With age, the skin loses firmness and elasticity. The inevitable aging process begins, which can be delayed with proper care and rejuvenating procedures. A mask with a Botox effect is a great way to smooth out wrinkles and prevent new ones from appearing. The cosmetic product can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared yourself using reliable home recipes.
Side effects of botulinum therapy
Photo by Polina Kovaleva: Pexels
Botulinum therapy is considered one of the safest and most studied methods in cosmetology, but still, with this method, there are side effects. What consequences may arise:
- drooping eyebrows, eyelids on both sides or asymmetrically;
- the appearance of puffiness under the eyes;
- when placed in the lip area, dysfunction of the orbicularis oris muscle may occur;
- asymmetry may occur on the face.
To avoid such phenomena, you can choose alternative methods - for example, masks with the Botox effect.
This option is absolutely safe, quite effective when used correctly, and has additional benefits.
Classification and stages of development
Like other pathologies, this one has its own characteristic features that make it possible to divide the total mass according to its external manifestation and prerequisites for its occurrence.
Neurological
It is also called neurogenic, since the root causes are disruptions in the central nervous system. In the vast majority of cases, the violation is observed on one side. If there is no clear functioning of the frontal and ocular muscles, then pathology occurs. These are the main causes of ptosis of the upper eyelid in adults. In this case, the bilateral appearance indicates a previous heart attack, and when the oculomotor nerve is damaged, pupil dilation is observed, and eye mobility is impaired. All cases are purely individual; the problem may spontaneously disappear when the affected area is stabilized. If treatment is necessary, the method is selected individually.
Myogenic blepharoptosis
Develops with myasthenia gravis, ocular myopathy, as a result of local or systemic muscle damage. There is also a toxic form associated with poisoning from lead or other heavy metals or their salts. Impairment of the motor function of the eye is possible, often accompanied by a decrease in the tone of the facial muscle tissue. How to correct ptosis of the upper eyelid in this case will become clear after a thorough detailed examination.
Mechanical view
Occurs if muscle function is hampered by scar formation, wearing lenses, or due to a tumor or injury. Sometimes only supportive procedures are required to stimulate natural regeneration. If the damage is very severe, then surgery is recommended.
Aponeurotic
This type is also called senile, when a person experiences stretching of muscles and ligaments and their weakening. In other cases, postoperative complications, cataract removal, severe infections, and injuries can trigger the disorder. Development occurs on both sides, but one is more affected. The congenital form is rare and occurs equally in men and women. Patients note a gradually progressive drooping of skin folds. To remove ptosis of the upper eyelid, surgical correction is indicated in most cases; the prognosis is favorable.
Pseudoptosis
In fact, this is a purely cosmetic problem. It is characterized by excess skin, which creates a severe fold that interferes with normal vision. Often it occurs in combination with age-related changes. To promptly refuse unnecessary or incorrect surgery, a comprehensive diagnosis is important. Treatment depends on the cause of the abnormality.
Traumatic blepharoptosis
When determining this type of disorder, experts recommend waiting 6 months before performing correction, since cases of spontaneous resolution of the situation are not uncommon. The etiology includes many factors and is diagnosed after the swelling has resolved. During the healing process, scarring and lagophthalmos are possible. If after time the condition does not improve, then muscle resection is performed. This is the best option to cure ptosis of the upper eyelid.
The principle of action and effectiveness of masks with the Botox effect
How do Botox injections work? The effect is exerted by the active substance - it is a toxin that binds to receptors involved in transmitting the impulse that triggers muscle movement.
As a result, the muscle becomes inactive, relaxes, and wrinkles are smoothed out.
An alternative option is masks based on starch, gelatin or other products, which, in addition to smoothing the skin, also additionally nourish, soften, and fill with additional components, as they contain:
- brightening ingredients such as ascorbic acid and niacin;
- nutritious and softening - carbohydrates;
- choline – to maintain cell structure.
Typically, homemade masks with the Botox effect have no contraindications for either age or skin type. The active ingredients in the recipes do not inhibit muscle activity. There is no need to worry about facial contour disturbances or problems with facial expressions.
Chemical peeling as a means of combating wrinkles
You are probably familiar with peeling. This is the removal of the upper layer of the epidermis with all the excess that has accumulated on it and indirect stimulation of the deeper layers. Particularly effective for removing age spots, acne, dead, excess dead skin cells.
It would seem, what does wrinkles have to do with it? The fact is that this very effective cleansing procedure simultaneously triggers natural regeneration processes. And the skin becomes more elastic - small wrinkles are smoothed out, and large ones become less noticeable. Therefore, peeling can also be called a means of combating age-related and facial imperfections.
Who can make masks from starch?
Starch masks are suitable for any skin:
- for young people when the first wrinkles appear;
- for age with pronounced wrinkles;
- for thin skin with dull undertones;
For different skin types and conditions:
- oily, combination and problematic;
- normal;
- dry;
- sensitive.
At a young age, it eliminates the first wrinkles, has a preventive effect, evens out the tone, making it uniform, and improves complexion.
In middle and older age, products with the effect of Botox have a lifting effect when signs of facial ptosis begin, and reduce the depth of already more pronounced wrinkles.
