Flax seeds are widely used in cosmetology to create natural products. They contain large amounts of fatty acids, vitamins and elements to maintain healthy skin. Flax seeds are most popular as a component for homemade masks. Depending on the recipe, they help reduce the number of wrinkles, accelerate rejuvenation and even out the natural color. In addition, they moisturize and nourish even the deep layers of the epidermis.
Homemade masks have virtually no contraindications and are suitable for any skin type and condition. In this article we will tell you the benefits of flax seeds and how to use them correctly.
Beneficial properties of flax seeds
Flax oil and seeds are common natural ingredients for the production of cosmetics. It has a lot of useful properties. Contains the following substances:
- saturated fatty acids – accelerate collagen synthesis by skin cells;
- selenium, manganese and magnesium – affect color, reduce the number of rashes;
- vitamin E – promotes natural regeneration, slows down the aging process;
- plant estrogens – are an antioxidant, strengthen the protective properties of cells, and participate in the elimination of toxins;
- fiber – binds toxins and other waste products of metabolic processes, accelerates the process of their removal from the body;
- folic acid – has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- Vitamin K – improves natural skin color, fights pigmentation.
Due to their rich mineral and nutritional composition, flax seeds are used not only to solve cosmetic, but also medical problems. For example, they are used as part of various decoctions and infusions to cleanse the intestines.
It is from the seeds of this plant that flaxseed oil is obtained. It is often used in cooking, medicine and cosmetology.
What effect does it have in cosmetology?
Flax seed is a real storehouse of healing elements that make the skin invigorated, clean, and glowing. It contains almost all B vitamins, numerous valuable acids, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc and other important trace elements.
Just look at how some substances affect the skin:
- folic acid is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps prevent pimples and acne,
- phylloquinone – removes age spots, has whitening properties,
- choline – soothes irritation, beneficial for sensitive delicate skin,
- thiamine is a super anti-aging agent,
- Niacin – tightens the skin, improves tone,
- alpha-linoleic acid is a drug that enhances cell regeneration.
Masks with flax seeds are recommended for tired facial skin, especially at the end of winter and spring, when the body lacks vitamins and sunlight. In winter, during prolonged cold weather, when the skin suffers from a lack of moisture, oxygen, and sudden temperature changes.
They will help “save face” during business trips or intense workloads (for example, students during a session or athletes during competitions). After suffering from illnesses, they will give freshness to the face. For girls who spend hours at the computer, the “fatigue” on their face will be relieved and their skin will be refreshed.
For older ladies who want to maintain youth and attractiveness, fine wrinkles will be “removed” and aging skin will be kept in good shape.
Benefits for facial skin
Flax seeds have a wide range of effects. Beneficial properties of the ingredient for the skin:
- clogged pores are cleaned;
- water balance is restored, dryness is reduced;
- the process of collagen and elastin production is stimulated;
- the shade is evened out, pigmentation is reduced;
- fine wrinkles are smoothed out, natural aging processes slow down;
- inflammation becomes less pronounced;
- metabolism is normalized;
- cells are saturated with beneficial vitamins, macro- and microelements.
In addition, regular use of flax seed masks has a lifting effect, which is useful when it is necessary to correct the contour of the face. This remedy is a prevention of sagging cheeks.
Indications for use
Flax seed masks are recommended for excessive dry skin and water balance disorders. They can also be used for problematic epidermis to eliminate acne, reduce inflammation, and also to prevent rosacea. Due to the large amount of vitamins in flax cosmetics, it is useful to use it in winter to protect cells, when the effects of external factors are most aggressive.
The component is also suitable for skin rejuvenation; most recipes are best used as an anti-aging product after 25-30 years. It is useful to use homemade masks for pigmentation and changing the natural complexion.
The first mentions of the benefits of flax seeds date back to Ancient Egypt; according to archaeological excavations, this component was actively used by the famous Queen Nefertiti. And Hippocrates was one of the first to describe the healing properties of flax for internal and external use.
