Amid the chaos of daily life, a simple yet profound practice can help rejuvenate your skin and overall well-being: facial massage. Many claim that facial massages may help promote skin health, relax facial muscles, and improve blood flow. However, many of these claims have not been proven in scientific studies. Whether you want to use facial massage purely for relaxation or to treat a specific condition, there are plenty of techniques to try. Facial massages are a wonderful way to give yourself some healing and rejuvenating TLC while treating specific concerns. Enjoy the process of discovery as you learn to do facial massage on your own or have regular professional treatments. Follow up a facial massage with any products that help improve your skin’s condition.
What Is Facial Massage?
“Facial massage is a therapeutic skincare technique that involves the gentle manipulation of the face and neck using either the hands or specialized tools,” says Madison Beach Hotel guest services director, Wahied Helmy. “This method helps improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, reduce puffiness, and ease stress, promoting an overall sense of well-being and rejuvenation. Facial massage draws from a rich blend of global traditions, including Ayurvedic practices, European techniques, and modern skincare integration.
Types of Facial Massage
There are various types of facial massage, each offering unique benefits. There are several different facial massage types that proponents claim to have health benefits. These include:
- Lymphatic drainage
- Reflexology
- Shiatsu
- Gua sha
- Sinus acupressure
- Kobido massage: Also known as Japanese facial lifting, this type is one of the oldest eastern facial massages.
These different forms of massage may involve different techniques and implements, including cupping, kneading with the hands, and the use of tapping or vibrational devices. It’s important to note that only small or low quality studies support these techniques, such as cupping and vibrational therapies, and further research is necessary to assess their efficacy.
Reported Health Benefits of Facial Massage
Face massages have several reported health benefits, with varying levels of research support. Facial massages can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine, as they offer many benefits due to their holistic nature (treating the skin, muscles, and underlying tissues). On a physical level, a facial massage stimulates blood circulation, releases facial tension, and enhances lymph drainage. So, as the skin receives the necessary nutrients and oxygen, it takes on a healthier and more radiant complexion. Aesthetically, a facial massage will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness and improve skin elasticity.
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Some of these benefits include:
Skin Health and Appearance
Facial massages can help improve some markers of skin health, such as visible skin fullness, tension, and blood flow. Research from 2018 involving 50 people reported that facial massage with a Pao device may increase facial muscle thickness. Researchers concluded that this may aid “facial rejuvenation,” although this is a loosely defined term. According to another small 2018 study, people who had a 5-minute facial with a massage roller had increased blood flow to the area for at least 10 minutes after the massage. After 5 weeks of massage, blood flow response to heat was significantly improved. A smaller, more recent 2021 pilot study involving six people suggested that facial massage can improve muscle mobility in the face. This, in turn, may help “lift” the cheeks. In a small 2022 study, the same authors reported that facial massaging techniques subjectively improved skin appearance.
Stimulation of Blood Flow and Aid in Circulation
A paramount benefit of facial massage setting off a cascade of other benefits is its stimulation of blood flow and aid in circulation. Poor circulation manifests as a dull, pale, or discolored appearance. “Facial massage can benefit the skin in so many ways due to improved oxygenation through fresh blood circulation and collagen production through manual stimulation,” Susca says.
Anti-Aging Properties
Anti-aging refers to treatments and practices that aim to slow the aging process and maintain a youthful appearance. Facial massage has anti-aging properties mainly due to its ability to stimulate collagen production in the skin, which is achieved by improving blood flow and promoting cell renewal. The increased collagen production helps improve skin firmness, leading to a diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sinus Pressure Relief
Some people claim that massaging the sinuses can help alleviate congestion and pain. While facial massage can’t help with acute sinusitis or sinus infections, it can help with common issues related to sinus pressure and congestion, such as pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nose, eyes, forehead, and cheeks, reduced sense of smell, and a blocked or runny nose. While some people may find symptom relief from massaging certain parts of their face, it will not treat the underlying cause of sinus pressure, such as infections.
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Enhanced Product Absorption
Facial massages promote lymphatic drainage, which removes toxins, waste products, and excess fluid. As facial massage improves circulation, it enhances the skin’s absorption of products like serums, masks, and moisturizers, so incorporating facial massage into your skincare routine can help you see better results.
Reduction of Puffiness and Inflammation
Fluid retention, poor lymphatic drainage, allergies, stress, and foods with large amounts of sodium can cause puffiness and inflammation in the face. Fortunately, by stimulating lymphatic drainage, facial massages help remove excess fluid and toxins from the tissue and reduce swelling.
TMJ Pain Relief
TMJ massage and other physical therapies may help relieve associated pain symptoms, according to a 2020 review.
