No matter how much a woman takes care of her beauty and youth, sooner or later a reflection with “crow’s feet” or a “double chin” will appear in the mirror.
But the modern cosmetology industry has given women the opportunity to delay this moment: thanks to the best methods of mesotherapy and ozone therapy. These are the two most common procedures that allow you to rejuvenate your facial skin and cope with a number of other cosmetic flaws.
A little about ozone therapy
First, let's talk about ozone therapy in general, and then we'll take a closer look at its use for the face. So, this is a cosmetic procedure that involves introducing ozone into the body. Ozone is a substance whose molecule contains three oxygen atoms. Many people know it by the smell that is felt on the street after a thunderstorm. In this case, electrical discharges break apart oxygen molecules, and they combine to form ozone. It is obtained using a similar method in cosmetology clinics using special devices - ozonizers.
When ozone is introduced into the body, the amount of reactive oxygen species, so-called free radicals, increases. They damage cellular structures, which underlies the lipolytic effect - fat burning . In addition, free radicals cause oxidative stress, protecting against which the body stimulates the immune system and activates antioxidant processes. Microcirculation in the capillaries also improves and metabolism increases.
Ozone also has a high bactericidal effect , destroying bacteria and fungi. But with all its positive properties, we should not forget that ozone has very strong oxidizing properties. In high doses it is toxic to the body, so it must be used with caution.
Before we start talking about the cases in which ozone therapy can help, it is worth noting that this method still does not have experimental confirmation, and it does not help everyone. There is no reliable data either for or against ozone therapy. Whether you want to be treated this way or not is up to you.
There are different types of ozone therapy. Usually local and systemic are distinguished. With local ozone microinjections are performed under the skin of the face. With systemic ozone therapy, the effect extends to the entire body as a whole. It also has its own subspecies:
- Intravenous drips, saturating the blood with ozone. It is added to physiological solution and in this form is administered intravenously. Used in complex therapy of certain gynecological diseases, for example, acute salpingoophoritis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries);
- Autohemotherapy (transfusion of one's own blood). There are minor (MAGOT) and major (BAGOT) autohemotherapy. In the first case, up to 15 ml of blood is taken from a vein from the patient, mixed with an ozone-oxygen mixture, and then injected into the gluteal muscle. This helps increase the body's immune strength and helps get rid of acne on the face. In the second case, the volume of blood taken is much larger - 50 - 150 ml. It is taken into a container with an anticoagulant, a mixture of ozone and oxygen is added and administered intravenously, which also stimulates the immune system and is used in the treatment of viral diseases;
- Rectal administration (into the rectum) – the volume of the mixture is up to 500 ml. Used for some intestinal diseases: Crohn's disease, atony and intestinal spasms;
- External ozone therapy – in this method, an impenetrable plastic cap is put on the limb, into which an oxygen-ozone mixture is injected. It is usually used to treat trophic ulcers in diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, varicose veins on the extremities, hence its other name - “ozone boot”;
- Ozone reflexotherapy is a rare and unusual method. Ozone gas is injected into acupuncture points. Its quantity does not exceed 1 ml;
- Various irrigations and rinses.
History of the development of ozone therapy
The oxidizing properties of ozone were first discovered by the Dutch scientist Vann Marum at the end of the 18th century. The very concept of ozone did not yet exist - the physicist only noticed that when sparks appeared in an electric machine, oxidation processes and a strange smell appeared in the air.
Already at the beginning of the 19th century, namely in 1801, Wilhelm Kryukschenkuhl caught a certain smell (ozone) while conducting other experiments.
These 2 discoveries were compared by the German chemist Christian Schönbein in 1840. It was he who discovered a new gas, which he called ozone (translated from Greek as “I smell”).
Later, ozone was classified as modified oxygen.
Constant experiments with ozone began after the construction of the world's first technical ozone installation in 1857. At the beginning of the 20th century, ozone began to be used in the treatment of pneumonia, diabetes, tuberculosis, anemia and other serious diseases. Ozone therapy has been known in the West for more than a hundred years, during which time there has been a rapid development of this technique. Now the Russian system of treatment and prevention institutions is also mastering and applying this method of therapy.