Prevention of early skin aging
You should start taking care of the beauty of your skin at the age of 20. Choose the right quality cream, remove makeup from your eyes, and wash your face not with soap, but with special products suitable for your skin type. When they are young, they like to spend a lot of time in the sun, and this habit is difficult to give up. A passion for tanning should be covered with SPF protection, this will protect the skin from injury and dryness.
Visiting a professional cosmetologist at any age is one of the stages of maintaining youth and beauty!
The further you go, the more - from 40 years old, to prevent premature fading, it is important to use:
- additional products containing vitamins A, E, C, not only inside, but also on top of the skin; injections with these vitamins around the eyes are useful;
- cosmetics containing collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides (they will help restore water balance and add velvety);
- Peeling with lactic acid and deep chemical cleansing are required, which will help speed up skin regeneration and slightly tighten the face;
- Exercising will help tighten and give elasticity to the skin.
Be sure not to stop drinking water; each body has its own norm - from 1.5 to 2 liters per day.
Do not use low-quality decorative cosmetics; choose a moisturizing foundation (BB).
From the age of 30-35, you should begin to carry out moisturizing procedures for the skin, soak your eyelids with cream and use toner, and do not rub it into the skin, but apply it with point-to-point, tapping movements. It is useful to sign up for a facial massage. This will refresh and improve blood circulation.
Recipes for the best homemade masks
There are dozens of different recipes for homemade masks based on flax seeds. The most useful and effective of them:
For problem skin
Suitable for those with epidermis prone to various diseases, rashes and inflammation. The product enhances cell regeneration, improves metabolic processes, and also has a calming effect. Mix 1 tbsp. l. flax seeds, 2 tsp. semolina and 3 drops of calendula extract. After preparation, the composition should be viscous, apply it to the skin for 30 minutes, rinse with running water.
Beneficial properties of calendula for facial skin.
For the treatment of acne
The mask is only suitable for eliminating mild acne, as well as for preventing acne. Normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, eliminates redness and inflammation. Add 1 crushed tablet of aspirin and activated charcoal to 40 ml of flaxseed infusion. Stir until smooth and apply to the face, especially the nose area, with massaging movements.
Tightening (with lifting effect)
Recommended for use after 30-35 years to maintain and restore facial contour. Thanks to the whey in the product, metabolic processes are improved and the functioning of the sebaceous glands is normalized. Mix 200 ml milk and 2 tbsp. l. flaxseeds, boil for 2-3 minutes over low heat. After cooling, apply to face as a compress for 20 minutes, rinse thoroughly with water.
For wrinkles
A classic recipe for smoothing out fine wrinkles. Accelerates the regeneration process, suitable for regular use as an evening care procedure. To prepare, pour 1 tsp. seeds with 70 ml of water, leave for 12 hours. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture and apply the mask to the face, neck and décolleté. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and use moisturizer.
The mask should be applied along massage lines on the face, neck and décolleté.
For dry skin
The product softens and removes the stratum corneum, restores the water balance in the epidermal cells, and also reduces dryness and flaking. Mix 20 ml of flaxseed infusion, 1 chopped banana and 1 chicken yolk. After obtaining a homogeneous mass, apply the composition in a thick layer with massaging movements on the skin of the face and neck. After 30 minutes, wash your face and use a nourishing cream.
For oily skin
The mask helps to narrow pores and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Eliminates oily shine, with regular use you can achieve a matte effect. To prepare, mix 10 g of bodyaga, 20 ml of flax seed decoction and 2 drops of jasmine oil. Heat the composition in a water bath for 10 minutes, after cooling, apply to pre-steamed skin. Rinse off with running water after 15 minutes.
With gelatin
The product enhances elasticity, enhances softness and makes the skin pleasant to the touch. Suitable for any skin type, recommended for extreme dryness. Mix 30 g of flax seed infusion, 10 g of gelatin and 1 tsp. olive oil. Heat the composition in a water bath for 7-10 minutes; the mask must be applied before the gelatin has time to harden. After cooling, a film forms, which should be removed after 15 minutes.
