The essence of cryomassage and its effect on the skin. Indications and contraindications for the procedure. How cryomassage is done in the salon and what can be used to replace it at home. Results and real feedback.
Cryomassage of the face is a cosmetic procedure that provides rejuvenation and healing of the skin by exposing it to liquid nitrogen. Its extremely low temperature (-196 degrees) plays the role of a kind of shock therapy, forcing the tissues to turn to their hidden reserves and intensively renew themselves. As a result, the skin turgor is leveled, inflammation disappears, wrinkles are smoothed out, the color becomes more pleasant, and the face gains freshness and elasticity.
What is cryomassage of the face with liquid nitrogen?
In the photo, cryomassage of the face with liquid nitrogen
The beneficial effect of cold on the body has been known to mankind since time immemorial. Cold compresses, designed to relieve swelling and reduce pain in trauma, were used by the doctors of Ancient Greece and no less Ancient Egypt. The famous Madame Pompadour, according to the stories of contemporaries, kept the whiteness and youthfulness of the skin, wiping it with a napkin with a handful of snow. Slavic beauties, along with a hot bath, actively used bathing in cold springs and morning washing with dew.
And in the 19th century, naturopathic priest Sebastian Kneipp made cold douches and wraps the basis of his method of treating various ailments, the list of which included tuberculosis, headaches, and joint diseases. The technique was named "cryotherapy" and became very popular.
From that moment on, the emergence of the cosmetology industry with the prefix "cryo" was only a matter of time. And so, in 1984, Japanese professor Toshimo Yamauchi suggested combining the effects of cold with massage, and after a while, the arsenal of beauty salons was replenished with a new service called "Cryomassage of the skin of the face", and often also of the body and scalp.
The essence of this procedure is the combined effect on the skin of extremely low temperatures, which is provided by liquid nitrogen, with massage techniques.
As a result:
- there is a stimulation of blood flow down to the smallest capillaries;
- improves the supply of tissues with nutrients and oxygen;
- metabolic processes are accelerated, a more intensive renewal of skin cells begins and an active synthesis of its own elastin and collagen;
- the upper layer of the epidermis peels off over time, giving way to a fresher and more tender;
- the destruction of harmful bacteria in the brewing pimples and the stabilization of the activity of the sebaceous glands, which helps to reduce the oily sheen and inflammation.
Note! With the help of liquid nitrogen, you can not only improve the general characteristics of the skin, but also get rid of some of its imperfections - moles, warts, papillomas.
The course of cryomassage of the face consists of 6-15 procedures, the frequency of sessions is every 2-3 days, the duration is on average 10-15 minutes. This is followed by a break, and after 6 months the procedures can be resumed. The effect lasts for about 3-5 months.
As for the cost of cryomassage, this value is extremely variable. In addition to the reputation of the master, it is influenced by many factors: the size of the city (in megalopolises prices are much higher than in the periphery), the location and status of the salon, the level of service, the availability of discounts.
Approximate prices for face cryomassage:
- Moscow - from 650 to 1300 rubles;
- St. Petersburg - from 450 to 1200 rubles;
- Kazan - from 400 rubles;
- Novosibirsk - from 360 rubles;
- Belgorod - from 300 rubles;
- Krasnoyarsk - from 250 rubles;
- Nizhny Novgorod - from 240 rubles;
- Yekaterinburg - from 200 rubles.
Indications for cryomassage of the face
The procedure for healing the skin with liquid nitrogen is prescribed for both men and women of different ages and with different skin types. The determining factor here is the problem to be solved.
Most often, indications for cryomassage of the face are:
- inflamed acne and traces of already healed pimples (post-acne);
- dark spots;
- enlarged pores and unhealthy activity of the sebaceous glands, provoking an oily sheen;
- fine wrinkles, loss of elasticity and other age-related changes in the skin;
- uneven complexion, including those caused by demodicosis or rosacea.
But it makes no sense to treat spider veins with nitrogen. Exposure to cold does not make them less noticeable and does not make them disappear.
