Who doesn’t love massages right? There’s nothing more relaxing and de-stressing than having firm hands glide over your skin. While you might be missing your frequent visits to the spa here’s a great tutorial you can easily use in the comfort of your own home. Massaging the face not only relieves tension, it also boosts circulation giving your well-deserved skin an instant mini-lift and they even help you absorb products better. Read on to learn about the benefits of facial massage and how to give yourself one at home.
What Is Facial Massage?
Facial massage has evolved greatly over the years after originating in China, Mexico, Hungry and Sweden. Facial massage takes the principles of body massage and applies them to the muscles of the face. This helps reduce facial tension but also increases blood and lymph circulation to revive the skin.
4 Top Benefits of Facial Massage
1. Increases Blood Circulation
A 2018 study revealed that a five-minute facial massage can increase blood flow for as long as 10 minutes. That means more oxygen and nutrients which are both essential for a healthy skin. Short term results give you an immediate glow while the long-term result provides more efficient collagen and elastin production.
2. Activates the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is like you body’s garbage disposal. It is designed to remove waste and toxins from bodily tissues, including the skin. When it becomes sluggish, toxins build up and block our lymph nodes, causing the skin to look puffy.
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique that encourages the movement of lymph fluids throughout the body. This type of massage targets the lymph nodes under the ears and on the neck, helping to drain toxins and remove excess waste. This, in turn, minimizes swelling and helps to “de-puff” the skin.
3. Lifts & Plumps Skin
Facial massage functions like a non-surgical face lift which helps to tone the muscles under the skin. This will require some time and patience but facial massage (and even face yoga) can improve the skin’s strength and resilience, helping to smooth out wrinkles and keeping it tight, firm and lifted.
4. Improves Product Absorption
Massaging helps promote better product absorption which helps to maximize the active ingredients in your natural skin care products. The heat from your warm hands and massage on the facial muscles make the skin more amenable to product absorption.
How to Do Facial Massage At Home in 5 Easy Steps
Now that you see the benefits of a facial massage here’s a step by step tutorial to give yourself one at home. Always (always) start by cleansing and removing all traces of makeup. The last thing you want is to massage dirt and grime back into your skin.
Step 1. The key to a successful facial massage is making sure you’re using the right products to give you that slip. Take a few drops of Pure Fiji’s Hydrate and Nourish Luxury Face Oil into the palms of your hands, rub hands together and press oil into your face ready to massage.
Step 2. Begin by massaging your forehead to smooth out fine lines. Press your fingers between your brows and slowly slide them up your forehead. Repeat this motion across your forehead, gently pulling the skin up and out.
Step 3. Lift your brows! Take your ring finger, apply gentle pressure, and start at the inner corner of the eye with a stroke across the brows and release at the outer eye. A great tension reliever!
Step 4. Pinch the lower part of your face! Create a suction movement from the chin across the jawline to the ears. This provides a lifting effect, stimulates circulation, and helps with lymphatic drainage.
Step 5. Sweep down the neck with your hands going from one side of your neck to the other. This helps move lymph nodes, clear skin and eliminate jawline puffiness and contour the face. It’s also a great way to relax!
Massage Tools
There’s nothing better than the good old fashion hands but you can certainly use devices like jade rollers and gua sha to perform your facial massage. Using your hands gives you greater control over pressure and the ability to use your fingers to zero in on areas that are particularly tense.
Summary
For best results we recommend you add a facial massage to your skin care routine two to three times per week before going to bed, because your skin repairs while you sleep. This can be beneficial in boosting circulation, softening tension and - over time - lifting and toning your complexion ready for that spring glow!