The spectrum of action of ozone therapy is very wide. It is used for atherosclerosis, hypertension, infectious diseases, coronary heart disease, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, etc.
Indications for the procedure
Some diseases for which ozone therapy can be used have already been discussed above. Let's take a closer look at them.
- In gastroenterology: nonspecific ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and, according to some data, gastric ulcer;
- In gynecology: acute salpingo-oophoritis and chronic in the acute stage, endometritis, colpitis, vulvitis;
- In surgery: trophic ulcers in diabetes mellitus, varicose veins;
- In urology: pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis;
- In therapy: migraines, arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism;
In cosmetology it is used to combat cellulite, stimulate hair growth, and for weight loss. We will separately consider ozone therapy for the face, which is used to eliminate wrinkles, correct double chin, prevent aging of the skin of the face and neck, for dermatitis, and also fights acne.
Who is ozone therapy indicated for?
Based on the effect of ozone on skin cells, the ozone therapy procedure can be recommended for:
- elimination of comedones, inflammatory processes, post-acne;
- improving the appearance of the skin by reducing enlarged pores and reducing sebum production;
- getting rid of a double chin, tightening the oval of the face and strengthening the skin in the neck and décolleté area;
- elimination of shallow facial wrinkles;
- combating bags and swelling under the eyes, excessive swelling of the face;
- skin treatment for rosacea and rosacea;
- eliminating the effects of hyperpigmentation;
- prevention of age-related changes.
Methodology
To eliminate wrinkles, a mixture of ozone and oxygen is injected intradermally along the wrinkle using a syringe. The injection of the mixture continues until the formation of the so-called “lemon peel” - swelling of the skin epithelium; injections last until the entire wrinkle is filled in length. Usually, those areas of the face in which the skin ages most quickly are immediately injected: the areas around the eyes, nasolabial folds and others. The procedure is quite painful.
Microinjections can also be given subcutaneously - it is not as painful as intradermal injection. This method of introducing an ozone-oxygen mixture is used to combat rashes on the face. Possessing bactericidal properties, ozone kills bacteria and relieves inflammation caused by them, so the skin is cleansed.
Disposable syringes with a small volume of 3–5 ml and very thin needles are used. To ensure that the mixture of gases is evenly distributed under the skin, after its administration, a cosmetic facial massage is performed. And sometimes, for greater effect, after the procedure is completed, the face is treated with ozonated water.
On average, a facial ozone therapy course includes 6–10 procedures, but sometimes it is extended to 15 sessions. Breaks between procedures are required and range from one to four days. Typically, 2–3 procedures are performed per week, lasting approximately 15–20 minutes. The duration of both one session and the entire course of ozone therapy is individual and depends on the complexity of each individual case. The decision on how many procedures will be needed is made by an ozone therapist.
Reviews about the ozone therapy procedure
Olga, 28 years old
After the birth of the child, my hair began to fall out terribly, I collected it all over the house. Everyone told me that hair loss after childbirth is quite normal. But my hair loss did not stop even four months later (after the start of hair loss), and was also accompanied by constant stress and lack of sleep. By that time, I had already stopped breastfeeding the child and thoroughly took care of my hair. Having visited a trichologist, one of the treatment methods was offered to me a course of ozone therapy. I went through not 10 procedures, but as many as 15, and the result amazed me, the hair loss really returned to normal and my hair grew back significantly.
Lydia, 31 years old
I have androgenetic alopecia (hair loss), which I recently learned about, is when the hormones are normal, but the hair follicles are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone, despite the fact that its blood levels are normal. And I didn’t treat them with anything before, but as a result nothing helped, including ozone therapy, the condition only temporarily improved a little. But, again, I have androgenetic hair loss.
Galina, 24 years old
The procedure, in principle, is not painful, but it cannot be called pleasant either. I went through it because my scalp was too oily, and the side effect was that my hair became stronger, stronger and more elastic. But I also took zinc and Omega-3.
