Nowadays, spas and beauty centers provide a wide array of therapies designed to reverse aging and take years off your face. Botox injections, CO2 fractional laser therapy, vampire facials, gold-infused creams, and placenta beauty treatments are just a few of these examples.
Unfortunately, the hype is often undeserved. If these therapies worked, aging would be a thing of the past. Just think about celebrities – they spend a fortune on beauty treatments, but still have wrinkles and acne.
The truth is that everyone ages. There is no way to prevent this process. However, you can slow down its progress and look young until late in life. Beauty treatments and anti-aging therapies have their perks, but they can’t replace a balanced diet and proper skin-care.
Take Japanese women as an example. They rarely use popular beauty therapies and supplements, but have amazing skin. Facial massage is one of their best kept secrets. These gorgeous women swear by it for their flawless complexion and natural beauty.
The best part is that you can do it too! It’s easy to give yourself a facial massage at home. It takes just a few minutes and has immediate results.
What is a Facial Massage?
Facial massage is gaining popularity worldwide. This beauty treatment has long been a staple in the Japanese beauty culture. There are about 43 muscles in your face, and they can benefit from massage just like any other muscle. They role is to control facial expression and aid in mastication.
As you age, these muscles become gradually lose their elasticity, which affects your overall appearance. You begin to notice small lines and wrinkles caused by smiling, frowning, and other facial expressions.
A regular skin care routine that includes facial massages can improve your complexion and minimize wrinkles. These types of massage may sound like a luxury, but they’re actually accessible to everyone. You can do it at home anytime, so it’s no need to go to the spa or beauty salon.
All you have to do is to gently massage your skin using a moisturizing cream or essential oils. There are lots of different self-massage techniques that anyone can try. A gentle massage can help your facial muscles restore their flexibility, boost skin appearance, and improve blood flow.
Types of Facial Massage and Their Benefits
There is more than one way to do a facial massage at home. You have even more options in case you decide to visit a beauty salon. Here are some massage techniques with proven results:
Lymphatic Facial Massage
This type of massage involves kneading targeted points on your face. It’s ideal for those struggling with puffiness, headaches, poor circulation, and stress. A lymphatic facial massage will improve circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve tension.
Microdermabrasion Facial
Microdermabrasion facials are available at spas and beauty centers. They give your skin a healthy, youthful glow, help remove dead cells, and minimize the harm caused by sun exposure.
Acupuncture Facial
This kind of massage stimulates blood flow in the face while reducing crow’s feet, frown lines, and wrinkles. The acupuncturist inserts about 30 thin needs into your facial muscles for 15 to 60 minutes. Your skin will look younger and more radiant right away!
Petrissage Movements
You can give yourself a facial massage by squeezing the skin between your thumb and fingers while applying mild pressure. This technique stimulates the facial nerves and muscles, lifting your skin and increasing its firmness.
Effleurage Manipulations
A facial massage can also involve light, continuous stroking with the palms or fingers. It’s extremely relaxing, leading to improved circulation and stress relief. In general, this technique is used at the beginning and end of the massage session.
The Tapotement Technique
Another way to massage your face is using slapping, tapping, or hacking movements. This helps tone the facial muscles, leaving your skin glowing. The key is to move your hands and fingers really fast without causing pain.
Remedial Massage
For this type of massage, you need an exfoliating cream. It’s perfect for those with dull, lifeless skin, sensitive skin, or rashes. Remedial massage helps eliminate dead cells, repairs damaged tissues, and restores skin glow.
Shiatsu
Both your face and body can benefit from shiatsu. This massage technique involves pressing the facial muscles with your fingers. It eases stress and anxiety, stimulates blood flow, and gives your complexion a youthful appearance.
Reflexology
If you’re familiar with reflexology, you can use for facial massages. Basically, you will have to press specific points on your face. It’s a great way to increase circulation, calm your mind, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Brightening Facial
This type of facial massage involves using a mix of antioxidants, enzyme peels, and masks. It can be done at home or at beauty salons. All you need are a few good products that match your skin type. Your face will look younger and invigorated.
Facial Cupping
This therapy requires the use of face cups, which are placed on the skin to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and stimulate lymphatic drainage. Facial cupping dates back to ancient times, offering fantastic results. The cups cost only a few dollars, so you can purchase a set anytime. When done regularly, facial cupping minimizes wrinkles and fine lines, boosts skin tone, and relieves puffiness.
Ayurveda Facial Massage
This kind of massage is done with herbal oils that enhance skin appearance, slow down aging, and regulate sebum production. It’s a simple, effective way to tone your facial muscles and achieve youthful skin.
Cool Lift Face Massage
For this massage, you will need cool marble stones and warm basal stones. Place them on the face to activate your energy points. There are dozens of videos available online, so watch them to see exactly how it’s done.
Depending on your needs, you can also try anti-aging facials, sensitive skin facials, or hydrating facials. These types of massage invigorate your skin, improve blood circulation, and boost collagen production. The pressure used should be adjusted to a level that feels comfortable.
Even though facial massage is safe, avoid it when your skin is inflamed or wounded. Mix and match different oil blends and skin care products until you find a combo that best suits your skin type.
