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Though many people opt for botox, laser treatments, and going “under the knife” to help aging skin look younger, many of us prefer less invasive options. Natural solutions are often gentler and easier on the wallet. What’s more, if you’re like me and have a deadly fear of needles, you’ll always find a way to go about your skin aging concerns that don’t involve sharp objects!
For those of you who do opt for cosmetic procedures, you already know that results don’t always last long. For those Botox fans out there, 4-6 months is as much benefit as you might get from these treatments, and other factors like nutrition and skincare routines can have an impact as well. What you eat and drink matters more than you may think, and your everyday habits make an enormous difference in every single aspect of your well-being and physical appearance. With the right face rejuvenating techniques and collagen-boosting products, you can create your own age-defying routine and keep that youthful, plump look while saving yourself a lot of hassle visiting cosmetic clinics. Don’t worry, we’ve done all the research for you - read on to find out what will work best for your skin.
What’s all the buzz about, and can all these little “face-shaping” beauty tools, rollers, and massages really make a difference? Don’t worry - we’re steering clear of gimmicks and focusing on the stuff proven to make a difference. It’s not one size fits all, but consistency is key no matter what the regimen. If you’re looking to improve your skincare routine, these rejuvenating techniques are a great place to start!
Gua Sha is a massage tool and an ancient Chinese healing technique made from different stones in various shapes, each of them serving a different purpose.The face lifting and shaping effects seem to come as a bonus, since this is primarily an alternative therapy to improve circulation and relieve chronic pain. The gua sha technique uses repeated short or long scraping strokes, depending on the area, with a smooth-edged instrument also known as the gua sha. [1]
The main objective of gua sha is to release stagnant energy, also known as chi, which is believed to be the underlying cause of inflammation. This healing technique has been found to relieve migraines, neck pain, facial tics, and other types of chronic pain and discomfort. [1]
When used on the face, gua sha is believed to not only promote circulation but also encourage lymphatic drainage and reduce bloating. Some even consider it a natural botox alternative due to its potential face-lifting ability and effects on settled-in muscle folds. [2]
A gua sha massage will only take a couple of minutes of your day, but make sure you’re buying your tools from licensed companies, as poorly designed copies could damage your skin. Luckily, gua sha tools are not an expensive investment and bonus! - they don’t come with an expiration date. A quality handmade gua sha face massage tool will typically cost anywhere between $18 and $25. They are, however, sold in different shapes and made from different stones, so take a look at this detailed guide on how to use your particular gua sha.
FOREO is a Swedish company famous for its hi-tech toothbrushes and silicone face-cleaning tools. FOREO Luna is one of their most popular devices and uses the brand’s unique T-Sonic technology. It has 8,000 pulses per minute and promises to remove up to 99% of makeup, in addition to dead skin cells. It is both a cleansing and an exfoliating electric tool that is intense enough to remove your makeup, thoroughly exfoliate the skin, and get rid of built-up and dead cells on the surface. However, it is soft enough not to damage the skin barrier, and also promises to improve circulation for anti-aging benefits. FOREO comes with a free app to manage the use of your device, which analyzes your skin and suggests the best routine based on the results. [3]
photo: Getty Images
We all know just how important deep cleansing and exfoliating is for skin health, dewy appearance, and overall hygiene. FOREO’s Luna is powerful in this regard: a convenient tool that saves time, but comes with a higher price tag than many at-home treatments, starting at around $88 for a smart facial cleansing brush. There are, however, numerous cheaper alternatives available, and some of them are definitely worth the mention, such as the Ezbasics Facial Cleansing Brush.
Celluma light therapy is a technique developed based on NASA research. It has promising effects regarding acne and wrinkle management, as well as skin recovery in general. Celluma is FDA-approved and has received several medical awards. This kind of light therapy is painless, non-invasive, suitable for all skin types, and there’s no recovery time necessary. This phototherapy works by using light from a diode in different colors of the spectrum, where each color plays a distinct role. The light is able to penetrate skin tissues anywhere from 1-5mm, depending on the goal of the treatment. [4] Also, the treatment usually takes no longer than 20 minutes.
When exposed to LED light, the skin absorbs the light and converts it into energy which benefits the skin cells. It has been found to promote the natural production of collagen in the skin, detoxify and remove bacteria, as well as promote skin elasticity and recovery. Blue light therapy is used for acne treatment, while red light therapy is the best choice for skin rejuvenation and repair, but they can also be combined for different therapeutic effects. [4]
While the original high-tech Celluma LED light therapy device costs around $1000, you can schedule your treatment at a certified facility. The cost of treatment varies greatly depending on your location, the specialist performing the treatment, and the duration of the session, but it can cost you up to a couple of hundred dollars.