Contraindications
Like any other cosmetic or therapeutic procedure, ozone therapy has contraindications. The following diseases are among the absolute contraindications for which it is strictly prohibited:
- Ozone intolerance (allergic reactions);
- Acute pancreatitis - proteolytic enzymes of the pancreas become more active under the influence of ozone and destroy it;
- Hypocoagulation (reduced blood clotting) - thrombocytopenia and various bleeding, because ozone reduces blood viscosity. During menstruation, ozone therapy can be carried out, but it is better to wait until the end of menstruation, as bleeding may increase;
- Hemorrhagic stroke - ozone increases the speed of blood flow, which can provoke a second stroke;
- Hypercoagulation (increased blood clotting) – thrombosis;
- Acute phase of myocardial infarction;
- Cardiovascular failure;
- Mental illnesses;
- Thyrotoxicosis;
- Oncological diseases. Free radicals generated when ozone is introduced can damage DNA. The risk of a tumor in this case is very small, since the immune system keeps the proliferation of tumor cells in the body under control. But a new formation that has already appeared under the influence of ozone can accelerate its growth;
- Convulsive syndrome, epilepsy - ozone stimulates the central nervous system and can cause seizures;
- Alcohol poisoning, acute alcoholic psychosis;
- Diabetes mellitus in a state of decompensation - its treatment uses insulin, which reduces the concentration of glucose in the blood. But ozone also reduces blood glucose levels, which can lead to hypoglycemic coma;
- Blood diseases;
- Children's age (it is not recommended to carry out the procedure under 18 years of age);
- Postoperative period.
In addition to absolute ones, there are also relative contraindications. For such diseases, ozone therapy should be carried out with caution. If the condition worsens, the treatment session should be stopped immediately. So, relative contraindications:
- Hypoglycemia - as mentioned above, ozone reduces blood glucose levels;
- Various poisonings - the use of ozone can worsen general health;
- Arterial hypotension - according to some data, ozone dilates blood vessels, which will lead to an even greater decrease in pressure;
- Hypocalcemia - with a lack of calcium in the blood, its coagulability decreases, and ozone aggravates this, which can result in bleeding;
- Taking anticoagulants (aspirin, warfarin and others) also increases the risk of bleeding;
- State of alcoholic intoxication;
- Myocardial infarction in the recent past - you can undergo ozone therapy sessions no earlier than 6 - 7 months after the attack.
The question of whether pregnant women can use this treatment method remains open. Some authors claim that there will be no undesirable consequences, and even suggest ozone therapy during pregnancy to improve the condition of the fetus, enhance weak labor and prevent gestosis (toxicosis). Others, on the contrary, list pregnancy and lactation as contraindications for this procedure. Reliable research on this topic has not yet been carried out, so it is better not to risk your condition and the life of the unborn child and postpone ozone therapy to a later time.
Results of ozone therapy for hair
We are all individual and the results of a particular procedure may manifest differently.
- blood circulation in the scalp improves significantly, which contributes to better nutrition of the hair roots;
- renewal of the epidermis of the scalp is accelerated, cell division is activated;
- saturates cells with oxygen;
- disinfects the scalp, eliminates damage;
- relieves itching, irritation, dandruff and seborrhea;
- hair becomes stronger, hair loss decreases, it becomes stronger and healthier;
- hair growth accelerates, dormant hair follicles awaken and new hair begins to grow;
- the functioning of the sebaceous glands is normalized, the hair becomes less oily;
- increases the effectiveness of other treatment procedures in the treatment of hair loss, that is, all hair treatment products after ozone therapy are absorbed and act more effectively.
Contraindications to ozone therapy
A preliminary consultation with a dermatologist or trichologist is definitely necessary, since in case of certain contraindications, ozone can be used in doses, or it will have to be completely abandoned.
- individual intolerance and allergy to ozone;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- heart disease;
- blood clotting pathologies, internal bleeding;
- menstruation;
- unhealed external wounds;
- for colds or viral infections;
- thyroid diseases;
- reduced immunity.
Complications and side effects
- Allergic reactions, up to anaphylactic shock;
- Swelling and hematomas at injection sites, accompanied by pain;
- Skin rashes;
- Dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness due to an excessive decrease in blood pressure;
- Accelerating the growth of a malignant tumor;
- Visual impairment;
- Pancytopenia (depression of hematopoiesis);
- Lack of effect from the procedure. Occurs approximately once in 5 cases;
- Risk of contracting HIV and viral hepatitis. This is not related to the effects of ozone; infection can occur if the rules of asepsis and antisepsis are violated. For microinjections, syringes must be disposable, and the specialist performing the procedure must wash his hands and wear disposable gloves in your presence;
- Sepsis (blood poisoning). It can also develop if hygienic requirements for the procedure are not followed.
kitykat: Face oil with ozone “Green Box”
Greetings to everyone who looked at my review!