Contraindications and harm of face cryomassage
Although cryomassage of the face with liquid nitrogen is considered the safest procedure, it is not recommended for everyone. So, you will have to refrain from visiting a beautician if you have:
- cold allergies;
- various damage to the skin of the face;
- herpes;
- chronic ailments in the acute stage;
- viral and colds, especially when they are accompanied by fever;
- problems of the cardiovascular system;
- vascular atherosclerosis;
- regular migraines;
- oncological neoplasms;
- epilepsy;
- mental disorders.
If we neglect the contraindications, cryomassage is quite capable of causing severe itching, swelling and blisters, and in especially difficult cases, a general deterioration in well-being in the future. But light discomfort, tingling, a slight burning sensation during the procedure is not so frequent, but normal. The main thing is that they pass at the end of the massage.
An increased growth of facial hair in a woman is considered a relative contraindication to face cryomassage. In such cases, it is recommended to first establish its cause, and only then determine whether it makes sense to resort to nitrogen.
Likewise, during pregnancy, the expectant mother should consult with her doctor before planning a visit to the salon. This precaution is dictated not only by concern for the health of the fetus, but also by the general expediency of the procedure. Changes in hormonal levels that are characteristic of this period can lead to unpredictable results.
Note! Some cosmetologists allow massage with liquid nitrogen in the presence of rosacea, but most consider spider veins as one of the obvious contraindications.
How is cryomassage of the face done with liquid nitrogen?
All cryotherapy procedures are carried out in a specially equipped room with an area of at least 12 m2 with wide window and hood. Many salons are additionally equipped with a gas analyzer. But at home, manipulations with liquid nitrogen are not carried out due to the complexity, high cost and inability to comply with all safety requirements.
Algorithm of the procedure:
- Before doing cryomassage of the face, the specialist will definitely find out not only the type of skin and the type of problem of the client or client, but also make sure that there are no contraindications to the procedure. To proceed to the next stage, without making sure that acquaintance with liquid nitrogen will not harm a person, a real master will not under any circumstances - keep this in mind.
- Then the client lies down on a special chair or couch, where her face is cleaned of cosmetics, and then treated with an antiseptic. Hair is tucked under a hat. If, together with the face, it is decided to do cryomassage of the neck and décolleté, the client will be offered to take off or pull off clothes from her shoulders and will be given a clean towel.
- The master will lower a wooden stick with a cotton swab or a special applicator into a Dewar vessel - a container for storing liquid nitrogen.
- With quick confident movements, without stopping anywhere for more than a few seconds, the specialist will walk the applicator or stick over the open areas of the client's skin, while adhering to the massage lines. The exceptions are the areas around the eyes and mouth, which, due to the increased sensitivity and tenderness of the skin, cannot even be subjected to beneficial stress. But in areas with acne, scars and spots, the beautician can stay for a couple of moments longer to enhance the effect of nitrogen on minor imperfections.
- After the face has been properly treated, the face cream will be applied to the face to soothe and support stressed skin.
Note! There are many cryotherapy devices, but usually they are either intended for medical rather than cosmetic procedures, or they operate with a stream of cold air, the temperature of which is reduced to the parameters set by the beautician. To make cryomassage of the face with liquid nitrogen, as a rule, they resort to using an applicator or a cotton swab, although at times they use nebulizers or nozzles of devices.
For 24 hours after the procedure, the skin may feel irritated or swollen. Allowing her to recover as quickly as possible will help:
- refusal of decorative cosmetics and washing with the usual detergent, with the exception of those advised by a specialist;
- the use of non-alcohol-based lotions and tonics;
- a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a high SPF cream that will protect your skin from the sun's rays.
It is believed that cryomassage is best prescribed for the cold season, so as not to risk the appearance of age spots.
If the redness lasts more than a day, before the next session, you must definitely tell the beautician about this so that he shortens the procedure. If this does not help, you will have to abandon the salon facial treatment with the help of low temperatures in favor of more delicate home methods.
You can make a cryomassage of the face at home using ordinary ice cubes:
- Prepare a herbal decoction of calendula, chamomile, celandine, St. John's wort, mint and other herbs (1-2 tablespoons of dry raw materials per glass of boiling water).
- Freeze in ice cube trays. Instead of decoctions, you can use plain and mineral water, diluted juices of vegetables and fruits and even … vegetable or fruit puree. It doesn't hurt to add a little olive oil or a few drops of your favorite aroma oil to the mixture.