For acne
Helps clear clogged pores, relieve inflammation and remove redness. With regular use, the functioning of the sebaceous glands is normalized, which reduces the likelihood of acne. Mix 1 tbsp. l. flax seeds and blue clay, add 2-3 drops of patchouli essential oil. Gently apply the product to the entire surface of the face, especially the forehead and sides of the nose. Rinse off with running water after 20 minutes.
Flax scrub with oatmeal
Suitable for any skin type, recommended for those with increased sensitivity to aggressive peeling cosmetics. A homemade scrub can be used 2-3 times a month to remove the stratum corneum of the epidermis. To prepare, mix 1 tbsp. l. flax seeds and oatmeal, pour 100 ml of green tea, add 2 drops of lemon balm essential oil. Apply to face with massaging movements, then wash with warm water. It is advisable to carry out the procedure after steaming the skin.
With vitamin E
It has a rejuvenating effect, enhances the regeneration of epidermal cells and slows down the natural aging process. In addition, vitamin E enhances cell elasticity. Thoroughly mix 15 ml of flaxseed broth and 2 ml of vitamin E (tocopherol). The procedure time is 30 minutes.
Moisturizing
The mask restores the water balance, due to which the cells are saturated with liquid. The product tightens contours and eliminates fine wrinkles. Suitable for all skin types, recommended for extreme dryness. Mix 2 tbsp. l. decoction of flax seeds and the same amount of cream with a high percentage of fat content. Apply with massaging movements to the face, neck and décolleté. Leave for 20 minutes and then wash.
Anti-aging
Recommended at the first sign of crow's feet. The product slows down aging, eliminates fine wrinkles, including facial wrinkles. Grind 1 banana in a blender until pureed, add 1 tbsp. l. cocoa and 2 tsp. flax seeds. Stir thoroughly until smooth and apply to problem areas. Rinse off with warm water after 30 minutes.
The advantage of homemade masks is the ability to change and add components of the composition. To prepare such products, various essential oils, fermented milk products and fresh chopped vegetables and fruits are often used.
To achieve noticeable results, homemade masks with flax seeds should be used regularly. To achieve a complex effect, you should alternate recipes and change the components of the composition.
Ways to use seeds for the face
Flax seed for the face at home can be used as an independent cosmetic product (in the form of a scrub, a decoction that cleanses the dermis) or in combination with other ingredients (in the form of masks, serums, homemade creams). Some recipes involve additional grinding of seeds.
Flax decoction
The decoction is useful as a cleansing and tonic. It can be used before applying decorative cosmetics, thus protecting the skin from the aggressive effects of ultraviolet radiation. Algorithm for preparing the decoction:
- Clean the seeds from foreign objects and rinse in running water.
- Pour the prepared seeds (tsp) with purified water (70 ml.).
- Cook the broth for 7 minutes.
- Strain through a fine sieve and cool.
Wipe the skin with the decoction in the morning after washing and in the evening before bed. The product allows you to delicately cleanse pores and narrow them. Unlike many ready-made tonics, the decoction does not cause skin tightness. Can be used for regular skin care of any type (including sensitive, problematic, with rashes, abscesses and purulent formations).
Flax tincture
The form of the infusion allows you to create an excellent base for homemade creams and masks with a wide spectrum of action. To prepare the tincture, peeled seeds (15 g) are poured with boiling water (50 ml) and infused under the lid for 15-30 minutes. The finished substance has a sticky consistency. It must be filtered, after which it can be used for creams, masks, homemade vitaminizing tonics, emulsions.
Important! To get a more concentrated infusion, you can increase the steaming time or grind the seeds first. In the latter case, you will need to strain the composition twice.
Cosmetic ice
Ice in the form of a cosmetic product is excellent for caring for aging skin. It can be fully used to combat dark circles under the eyes and expression wrinkles. It is useful to wipe the cubes not only on the face, but also on the neck and décolleté. Algorithm for making ice from seeds:
- Prepare 50 ml. chamomile decoction, following the recommendations indicated on the package.
- Pour hot decoction of chamomile flowers over the peeled seeds and leave for 30 minutes.
- Pour the cooled base into small ice trays and freeze.
- Rub the cubes over your face in the evening, after the cleansing procedure.