I really respect oils in face and body care; I always have several oils that solve different skin problems. Face oil with ozone “Green Box” attracted me first of all by its name - I have not tried oils with ozone yet.
The oil can significantly improve the condition of the skin and its appearance, and also eliminates a number of visual cosmetic defects: skin damage and residual marks from them, acne and scars, wrinkles.
The natural components of the oil penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and significantly accelerate its natural regeneration, restoring its smoothness, freshness and even tone.
The consistency of the oil turned out to be very light and liquid; thanks to this texture, it spreads easily over the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy feeling and can be used as a base for makeup. Absorbs within 5 minutes, I apply to moisturized, clean skin. I simply spray my face with hydrosol after washing and apply ozone oil on top. It is consumed economically and the bottle has a convenient dispenser that dispenses the product in small portions.
+ Ozonated green tea and kelp oil has a pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and smoothing effect, and significantly accelerates regeneration;
+ Olive oil softens, nourishes and moisturizes the skin, eliminates flaking and inflammation, and prevents the formation of wrinkles.
50 ml.
12 months from date of manufacture:
Solves a whole range of skin problems quickly and effectively. Visibly improves the condition of the skin, giving it a healthy, radiant appearance without signs of fatigue. Smoothes out wrinkles, eliminates inflammation and residual effects after them, smoothes out minor unevenness and evens out the overall texture of the skin. Natural ingredients are highly effective due to their optimal combination and make your skin fresh, bright and attractive.
Use daily 1-2 times a day. Using your fingertips, evenly apply the oil to previously cleansed skin of the face, neck, décolleté and perform a light massage until completely absorbed. If necessary, blot off excess oil with a napkin.
It can also be used to cleanse the skin of the face according to the principle of hydrophilic oil, but I prefer to use it to nourish the skin.
You can buy it at the Green Box IM, which produces it.
Price: 290 rubles, much cheaper for wholesalers - 190 rubles, worth looking in joint purchases.
I really liked this oil, I use it almost every evening, sometimes I only alternate with juniper macerate from the same manufacturer. The oil is very light, does not clog pores and perfectly moisturizes the skin, making it soft and pleasant to the touch.
Alternatives to Ozone Therapy
If for some reason ozone therapy for the face is not suitable for you (for example, you are not satisfied with the cost or are scared by the list of possible complications), you can try any of the methods listed below.
- Contour plastic with fillers. Fillers are gel-like fillers for cosmetic injections. They smooth out wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful appearance. There are fillers based on collagen, hyaluronic acid and the patient’s own tissue.
- Mesotherapy. With this method, biologically active substances are introduced into the middle layer of the skin: vitamins, minerals, etc., which are selected individually for the patient. The skin becomes softer, wrinkles are smoothed out.
- Biorevitalization. The essence of the method is that hyaluronic acid, an important component of connective tissue, is injected under the skin. With age, it becomes less, and the tissues no longer retain water, causing them to wrinkle. Biorevitalization helps tighten the skin, smoothes out both fine and deeper wrinkles. Non-injection (laser) administration of hyaluronic acid has also been developed.
- Alginate mask. Its main component, sodium alginate, was first extracted from algae. It has a lifting effect and also a moisturizing effect. The composition may include various additives: for example, a mask with ascorbic acid brightens the face, and the addition of collagen will make the skin more elastic.
- Microcurrent therapy. Stimulation of the skin, muscles and vessels of the face with low-frequency currents of weak strength. At the same time, the potential difference between cell membranes is restored, which increases their synthesis of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
So, ozone therapy for the face helps to cope with various problems, be it acne or wrinkles.
But this method does not yet have scientific proof of its effectiveness and is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it should be used with caution, contact only trusted specialists and be sure to consult with your doctor before the procedure. In addition, in addition to ozone therapy, there are other facial procedures with a similar effect.
