Why Do You Need a Facial Massage?

e?

It takes just a few sessions to restore your skin’s even tone, firmness, and freshness.

How Does a Facial Massage Work?

A facial massage is like fitness for the body. It may not seem like anything special, but with regular sessions, you’ll eventually notice that you look more toned, youthful, and fresh than your peers. It’s the same principle here.
There are many types of massage. For example, therapeutic massage helps combat acne, scars from past breakouts, and enlarged pores. Plastic massage helps restore “sagging” facial features and can also contour the cheekbones or define the jawline. However, it’s best to have this type of massage performed by a professional. Based on age-related changes and the condition of your face, an experienced cosmetologist can select the specific technique that will be most effective for your skin.

At home, it’s best to perform classic massage and Japanese anti-aging Asahi massage. These techniques don’t require special dexterity, don’t take much time, and are accessible to everyone.

A good massage improves blood circulation (and, as a result, nourishes skin cells) and lymphatic drainage, has a toning effect on the muscular framework, and increases skin elasticity. The results are varied and pleasant:

• Fine lines are smoothed out.
• Improves complexion.
• Significantly reduces puffiness.
• Smooths out skin texture after acne has cleared up.
• Slows down skin aging and helps maintain a defined facial contour for longer.

Can facial massage be harmful?

Yes. Under certain conditions, the procedure can worsen the condition not only of the skin but also of the body as a whole. Based on this, cosmetologists list the following contraindications for massage:

• ENT diseases: tonsillitis, otitis, sinusitis, and others.
• Allergic or infectious diseases accompanied by rashes: herpes, dermatitis, eczema, acne, and others.
• Lymphatic disorders, such as inflammation of the lymph nodes.
• Malignant tumors on the face. Generally speaking, for any neoplastic processes in the body, you should consult with your treating physician (endocrinologist, oncologist, dermatologist) regarding massage.
• Increased fragility of blood vessels, which is why small hemorrhages and bruises frequently appear on the skin.
• Low intracranial pressure.
• Skin following deep chemical peels and professional microdermabrasion.
• A large number of moles on the face.

If none of the above applies to you, that’s great. Now let’s go over the safety guidelines.
Before you begin the massage, keep this key point in mind: all movements must follow the massage lines.
This is especially important! Otherwise, the results may disappoint you: instead of the expected relief from wrinkles, you’ll end up with new creases on your skin.

And one more thing. If you’re prone to rosacea or have aging skin, avoid pinching and patting motions: they’ll exacerbate existing problems.

How often to do a facial massage

For excellent results, the massage should be performed at least twice a week. Ideally, every other day. A massage course consists of 6–10 sessions. If necessary, the course can be repeated after 1–2 months.

How to prepare for a facial massage

Cleanse your face
Thoroughly remove your makeup and wash your face with warm water. If desired, steam your skin. For example, sit over a bowl of hot water or place a warm, damp towel on your face for a few minutes. This will improve the absorption of beneficial ingredients from your massage cream or oil into the skin.
Moisturize your skin

Never perform a massage on dry skin: this stretches the skin and is very hard on the subcutaneous blood vessels. Using gentle strokes strictly along the massage lines, apply your favorite nourishing cream (suitable for those with dry skin) or oil (for normal and oily skin) to your face: olive, sunflower, almond, grape seed, jojoba…
You can add a drop of essential oil to the base oil according to your preference. For example, it is believed that adding cinnamon essential oil helps reduce puffiness more effectively, grapefruit or orange—cleanses pores, cypress—brightens and improves complexion, rose—fights wrinkles. Only personal experience will show how effective these tips are for you.

in any case, a drop of your favorite essential oil will transform the massage into a unique spa treatment—one that is not only beneficial but also enjoyable.

How to Perform a Facial Massage

Gently warm up the skin
Start the massage at the chin, gradually moving upward along the massage lines. Your movements should be gentle and smooth, as if you were stroking the skin. Spend 3–5 seconds on each line. Try not to stretch the skin.
Relax your facial muscles

You can do this by tracing small figure-eights with your fingers or by gently stroking your temples in circular motions. After that, apply light pressure with the thumb of your right hand to the point between your eyebrows for about 30 seconds.

Perform the massage by moving from the center outward

1. Place the index and middle fingers of both hands on your forehead near the bridge of your nose. Smooth the skin along the massage lines, moving from the bridge of your nose toward the hairline and temples.
2. Move to the nose: using your index and middle fingers together, smooth the bridge of the nose from bottom to top. Do 4–5 strokes.
3. Place three fingers from each hand on the sides of the nose and, using symmetrical movements, smooth the skin toward the outer edges. 4–5 strokes are sufficient. After that, smoothing the skin in the same directions and along the massage lines, move downward: from the sides of the nose, across the corners of the lips, to the chin. Then move back up toward the nose.
4. Curl your fingers and use the upper knuckles of your index and middle fingers to massage your face in symmetrical circular motions. Reminder: Do not pull on the skin!
5. Repeat the movements from step three.
6. Relax your cheekbones by pressing your fingers on the pressure points near the earlobes.
7. Continue the massage, repeating the movements from step three and gradually moving upward: from the chin to the forehead.
8. Massage your neck: use gentle, upward stroking motions with your fingers, moving from your collarbones to your chin.
9. Finish the massage with light tapping motions of your fingers across your face. Follow the massage lines!

Remove any remaining oil or cream from your face
You can do this with cotton pads, again following the massage lines. That’s it—the beauty routine is complete. All that’s left is to apply your favorite skincare products if needed.