- Remove the finished ice cubes from the freezer and let them melt a little.
- Within 5 minutes, actively move the cube along the skin of the face, moving along the massage lines.
- Blot your skin with a clean tissue and apply cream to your face.
If you wish, you can fold a few ice cubes into a woven cloth and use them for massage.
Note! A gentle option for cryomassage is a face massage with spoons chilled in a glass of water and cryopackages, which are sold in cosmetic stores and pharmacies.
Results of cryomassage of the face with liquid nitrogen
The face after cryomassage takes on a refreshed appearance, becomes younger and more attractive, gets rid of skin rashes, slightly tightens. However, this does not happen immediately: to get a noticeable result, in most cases it is required to undergo a full course of cryotherapy. The preservation of the effect is 3-5 months.
The minimum break between sessions is due to the low trauma of the procedure. After it, the skin practically does not need a recovery period, and minor swelling or redness, which still appear, disappear "to naught" within a day.
In addition, the delicate effect of liquid nitrogen makes it easy to combine massage with other aesthetic procedures - mechanical and ultrasonic cleanings, photoepilation, Botox injections, darsonvalization, masks, etc.
It is worth remembering that only a specialist can determine the compatibility of procedures, calculate the total number of sessions, and also decide how often to do facial cryomassage in each specific case, based on the characteristics of the patient's skin, existing problems, age, concomitant diseases and the expected effect. It depends on the competent actions of the master whether the client is allergic to the cold in time, whether the incorrectly used nitrogen will not leave a dry crust in the places of contact with the skin.
Hence, there are two indispensable conditions for success:
- Be sure to find a specialist with a diploma of secondary or higher medical education, even if the services of such a master will cost more. It is better if you are dealt with by a real dermatologist, and not by someone who has completed a week of cryotherapy courses.
- Follow his recommendations unquestioningly.
If both points are met, the effect of cryomassage of the face will not disappoint, and your visit to the beauty salon will do without unpleasant consequences.
Note! An inept craftsman can overexpose the applicator with nitrogen on a certain area of the skin or touch the mucous membrane, thereby causing a burn or provoking the appearance of a scar.
Real reviews of cryomassage of the face
Reviews about cryomassage of the face often contradict each other, which is easily explainable, because the result of this procedure largely depends on the professionalism of the master and the client's willingness to follow all the recommendations of the cosmetologist. Perhaps the dissatisfied were unlucky with a specialist. Or maybe cryomassage simply does not suit them: like any other cosmetic procedure, it is not able to become a panacea for everyone. Below are some informative reviews about cryomassage of the face and the effect of liquid nitrogen on the skin.
Anna, 32 years old
Definitely, I recommend cryomassage, just a few procedures - and you have an even, clean face. Very useful for people with acne. Cryomassage also helps to cope with fine wrinkles, evens out complexion and helps get rid of dark circles under the eyes. But in any case, I need a consultation with a dermatologist, cosmetologists and dermatologists work in the cosmetology center where I go, from whom I receive information on procedures.
Katya, 27 years old
The procedure is very pleasant, takes very little time and is relatively inexpensive (I pay 230 rubles / session). I was prescribed a course of 6 sessions, after the fifth I felt the effect: light mimic wrinkles smoothed out, the skin became smoother, dryness disappeared, and the number of pimples decreased. As well as after all cosmetic procedures, there is redness on the skin, but very mild, and only in problem areas.
Nastya, 25 years old
Useless. Expensive. It's unpleasant. After the end of the course, everything is returned. To my great regret, the problem on my face worsened. It is very disappointing for the money spent, acne appeared again and with greater force. I'm very disappointed.
How to do cryomassage of the face with liquid nitrogen - look at the video:
Despite a certain percentage of dissatisfied people, cryomassage is often called a worthwhile procedure. If you are clearly aware of the result you can count on, do not wait for a miraculous transformation after the very first sessions and adhere to some rules of behavior, the chances of avoiding disappointment will increase dramatically, and the number of acne, spots and small wrinkles will also surely decline. The main thing is to be reasonable in your experiments and trust your face only to proven masters.
