Humanity has long noticed that the cold inin reasonable doses has a beneficial effect on the body as a whole. That is why those who want to be healthy and stay young longer begin to use various hardening systems and winter swimming. But what about those who simply do not have the physical time to devote themselves to such procedures, or for some other objective reasons cannot do hardening regularly? Here, specialists in the field of cosmetology will come to the rescue.
What is "cold treatment"?
Cryotherapy — cold treatment, cryo- cold. In general, this is the effect on the human body of extremely low temperatures (up to -160 degrees) using various specialized procedures. Cold has a short-term, but shocking effect on the body, and as a result causes a sharp cooling. The consequences of the "shock" can be called increased metabolism, cleansing of blood vessels and acceleration of blood circulation, muscle tone, strengthening of the nervous system. Even our distant ancestors took ice baths, thereby striving to prolong their youth. In our time, the effectiveness of such procedures has been scientifically proven: there is an activation of the immune system. Cryotherapy in cosmetology is used to achieve the effect of skin rejuvenation, smoothing out fine wrinkles on the neck and face. Today, "cold therapy" is considered not only the usual hypothermic effect (cold compresses, winter swimming, etc.), but also exposure to air cooled to a temperature reaching minus 190 degrees. Exposure to inert gas such as nitrogen also falls into this type of procedure.
Types of procedures
There are several types of cryotherapy: general, local, and specific.
- For the general procedure, a speciala cryocamera in which the skin will experience temperature stress within only 2-3 minutes. The surface of the skin is cooled to 0 degrees, and a sharp contrast of temperatures stimulates the body's protective functions and metabolic processes. Damage to the skin does not occur. Preventive course 10-15 sessions. In general, the number of procedures for cryotherapy depends on the objectives pursued.
- Speaking about the local procedure, it should be said,that it provides for a partial or complete immersion in a gas environment (temperature -110-160 degrees) of a naked body. To avoid frostbite of the respiratory organs and distal limbs in the process of cryotherapy, they are protected with a cotton-gauze dressing and woolen gloves and socks. Rejuvenating effect is on the whole body.
Methods of local cryotherapy Depending on the chosen method of cryotherapy, the tissues are affected differently.
- Cryotherapy, causing destruction and deathtissues. This method is used in those cases when deep freezing of the removed tumor is required. The duration of the procedure is more than 30 seconds, during which the applicator, tightly fixed above the required area, has its beneficial effect under low pressure.
Superficial cryotherapy,causing a vascular reaction. The procedure is short-term - 10-15 seconds in the form of a massage. A stick with a cotton swab soaked in liquid nitrogen is moved directly over the area that requires the procedure. The swab does not touch the skin. The procedure stimulates metabolic processes in the tissues. Private, or cryotherapy at home. Such procedures involve the use of any type of cold, but at home. Most often, such "tools" are ice or cold water. Such procedures do not require special monitoring, but, nevertheless, you should not ignore the recommendations of specialists. Basic procedures are ice compresses, cold showers and baths, as well as wraps. They will help relieve swelling and muscle fatigue, improve skin tone, etc. The required area and slightly above it are rubbed with a cellophane bag of ice for several minutes (from 2 to 5), but no more. However, you should not overdo it when doing cryotherapy at home, as such procedures are only beneficial in moderation.
Application of liquid nitrogen
Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen involvesusing an applicator, which looks like a wooden stick 25-30 cm long and with a tightly fixed cotton swab at the end. The size of the swab is always slightly larger than the area to be treated. In addition, instead of an applicator, a cryoapplicator can be used in cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, which looks like a tube-reservoir into which liquid nitrogen is placed, with a replaceable metal tip (the shape of the tip may be different). The lesion and skin must be treated with 70-degree alcohol before the procedure. Liquid nitrogen itself is a transparent liquid that has neither color nor odor, its boiling point is -195.8 degrees (under normal atmospheric pressure). Liquid nitrogen does not explode and is not flammable. This gas has a high therapeutic capacity, and its therapeutic effect is based on its low temperature. One liter of liquid nitrogen forms about 700 liters of gas when evaporated. For cryotherapy in cosmetology in a simple cosmetology room, it is permissible to store nitrogen in a simple (food) thermos, the capacity of which is from 0.5 to 2 liters. The flask must be made of stainless steel. Everything is based on a change in the activity of the vessels. First, small arteries spasm, and then - significantly expand, which causes active hyperemia over the next few hours (from 1 to 3). As a result, there is increased heat generation, the nutrition of the tissues of internal organs and skin improves, the work of blood vessels and the heart is stimulated, venous outflow is facilitated. It is the increased heat exchange that explains the fact that cryotherapy for weight loss is no less effective than other cosmetology methods. During 1 session, about 2,000 calories are lost.
