You come across someone with skin that can brighten any dull day. Your instant assumption is that it is obviously due to the innumerable products and treatments they go through. Though, you’ll be surprised to know that sometimes the simplest things can create magic for your skin. Something as simple as facial massages can make your skin beautiful. Continue reading to learn what is facial massage , its benefits, disadvantages and tips.
What is a Facial Massage?
It is a treatment that involves stimulating the pressure points on your face, shoulders and neck area. You can use oils, lotions, or creams as per your choice and convenience. It instantly revitalises and takes away all the stress. Incorporating facial massages into your skincare routine can easily give you smooth, firm and healthy skin.
What are the Benefits of a Facial Massage?
It Enhances Blood Flow
Facial massages increase the flow of oxygen and blood to the face, which helps detoxify and circulate nutrients. As per a study (1), regular facial massages for five weeks led to increased blood flow.
It Can Help Reduce Wrinkles
One of the advantages of a facial massage is its ability to delay ageing by increasing collagen production and aids in relaxing the facial muscles. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles (2).
Makes Your Skin Firm
As we age, our skin starts turning saggy. Face massages help tone your face and retain its firmness. It also reduces puffiness in your face.
Aids in Skin Repair
Collagen is required to repair skin tissues and maintain skin elasticity. Facial massages are beneficial in improving collagen production.
Removes Toxins
The movements in facial massages help move the lymphatic fluid and flush out toxins from your face. The purpose of lymphatic systems in our body is to eliminate toxins and other waste materials.
How to Do a Facial Massage?
You can do it yourself or get it done by a professional. Before you start the massage, select the product of your choice. E.g. oil, cream or serum. Initially, you can do it with your hands and later invest in face massage tools like gua sha, metal rollers and jade rollers if you wish to. It is advisable to learn how to use these tools from an expert to prevent any harm to your skin and reap maximum benefit.
There are varied techniques of face massage, which include kneading with the knuckles, moving your fingers in a circular motion, cupping, tapping and stroking etc. Either use these in combination or opt for anyone; it’s your call. Apply gentle pressure while massaging.
As someone who is a beginner, you can follow the guide given below for your face massage
- Always massage on a clean face. You can opt for a mild cleanser to wash your face.
- Your hands and tools should be clean too.
- Select the product of your choice (oil, serum or lotion) based on your need and skin type.
- Do a patch test if you are using any new ingredient to avoid allergy or reactions.
- Apply the product on your face and tap through your fingers.
- Using your index and middle finger in a circular motion, move from the forehead to temples and then towards your cheeks.
- Coming to eyes, be careful as it is a sensitive area. Use your ring finger, starting from inward motions to outward gently.
- The motion should be upwards near eyebrows.
- With the help of your fingers, add mild pressure and move from your chin area towards the cheekbone in an upward motion.
- Then, start massaging from behind the earlobe going all the way down towards your collarbones.
- Massage in an unidirectional motion 3-6 times.
How to Add Facial Massage to your Skin Care Routine?
Do it in the morning, evening or at night for about 5-10 minutes yourself. You can go for those elaborate face massage sessions once every 3-4 weeks.
Which Face Massage Oils Should You Use?
It may seem insignificant, but the right oil can be a game-changer for your skin. Choose oil-based on your concern and skin type.
Coconut Oil
People with dry and normal skin can use this oil. If you have oily skin, acne or large pores, avoid using coconut oil. The presence of fatty acid like linolenic acid makes your skin moisturised and smooth.
Tea Tree Oil
All skin types can use it. It can help cure acne because of its antibacterial properties. Do not apply it directly to your skin as it is an essential oil. Before using it, dilute the oil with a carrier oil such as sesame or almond oil.
Almond Oil
It is rich in Vitamin E and aids in repairing skin damage. It is perfect for dry skin as it helps provide hydration to your skin. Almond oil has antibacterial properties and can be used to treat acne.
It’s not the end of the story; there are several other oils that you can add to your skincare routine. Do not use any oil randomly because it seems interesting. You have to be sure that you aren’t allergic to any of it. Take a patch test or consult with your dermatologist. She/he can suggest the right oil for you. If you do face any adverse reaction, immediately reach out to a doctor.
Can Facial Massage Damage Your Skin?
Usually, facial massages do not cause any damage to your skin. Though, you do need to be careful. Do not use any product or oil without being sure that you aren’t allergic to it. Ensure that if done by a professional or yourself, the hands and tools need to be clean. The movement during a massage has to be gentle, or else it can harm your skin. You should always perform a facial on healthy skin. If you have severe inflammatory acne or bruised skin, it is best to avoid massages.
Important Tips that Can Augment Your Face Massage Journey
- By exfoliating before a face massage helps your skin to absorb the cream or oil better.
- Massaging in the evening or at night allows the products to get deep into your skin and repair it overnight.
- Apart from serum, lotions or oils, you can also use anti-ageing creams for face massage as they help delay the signs of ageing.
- Remember always to massage your neck and chest area while performing a face massage.
Summing Up
Face massage is one of the easiest ways to nourish and pamper your skin. Just take out a few minutes in a day and discover skin that’s supple, clear and refreshed. There’s also an option to get it done by a professional. Either way, it’s worth the effort. Along with this, follow a balanced diet and take out some time to rest.
Disclaimer
The natural remedies mentioned in the blog are the widely popular ones. It is not a substitute for a treatment, medical advice or diagnosis. Avoid using these if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies.
Before trying any natural remedy, always test a small quantity on your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergy to any particular ingredient. In case of emergency or any reaction, immediately connect with a doctor who can offer proper treatment.
FAQs
- Can I massage my face daily?
Doing it every day for about 5-10 minutes won’t cause any harm. Avoid putting a lot of pressure on your facial skin; stick to gentle massaging. Keep in mind to choose a product that is suitable for your skin.
- Can facial massage change your face shape?
No, it cannot change your face shape. Facial massages can strengthen your face muscles, but you won’t see a drastic change.
- Which oil is best for the face?
Your skin type and concern will determine the best oil for your face. Talk to a dermatologist who can suggest the right oil.
- How to make your face glow?
There are varied ways to make your face glow, one of them being facial massages. Go through the blog above to understand it in detail.