Such masks, unlike injections, do not cause any side effects, as a rule, do not cause allergic reactions (only in case of individual intolerance), since starch is a natural, safe, non-allergenic component.
Starch masks should not be applied:
- if you are allergic to their components,
- with severe skin inflammation,
- fresh wounds and
- dermatitis.
Mask with Botox effect for face
What can you do after Botox injections? Debunking myths
There are a huge number of far-fetched contraindications. Let's consider them.
Flying on an airplane
Many people believe that the pressure difference during takeoff can have a negative effect on facial tissue if Botox has recently been injected. Cosmetic doctors do not prohibit patients from boarding a plane soon after injections, since the pressure on board is the same as on the ground. The only problem is the tediousness of long flights - most likely you will want to rub your eyes or touch your face. Let us remind you that mechanical irritation is prohibited.
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Smoking
Nicotine does not interfere with the body's recovery after Botox injections. Despite this, there is no need to abuse smoking. The habit negatively affects blood circulation and lung function, causing early signs of aging.
…
Housework
After a botulinum therapy session, you can do any household chores that do not involve tilting your head or heavy loads.
How to properly prepare the base for a mask
There are a large number of recipes for masks based on substances that smooth the skin. Those of them that are made on the basis of starch are usually made using the same technology. Any starch is suitable (rice, potato, corn).
For the main mixture, take any dry starch and water. In a ratio of 1 tablespoon per 600 ml. To begin with, the starch is diluted and thoroughly mixed in a small amount of cold water.
After it is completely dissolved, it is poured into the remaining boiling water. Stir slowly until thickened, without allowing the mixture to boil.
After the solution becomes homogeneous, the base is ready. Various additional components can be added to this composition depending on the effect you want to achieve. In some recipes, starch can also be added in powder form, but the effectiveness of the masks will be higher if you use a properly prepared base.
Rules for using starch masks
Rules for applying a starch mask to the face:
- at the beginning of the procedure, put your hair in a ponytail, under a cap or tie it with a scarf;
- Before applying the mask, thoroughly wash your face with a cleanser and wipe with tonic;
- you can make a steam bath over hot water or apply hot wet towels to steam the skin;
- the mask is applied with a soft cosmetic brush from the center to the periphery;
- Do not apply to the area around the eyes and lips;
- leave the mask for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with cool water;
- At the end of the procedure, apply a cream appropriate to your skin type.
Regularity of procedures is important - a full course should be 5-10 procedures
- for a drying effect for oily skin types up to 2 times a week;
- for anti-aging up to 3 times a week.
Characteristic symptoms of eyelid ptosis
Overhanging mobile skin folds are observed at different stages of the disease. Externally, the disorder is expressed by uneven size of the eyelids, swollen skin, and a “sleepy” appearance. In addition, compensatory signs arise, such as the habit of throwing the head back, early wrinkles on the forehead, and the appearance of a raised eyebrow effect. The process of blinking is also difficult, which leads to increased fatigue and increases the risk of infection of the organs of vision. It is impossible to self-medicate in such cases; it is necessary to prescribe an examination, the purpose of which is to determine the causes of drooping of the upper eyelid in one eye and begin treatment only with strict adherence to the recommendations of a specialist.
The normal indicator is the distance from the edge of the skin fold to the central point of the pupil. It is assessed when the patient is examined by a doctor. Double vision and squint clearly indicate damage to the oculomotor nerve. Often there is a whole complex that combines ptosis and retraction of the eyeball. It is useless to solve problems one by one; the subject is prescribed an appropriate course of procedures. In the absence of results from conservative treatment, specialists resort to surgical correction.
Recipes for masks with Botox effect
Below are recipes that have repeatedly proven their effectiveness.
For mature skin
Increases skin tone, helps reduce wrinkles, nourishes:
- starch composition 3 tablespoons;
- sour cream 2 tablespoons;
- carrot juice 3 tablespoons.
Mix all ingredients.
A mask with a tightening, brightening effect and improves skin elasticity:
- 1 tablespoon starch mixture;
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice;
- 1 chicken protein;
- 2 tablespoons of kefir.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Anti-wrinkle mask for thin, lifeless, aging skin:
- 1 tablespoon gelatin (used as an alternative to starch);
- 100 g cream;
- 1 tablespoon olive oil;
- 1 tablespoon liquid honey;
After combining the cream and gelatin, wait for the gelatin to swell, place the mixture in a water bath and stir until a completely homogeneous consistency is achieved. Wait for the mixture to cool, add honey and glycerin, stirring until the ingredients are completely dissolved.
For oily skin types
Anti-wrinkle age mask:
- 1 peeled potato tuber;
- 1 cucumber.
Grate or grind in a mixer - use the finished mixture as a mask.
Cleansing mask to smooth out skin surface
- 1 tablespoon starch;
- 1 teaspoon sour cream;
- 1 teaspoon honey;
- 1 teaspoon fine salt.
Mix everything and use as a scrub for 5-7 minutes, rubbing into the skin, then rinse with cool water.
Mask for sensitive skin
Soothing, eliminating redness:
- 1 chicken egg white;
- 2 teaspoons starch;
- ½ teaspoon tea tree oil.
Stir thoroughly, when applied to the face, the mask should dry, after which it can be washed off.