Dermaplaning, also known as “microblading” or just “blading”, is a skin treatment that uses a specific kind of blade called “a dermatome”. Its primary role is to remove dead skin cells and unwanted hairs. Not only does dermaplaning reveal radiant, smooth, peach fuzz-free skin, but it also leaves a smooth surface for your topical beauty products to be better absorbed. Moreover, your makeup will sit more evenly on the skin, free of patches. How does dermaplaning work? It scrapes off the top layer of skin, similarly to shaving, and promises to minimize fine lines and acne scarring. [5] The cost of a professional dermaplaning treatment can be anywhere between $75 and $100 per session, and it usually won’t take longer than 20 minutes.
It would be best to have this procedure done by a licensed facialist, especially if you have sensitive skin and you’re prone to irritation. The procedure itself isn’t too complicated and doesn’t require any recovery, although some people do experience negative reactions. If using a blade on your face doesn’t give you chills, you can purchase dermaplaning blades designed specifically for this type of treatment and treat yourself with an at-home facial. We wouldn’t recommend going in with a regular razor though, as you can easily end up cutting yourself. Yikes!
Before treatments, you’ll need to cleanse your face and remove any makeup residue. Following the treatment, make sure to wash your face with water, gently dry with a towel, and then apply a moisturizer for your particular skin type.
If you’re not already familiar with how important the lymphatic system is and its role in our immune strength, here’s a brief explanation: the lymphatic system works through a network of lymph nodes, removing toxins from the body. If there’s a blockage in the system, the waste will start to build up and you can already guess the consequences of toxins piling up. Luckily, these blockages can often be removed through manual lymphatic drainage, and this method is known as one of the most effective facial rejuvenation techniques. [6] Lymphatic drainage massage usually costs anywhere between $75 and $100 per session, and it lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
A facial lymphatic drainage massage promotes the removal of toxins, bacteria, and viruses from the body. It has some promising effects when it comes to managing conditions such as acne and eczema as well. [6]
Microcurrent facial toning is yet another technique that helps you rejuvenate your skin from within. It relaxes and strengthens the facial muscles via gentle waves; revitalizing and toning the muscles we rarely use and relaxing the overworked ones. Basically, this type of facial toning allows the muscles to snap back to their original state, reversing muscle atrophy and sagginess that occurs as a result. The objective of microcurrent technology is to lift saggy skin while giving it a youthful, toned appearance. It also promotes circulation that allows optimal collagen production. [7]
photo: Today
NuFACE is a popular microcurrent therapy that uses unique, innovative stimulators with a specific certification as proof of quality. It promises to increase ATP (the body’s cellular energy) concentration up to 400%, while also promoting collagen synthesis in the skin, and toning facial muscles. [8] The NuFACE facial toning kit includes their facial trainer device and a hydrating gel primer, which is all you need for an at-home treatment, and it retails for $339.
Microneedling is a popular procedure used to treat a wide range of skin issues, including acne scars, sun spots, large pores, and fine lines and wrinkles. During this procedure, the dermatologist uses a pen-like tool, making small pricks underneath the skin that you usually won’t even notice. Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy, as it is a minimally invasive procedure creating small skin injuries which cause collagen-rich tissue to form. [9]
photo: L’Amour Clinic
This newly formed tissue is firmer, more even in tone, and it fills in any lines, wrinkles, or scars, leaving a smooth appearance. The results will be visible within weeks, but for more stubborn issues like deep scars, you may need multiple sessions. Depending on the size of the targeted area, the severity of the issue, and the clinic, the price of the treatment ranges from anywhere between $100 and $700. It usually lasts for 20 to 30 minutes, and you’ll probably be advised to undergo several sessions at 4 to 6-week intervals.
Kobido is a traditional Japanese facial massage and requires no facial toning device - just a professional who can locate energy points on the face, stimulating and promoting lymphatic draining to remove built-up toxins. In addition to detoxification, Kobido combines fast and slow hand movements to improve facial circulation, promoting natural collagen, and elastin production.