Cosmetologists recommend not using ice form for regular care. It is useful to practice the cryo format in weekly courses once a quarter. Low temperature conditions injure the skin, so you should not use this method if you have particularly thin, sensitive skin.
Scrub
The ability of flaxseed to delicately cleanse the dermis allows it to be used as an effective scrubbing agent. To make a homemade scrub you need:
- grind the flax seeds without steaming them first (it is important to maintain their rigid shape);
- add coarse oat flakes crushed to a similar fraction to the seeds;
- add a small amount of milk into the composition and immediately apply the scrub to the skin (with massage movements, carefully treating the area of the nasolabial triangle, chin).
The scrub allows you to get rid of areas with peeling, deeply cleanses the pores, rids the surface of dead cells, which activates metabolic processes, improves the general condition of the dermis, and it responds better to subsequent cosmetic care procedures.
General rules and tips for application and use
To achieve a lasting and visible effect from the use of homemade masks, it is important to correctly select the components, prepare the product correctly and apply it to the face. Basic Rules:
- Before cooking, grind the flax seeds to a powder using a blender or mortar and pestle;
- all components of the composition must be fresh, and the prepared mask should be used within 12 hours from the date of manufacture;
- Before the procedure, the skin should be cleansed and daytime makeup removed. It is recommended to steam the pores so that the substances penetrate into the deepest layers;
- if you use anti-aging masks, it is advisable to lie down for 20 minutes before applying, which allows the facial muscles to relax;
- To wash your face after the procedure, it is useful to use a contrast shower or wipe your face with an ice cube.
To avoid allergies to the ingredients of the composition, you need to check the body’s reaction before the first use. To do this, the product can be applied to the elbow area and wait 15-20 minutes.
Procedures with clay
Excellent tightening of flabby, aging skin is carried out using clay. A mixture of flaxseeds and clay will help cleanse, smooth your face, and give it youthful freshness.
To do this you should take:
- 1 tbsp. crushed seeds;
- pour a small amount of boiling water, hold for 20 minutes;
- add 1 tsp. special clay powder (for dry epidermis - pink or red, for aging skin - red or yellow, for normal skin - white, green or blue);
- stir until the clay dissolves, cover your face, leave for 15 or 20 minutes, then wash with water.
Contraindications
Flax seeds are gentle and gentle. But there are also contraindications. Do not use the product if you are allergic or hypersensitive to the ingredient. Face masks are not recommended for use in the presence of severe inflammation or comedones. It is highly undesirable to use cosmetic compositions for open mechanical damage to the epidermis: wounds, abrasions or cuts.
Flax seeds contain fatty acids, so you should not use this product if your skin is oily or has a strong sebaceous sheen.
Results
- Flax seeds are a useful ingredient for creating homemade cosmetics. The composition contains a large number of vitamins and useful elements.
- Regular use of masks slows down the aging process, improves the appearance of facial skin, nourishes and saturates cells with useful substances. In addition, you can cope with pigmentation, acne and pimples.
- Recipes based on flax seeds are suitable for any skin type; the effect and application characteristics depend on the condition of the epidermis, age and composition of the mask.
- Before applying, you need to make sure that there is no allergy; it is not advisable to apply the product to open wounds, severe inflammation and hypersensitivity to the components.
- Natural essential oils, fermented milk products, pharmacy vitamins, crushed vegetables and fruits, and blue clay are used as auxiliary components for creating homemade masks from flax seeds.
Lifting
As a result of the procedure, the skin is tightened and the number of folds is noticeably reduced. To achieve results, it is recommended to take a course of 15 applications.
Ingredients:
- flax seeds – 5 grams;
- boiling water – 80 grams.
How to prepare and use:
1. Combine the components and mix. Shake for 10 minutes;
2. Cover with a napkin and let it brew;
If you prepare the composition for the mask in the morning, it will be ready for use by evening.
Apply the product with a cotton pad, in 5 layers after each layer, let the skin dry, it is advisable to avoid facial expressions. After half an hour, the mask must be washed off with boiled water and any nourishing cream applied.