Liked? Share with your friends!
What is mesotherapy
This is an invasive technique that is already 50 years old; during its implementation, multiple weak injections are performed to administer drugs. Microscopic doses of medications are injected under the skin, to a depth of 1.5 - 6 mm, in order to rejuvenate the skin or get rid of cellulite.
Such microinjections are developed by a dermatologist in different versions and combinations in order to achieve the desired effect. Almost all microinjections nourish the epidermis, break down fat deposits, increase metabolism and improve blood circulation.
Preparations that are injected under the skin consist of active substances, medications, vitamins, homeopathic preparations, elastin or collagen, extracts of medicinal plants, etc.
After microinjections, the skin quickly regenerates, becomes firmer and more elastic. In cosmetic centers and salons, mesotherapy is carried out in 2 ways: hardware and manual.
Hardware mesotherapy uses a mesoinjector, which allows you to cover a larger area of skin at the same time, thus saving time and money.
Manual mesotherapy is used when it is necessary to introduce the drug into some hard-to-reach places or there is a risk of damage to small vessels and capillaries due to hardware exposure. With manual mesotherapy, the doctor makes microinjections of drugs using a syringe into certain places on the skin. The duration of a course of mesotherapy is usually 10 nuances.
The advantages of mesotherapy include a long-lasting effect, as a result of which you can get rid of cellulite for almost a year. In this case, no further special therapy is required!
What problems does ozone therapy solve: indications for use
In addition to its common properties, experts have determined that ozone can also heal wounds, fight viruses and the development of tumors.
Why is ozone therapy performed? First of all, ozone is prescribed for frequent colds and acute respiratory viral infections. The course of treatment will have the greatest benefit after all therapeutic procedures have been performed.
Read here: Carboxytherapy: indications, contraindications for use. 125 photos and video description of the procedure
Thanks to ozone treatment, you can get rid of systematic headaches or migraines. Often this course is prescribed for bacterial diseases.
Treatment is carried out comprehensively in conjunction with basic therapeutic measures.
Ozone is also prescribed for neurological ailments, such as vegetative-vascular dystonia, lack of sleep, disturbances in cerebral circulation, etc.
People resort to this method of treatment if they are overweight or to recover after surgery. Ozone therapy is also carried out for vascular, gynecological diseases, treatment of alcohol addiction, and during pregnancy.
As mentioned above, in cosmetology, ozone therapy has begun to be in demand recently. It is often prescribed as a therapy for skin acne, allergies, and dermatitis. The result can be seen in the photo before and after ozone therapy.
In addition, it has been proven that ozone molecules help smooth out wrinkles from the inside. A similar therapeutic method is used for cellulite. It helps eliminate water stagnation and smooth the skin layer.
Face
If you want to tidy up your facial skin, use ozonated water to wash your face every day. The ozone it contains revitalizes metabolic processes in epidermal cells, enriches them with oxygen and accelerates the regeneration process. In fact, ozone therapy does not so much treat as it helps the skin itself cope with pressing problems: acne, enlarged pores, wrinkles, dull color, blackheads and loss of elasticity.
For acne, it is also useful to blow air on your face from a home ozonator. Blowing should last no more than 2-3 minutes. It must be carried out during the first week of acne treatment. It has a pronounced antiseptic effect, dries out inflammation and prevents the appearance of new acne.
Ozone therapy - contraindications
Before starting treatment, you should familiarize yourself with possible contraindications. For some diseases, such a therapeutic technique is strictly prohibited.
If we consider in more detail, the prohibitions include:
Phonophoresis - indications for use, prices, description and reviews of the effectiveness of the procedure (140 photos and videos)Facial mesotherapy: areas of application, effectiveness and advice on choosing a specialist. 145 photos and videos of the procedure
Darsonval for the face - reviews, photos and videos of procedures, indications and contraindications. Secrets of facial skin care at home
- presence of bleeding,
- stroke,
- poisoning of the body,
- convulsions,
- blood pressure disorder,
- allergic reaction to ozone,
- epilepsy diseases.
If a person has one of the above ailments, ozone therapy is contraindicated and should not be used.