A Kobido massage offers many more benefits than just the appearance of your skin. It can also relieve headaches, improve eyesight, and release muscular tension. You can enjoy your 70-minutes of Kobido massage for as low as $40, but the price may go as high as $100, depending on location and specialist. [10]
Facial cupping is a popular and highly effective method of facial rejuvenation from traditional Chinese medicine. It promises to relieve muscle tension, promote cellular repair, and increase blood circulation. Just like the name itself implies, it uses tools in the form of suction cups to gently pull the skin and increase the blood flow. Freaked out yet? It also has a rejuvenating effect since it minimizes wrinkles and pores, and improves skin complexion. Facial cupping helps to regulate oil production, decrease puffiness, and tone the areas where it has been applied.
photo: Striving for Health
After the treatment, it’s common to have cup marks on your face that will quickly fade away, but their shape, size, and color indicate the amount of cellular waste built up in your system. [11] Depending on the spa or salon where you’re getting your treatment, the price will vary, but it is usually around $200 for a session of 10 to 30 minutes. However, you can purchase a DIY face cupping set and give this treatment a shot in the comfort of your own home.
Just like you can transform and strengthen your body with exercise, you can tone and lift your face with face yoga! After all, there are 42 individual muscles in the face. Face yoga is a combination of massage and toning exercises to relax your face muscles, stimulate the lymphatic system, lift your face, and even relieve stress. By strengthening your facial muscles with exercise, you’re smoothing all the lines and wrinkles on the outside.
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The other part of face yoga is massage. By massaging the face you can boost circulation, relieve stress, and even help to manage headaches. You can add face yoga to your morning skincare routine by following this tutorial from a face yoga expert. All you need is a few minutes of your day and your favorite serum!
Did you know that collagen makes up three-quarters of our skin? [12] It’s no wonder the objective of rejuvenating techniques is precisely to boost natural collagen production. When lacking collagen, our skin starts to lose its elasticity, firmness, and hydration. As a result, it becomes dry, saggy, wrinkly, and overall dull. With proper skincare products and techniques, and the addition of oral collagen supplementation, you can support your body on its mission to produce enough collagen, not only for a youthful appearance but general well-being.
Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the body, and its main role is providing the body with strength and structure. Even though collagen is found throughout the body, it is mostly concentrated in the skin, bones, connective tissues, muscles, and ligaments. Unfortunately, collagen production isn’t consistent throughout our lives. After the age of 25, combined with exposure to harmful toxins, including UV light, pollution, and smoke, collagen levels and its production in our bodies declines. While there is no harm in using topical collagen products, collagen molecules in these products are often too large to penetrate the skin. To get real collagen-boosting effects you need to consume collagen through food or supplements. [13]
While we believe that collagen supplementation should have a permanent place in everyone’s kitchen cupboard, you can boost collagen levels in a shorter time frame by collagen loading. Everything you need to know is covered in our detailed collagen loading guide. In brief, collagen loadingis the best way to significantly increase collagen levels simply by increasing the daily dose of your collagen supplements. This method is highly beneficial when paired with your favorite rejuvenating skin treatment. Just be certain to consult with your healthcare professional before you go beyond recommended doses. Most brands start at 10-15g daily.
Another natural, yet effective way of giving your collagen levels a boost is by including avitamin C supplement. In addition to the countless health benefits of vitamin C, it also has photoprotective properties. Photoprotection helps protect the skin against sun damage. It is also used to even out the skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and primarily promote collagen production. Yes, vitamin C is a very important factor in collagen production - so important that without it, our body is unable to make any collagen at all. [14] We know that keeping up with your supplements can sometimes be a hassle, so try to incorporate them into your nutrition through recipes as well, like our refreshing marine collagen beauty pops with liposomal vitamin C.
When it comes to proper skincare, consistency is key. Even the most expensive treatments can’t produce lasting results if you’re not consistent. Combining the right skincare products for your specific skin type, rejuvenating techniques, and above all - nutrition, will help to yield long-term, visible results.
P.S Don’t forget your SPF, quality beauty sleep, and hydration throughout the day!
The main objective of gua sha is to release stagnant energy, also known as chi, which is believed to be the underlying cause of inflammation.
Not only does dermaplaning reveal radiant, smooth, peach fuzz-free skin, but it also leaves a smooth surface for your topical beauty products to be better absorbed.
Just like you can transform and strengthen your body with exercise, you can tone and lift your face with face yoga.
While we believe that collagen supplementation should have a permanent place in everyone’s kitchen cupboard, you can boost collagen levels in a shorter time frame by collagen loading.
Another natural, yet effective way of giving your collagen levels a boost is by including a vitamin C supplement.
