Body shaping cosmetics strengthen tissues.

Anti-cellulite products improve microcirculation and remove excess fluid.

Nourishing creams and oil-based milks increase skin elasticity.

By strengthening your muscles, you improve the tone of your body's skin © IStock

If you decide to get down to business seriously, then you will have to strengthen your muscles. After all, if the muscle corset is weakened, the tissues lose their tone and sag. Give yourself at least minimal physical activity - let it be simple walking.

Review of effective skin tone products

Creams

Light cream Aqualia Thermal “Dynamic moisturizing”, Vichy, purposefully works to provide sustainable skin hydration and uniform distribution of moisture in tissues.

Aquabioril creates a protective film on the surface.

Hyaluronic acid saturates cells with moisture.

L-carrageenan regulates hydroexchange.

As a result, well-hydrated skin acquires elasticity and tone.

Cream for normal and dry skin Substiane Riche, La Roche-Posay, works to increase tone and density, eliminates dryness and dehydration, as it contains oils and patented molecules that stimulate skin cells.

Day moisturizer “Youthful glow 25+”, Garnier, proves that the solution to the problem of loss of tone begins with high-quality hydration and stimulation of cellular processes. This mission is carried out by “plant cells of youth”, hydrofixatives and caffeine extract.

Serums

Concentrated serum that intensively moisturizes the skin and smoothes its texture, Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate, Kiehl’s: “liquid serum” technology gives this product the ability to overcome the stratum corneum of the epidermis and retain moisture in the deeper layers of the skin. As a result, the skin becomes firm and elastic. Contains 15% vegetable glycerin and shiso leaf extract.

Energy activator Énergie De Vie, Lancôme, with three powerful antioxidants (extracts of French lemon balm, cranberry and ginseng) and a high concentration of moisturizing agents in the composition awakens the strength of tired skin and restores its freshness, radiance, and tone.

Antioxidant serum for oily skin Phloretin CF, SkinCeuticals - a proprietary trio of antioxidants will protect the skin from stress and environmental toxins, that is, improve its appearance and significantly increase its density.

Masks

Night hyaluro-mask Revitalift Filler [ha], L’Oreal Paris - spheres with low molecular weight (fragmented) hyaluronic acid penetrate the epidermis and seem to straighten the skin from the inside, filling it with moisture. Hence - tone, volume, elasticity.

Night mask that restores skin elasticity, Aquasource Everplump Night, Biotherm: The dark blue product restores elasticity and density to the skin overnight, filling it with moisture and refreshing with the help of special algae cultivated in the dark.

For body

Firm Corrector, Biotherm, firming and modeling product has reasonable ambitions to increase skin tone by 25% in two weeks.

Firming body milk "Ultraelasticity", Garnier, contains seaweed extracts and phytocaffeine, which means it removes excess fluid and stimulates collagen production in the skin. The result is predictable - elasticity and fit.