The benefits of facial massage
Have you ever wondered how massaging your face benefits your skin? Can you really massage wrinkles away? And can massaging the face improve your mood and general wellbeing? We're a curious bunch here at beautyheaven, so we decided to dig deep into the many benefits of facial massage.
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Not only is facial massage a relaxing little luxury for you, it's a stress-melting treat for your skin. Emma Hobson, education manager at the International Dermal Institute, credits a professional facial massage with:
• Increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and muscles
• Stimulating the removal of waste products from skin tissues
• Invigorating the glandular activity of the skin
• Improving cellular activity
• Benefiting the texture of the complexion
"There are many facial massage techniques, including accupressure, aromatherapy pressure point, manual lymph drainage," highlights Hobson, "but the most popular is the classical European facial massage."
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The four classical facial massage movements
Effleurage involves light, even, stroking movements that prepare the tissue for deeper massage and link up other movements in the skincare routine. It stimulates superficial circulation, causing a slight increase in skin temperature, and helps shed outer layers of skin and loosen surface adhesions. It also promotes "a feeling of total body wellness," says Hobson.
Petrissage is characterised by compression (pressure) movements, using either the whole of the palm or just the pads of the thumbs and fingers. Movements like kneading, knuckling, rolling and squeezing increase blood and lymph flow, relax muscles and, as they help dislodge surface debris, leave the skin looking smooth, clear and fresh.
Tapotement uses percussive movements such as tapping, 'hacking' and cupping to stimulate superficial nerve endings. This causes temporary toning and tightening of the skin and improves blood flow as it alternately constricts and relaxes of blood vessels. "It also assists the removal of static lymph from the tissues," Hobson details.
Frictions can be used to help relieve sebum congestion. Massaging small circles with thumbs, fingers or palms, the therapist works to increase blood flow in a target area.
Why not ask your therapist to indulge you next time you check in for a facial?
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How to give yourself a facial massage
Treat your skin to a facial massage when cleansing and moisturising – or when you're feeling a little stressed. "An easy movement to do at home is roll patting (a type of tapotement) just under the jaw line," advises Hobson. Try patting the flat of your fingers onto your face and rolling them forward before the next pat to help tone this sag-prone area of skin.
"You can also use palm frictions, where you squeeze the back of the neck with one hand, to help loosen tension," she says. "And small circular frictions of your own temples will help alleviate headaches."
Do you regularly give yourself a facial massage?
66 Member Comments
Massage is great for relaxation .
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The best facial massage is when someone does it for you :)
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I have only had a couple of facial massages in my time and boy they were good. Definitely something I am going to do once the coronavirus settles down. I do my own face massages still good but not quite the same.
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There’s a facial massage technique called “facial harmony” and i’ve Had several sessions done and it is soooo good. It really does lift and smooth and do all the good things. You come out looking and feeling like a new person. I’d highly recommend it!
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Oh I've never had a facial before. But i would absolutely love one.
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facial massage is amazing to experience!!! love it!
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I really want to try this, it’s something that’s always interested me, I just never think to do it. I’m going to have to make it my goal to do it before bed I think, that way it’s literally beauty sleep :)
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I just had one at Dermalogica and it was a m a z i n g. I would love to see these techniques explained in a video.
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I don't do this myself but Thanks for sharing this article BH. I wouldn't mind someone else or a professional to do this for me.
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This sounds great. Will have to try this technique at home.
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Whenever I have a facial (I go every 6 weeks generally) my beauty therapist does an amazing face massage. Love it! But I think I'd struggle to do one for myself.
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Ohh I love face massages when you get a facial! They are the best.
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Ive been very lucky over the past couple of years. My daughters have been giving me spa vouchers for Christmas, Mothers Day and my Birthday plus I also won a $45 discount of a spa service. So Ive been going every couple of months which has been amazing and very indulgent. Ive used all my vouchers now though :(
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I give myself a bit of a massage every now and then. I should do it more often. Thanks for the tips. Would love to see some videos on face massages that Beautyheaven recommends
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I've heard that you need to do it for the facial skin as well.
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I have never had a facial, I feel abit nervous about some one looking deep and closely at my skin. As it just seems to fill me with trepidation. So I would like to be able to get over it, but it's a hard thing to explain.
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A facial would be wonderful right now.
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I've been using a jade roller for a while now and try and give myself a massage at least once a day. It really helps with draining puffiness and helps improve circulation. Great for removing toxins!
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I kind of give myself facial massages when I apply my moisturiser and rosehip oil. I'm fairly quick though, so I don't think it really counts :-P I really love a scalp massage though! Those are the best.
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I think massaging any part of the body is good for you.
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Does using a Luna 2 count? Thanks to beautorium I now incorporate a nightly facial massage :)
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I do!! I try and give myself a facial massage wheneevr I am applying moisturiser!
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A small 10 minute facial massage goes a long way each night. It's great for blood circulation around the face!
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I give myself a little facial massage very night during my skincare routine. I am gentle, but besides that, not a lot of thought or technique goes into it. That said, it definitely helps to alleviate stress and is relaxing.
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Have never had a massage, don't like the thought of stranger touching me!
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