"Cold" beauty of your figure
A procedure such as cryotherapy helpsnot only skin rejuvenation, but is also an excellent tool in the fight against excess weight and cellulite. Procedure: You are immersed for several minutes in a special chamber filled with gas. The temperature in the chamber is approximately -130 degrees (+/- 20 depending on individual perception). As mentioned above, during cryotherapy for weight loss, when a person is completely immersed in a cold environment, it is necessary to protect the limbs. During immersion, the body temperature instantly drops to 2 degrees, but only the superficial layer of the skin is cooled. From those who wanted to achieve weight loss, such cryotherapy leaves only enthusiastic reviews - the loss of calories in a few minutes of the procedure is equivalent to their loss during an hour and a half of active training in the gym. After just a few procedures, the skin condition improves, and extra pounds begin to melt before your eyes. Please note that after cryotherapy, you may develop a serious appetite, but experts advise that you should refrain from eating food that will require the body to spend a sufficient amount of energy that was intended to rejuvenate the body. If the feeling of hunger is too intrusive, eat fruits or vegetables, but avoid dense food.
"Cold" care of the skin of the face
Cryotherapy of the face is a local procedure,used in the form of cryomassage, facilitating the activation of blood supply to the skin and metabolism in it. During the cryotherapy procedure, an applicator is used, which is pre-immersed in liquid nitrogen (-80 degrees). With quick movements of the applicator, problem areas of the skin are treated for only 10-15 seconds. The resulting sensations change in stages: first, a strong burning sensation appears, then the skin burns, as after a walk in the cold. As a result, fine wrinkles begin to smooth out, and a healthy blush appears on the cheeks. During facial cryotherapy, the actual effect is ultra-cold dried air. The mechanism of action is as follows: low temperatures affect thermal receptors and blood vessels. Under the influence of cold, they narrow, and then reflexively steadily expand for a long time, which leads to improved skin nutrition. Cryotherapy can increase the effect of most cosmetic procedures by two or more times, if they are performed immediately after cryomassage. Reviews of such cryotherapy in many cases concern recommendations regarding tanning - this should not be done in order to avoid pigmentation, for several months.
Healthy and shiny hair
Hair cryotherapy is a procedure that allowsstrengthen weakened hair and help it recover. The effect on the scalp is short-term but strong, and not systematic, as one might expect. Only the top layer of the scalp is involved. The skin in problem areas is cooled to 0 degrees during hair cryotherapy. As a result, blood circulation is enhanced, which stimulates hair strengthening and growth. The procedure is completely safe.
Cryotherapy of warts
Cryotherapy can relieve us not only fromproblems with hair, but also to cleanse our body of unpleasant growths such as warts. Cryotherapy of warts is based on the step-by-step treatment of each affected area separately. An applicator soaked in liquid nitrogen is applied with a quick movement with slight pressure perpendicular to the wart. The duration of "cold therapy" depends on the size of the area, but on average it is 10-30 seconds. As soon as the liquid nitrogen evaporates (about 20 sec), the tampon is moistened and the procedure is repeated. It is necessary to control the compliance of the applicator and the depth of freezing. A prerequisite for achieving the effectiveness of the procedure is freezing from 1 to 1.5 mm around the local area. As cryotherapy is applied, the wart turns pale, then becomes dense and white, a characteristic sign of sufficient exposure is a white halo along the periphery. Tingling, pain and burning may be felt. After 40-60 sec. After cryotherapy has been applied, the wart will swell, and within the next 24 hours, an epidermal blister will form, which will last from 5 to 7 days. Subsequently, a crust will form in place of the blister, quite dense, the rejection of which will occur after 12 days. The pink spot that remains as a result will be barely noticeable. The number of procedures is determined by a specialist based on the number of damaged areas.
Indications for procedures
Cryotherapy is indicated in the following cases:
- Excess weight and cellulite;
- With early skin aging;
- Presence of skin diseases;
- The presence of gynecological diseases (menopause, infertility);
- Pre-preparation for pregnancy;
- The presence of neurological diseases (pain syndromes, migraines, etc);
- Presence of diseases of the respiratory system;
- Prescription as recovery procedures after injuries and surgeries;
- Exhaustion, insomnia, fatigue.
Contraindications:
Cryotherapy contraindications include:
- Chronic diseases in the acute stage;
- A pronounced disease of the vascular system;
- Presence of open wounds;
- Presence of ARVI and other inflammatory processes;
- Diseases of the blood;
- The presence of mental illness;
- Presence of claustrophobia (other phobias are possible);
Individual intolerances:Cryotherapy is also contraindicated during pregnancy, it is used only or after this process. In general, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen leaves reviews about itself as a procedure with many possibilities, both cosmetic and therapeutic. Cryotherapy has a wonderful effect on the skin, helps stimulate hair growth and eliminates unpleasant growths on the skin. In strictly defined doses, cold prolongs youth not only visually, but also internally - physiological. But it should be remembered that you should not abuse the number of such procedures as cryotherapy, in order to avoid the appearance of already negative effects, such as frostbite, etc. Cryotherapy at home should also be standardized, because excessive use of cold compresses can cause hypothermia and, as a result, a cold. You should take care of your beauty, not forgetting about your health. Be beautiful in health! We advise you to read: