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PREMATURE AGEING
In these days when pollution, dust and smoke makes the atmosphere dirty, a soft, smooth, clear, attractive and glowing facial skin is rare. If you have a good skin, you are blessed . you are the fortunate one. But, mind you, the beauty of your skin will not last long. With advancing age, there is no guarantee that you will maintain that fresh youthful look so you will have to exert yourself to keep it as it is. Normally, worries and tension, coupled with the climatic effect, tell upon the skin and many women look aged even in their prime. Keep up your youthful glow by looking after your skin.
A regular face massage is very essential once a woman crosses the age of 40. a facial massage is an effective way to combat wrinkles. It is a slow process and its results are obvious only when it is continued for a longer period. It is, indeed, not magic which brings a change overnight. There is, however no doubt that a massage reduces unattractive fleshiness, tightens the tissues and muscles and increases blood circulation. It is effective if the skin is clean. After cleansing the facial skin, apply a good cream with light but firm pressure, a process better done with trained fingers which can apply even and firm pressure. With the passage of time, all the visible defects like wrinkles, flabbiness and dead cells vanish and a fresh and young look is restored. A massage should start from the neck upwards and end at the forehead or temples to ensure that all veins and tissues are stimulated for optimum blood circulation. The skin around the eyes is delicate, so it is advisable to apply cream on this part gently. Cream takes 15 to 20 minutes to get absorbed, so massage for that long. Wipe off extra cream with a cotton wool swab soaked in water ( preferably rose water). Do not forget to remove all traces of make-up, otherwise the pores of the skin will be blocked by particles of dirt. If there are blackheads, they should be removed. If the skin is oily, apply cleansing milk or pH acid. Fresh lemon juice is also very effective in removing excess oiliness. If the skin is dry, use a good moisturizer before a massage and if the skin is damp, it is advisable to use some astringent lotion. The best time to massage is before going to bed. Apply Vitamin C cream before a massage, but see that the quantity of this cream is enough only to give sufficient greasiness to the skin so that hands and fingers move smoothly on the face. If the face is fleshy and fat, use slimming cream instead of Vitamin C cream.
There are many methods for face massage. A Slow Massage is very common and is done slowly by vibrating the skin. The skin is pressed lightly with the soft fleshy tips of the fingers. The process starts with a slow speed from the neck and the speed increases as it moves upwards. Stroking gives rest to the nerves and vibration subdues pain caused by massaging.
A Fast Massage is done with both palms to massage with speed. A massage is done with a circular motion upwards.
A Pressure Massage is done by applying pressure with the fleshy tips of fingers. This is effective for removing the pouches beneath the eyes.
In a stroking Massage, chubby cheeks are stroked with the tips of fingers. If the nose is broad, strokes are applied from the nose to the temples on the sides of the cheeks.
In a Pinching Massage, the skin is held, as in pincers, between the thumb and fingers. It is effective for double chins and wrinkles of the jaw.
In a Kneading Massage, hands are folded in a fist form and the face is pressed as in kneading flour. The movement is made from the chin to the cheeks and upwards. It is good for wrinkled skin.
In a Friction Massage, the movement requires pressure on the skin while it is being moved over the underlying structures. The fingers or the palms are employed in this movement. Hand movements are usually employed on the scalp while light movements are used on the face, especially on the neck.
In a Piano Playing Movement, the exercise develops the facial muscles and makes them firm. It should be done over the whole surface of the cheeks with the fingers. The movements must be supple and yet brisk.
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