Management of Scar Tissue
If you have a facial scar that’s healing, massage may help reduce its appearance. Regularly massaging the scar tissue and the surrounding areas can help to flatten any bumps, loosen up nearby tissues, and increase blood flow to the area. Massaging the scar tissue and surrounding areas may help increase blood flow, loosen up nearby tissues, and flatten bumps. Facial massage may also help relieve symptoms such as pain, itchiness, and tenderness. In an old 2014 review, researchers found that massage therapy was effective in reducing pain and itchy skin while improving the appearance of raised scars from burns.
Enhanced Skin Elasticity
Skin elasticity plays a crucial role in maintaining a youthful and lifted appearance. As we age, skin naturally loses elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Facial massage can help combat this and enhance skin elasticity by improving muscle tone and lifting facial muscles.
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Mental Well-Being Advantages
Facial massage extends beyond physical benefits and encompasses significant mental well-being advantages. It contributes to mental well-being by inducing deep relaxation, lifting your mood, and improving your overall emotional state. Facial massage can be a blissful relaxation technique, guiding you to a place where stress melts away from your body and serenity envelops your senses. As the massage therapist begins gliding from your hairline to the nape of your neck, you’ll let go of the stress-related tightness in your forehead and pressure behind the eyes. Like other massages, facial massage stimulates the release of feel-good hormones or endorphins, leading to a cascade of positive effects such as improved mood, self-esteem, and confidence. The gentle movements and strokes in the face improve blood circulation, facilitating the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and endorphins to the skin cells. In addition, the rhythmic movements trigger the release of endorphins, thus putting you in a deep state of relaxation. Facial massage offers an overall rejuvenating effect on the mind and body. It creates a harmony of physical and mental well-being, revitalizing and renewing you. Facial massage facilitates a holistic transformation of the mind and body, helping you achieve a state of vitality and overall well-being.
DIY Facial Massage Techniques
You can give yourself a facial massage in the comfort of your home. Before beginning, clean your face and hands. Remove any remaining oil or product from your face with a gentle cleanser. Use a small amount of serum, oil, or cleansing balm so your fingers glide and roll over your skin easily. You can also use the surface of your palm. There are several techniques you can use. Below are a few you can use to create your routine:
- Use a circular motion to rub your fingers into your temples.
- Use your palms and fingertips to massage the sides of your face, starting at your chin and moving up toward your forehead. Then, slide your hands back down.
- Press and glide your ring fingers into your brow bone. Move from the inner to the outer corner. Then, do the same movement underneath your eyes.
- Using your thumb and first finger, start at the outer corners of your eyebrows. Gently pinch your eyebrows as you move to the inner corner.
- Press your fingers into the center of your brows. Glide them up toward your hairline. Then, move your fingers toward your temples.
- Press down firmly on the space between your eyebrows for a few seconds. Then, continue pressing as you make clockwise and counterclockwise movements.
- Use your index and middle fingers to press under your cheekbones. Start at the center of your face and move toward your temples. For a stronger effect, use your knuckles to press into your face. Start at your nose and move them across your cheeks to your ears.
- Use your thumb and first two fingers to pinch the center of your chin. Pinch the skin as you move toward your ears.
- Press into your jaw as you move your fingers from the outside of your jaw toward your chin.
- Use a circular motion to massage the area under your earlobes.
- Use the outside of your pinky fingers to press into your neck, starting at the top and moving downward.
- Use your ring finger to firmly press into the inner brow, gliding toward your outer brow.
- Use your fingertips to gently tap over all the areas of your face. Then, gently pinch the fleshy areas of skin.
- Apply acupressure to facial pressure points or sinus pressure points.
- If you want to incorporate a tool, Susca suggests using a similar technique with a gua sha stone or jade roller.
At-Home vs. Professional Facial Massages
“DIY facials are convenient, cost-effective, and easy to incorporate into your daily routine,” Helmy says. Although Susca agrees that a professional facial massage can’t be matched at home with the same precision and technique, DIY massages are an excellent way to maintain skin health and reduce tension on a daily basis. “Professional facials, however, are performed by trained specialists using high-quality products and a wider range of tools. During a professional facial massage, keep in mind that every expert may work differently, using various tools and techniques. “Due to varying types of massages, experiences can differ from one expert to the next,” Susca says. Although the results from an at-home facial massage may not be as powerful as those from a professional treatment, both are still worthy of your time.
Contact a doctor or massage therapist for a facial massage or if you’d like to address specific medical concerns, including acne, TMJ, or scar reduction. A professional will have the skill and expertise to tailor the facial massage to your specific needs. They can also recommend any additional treatments.
Who Should Avoid Facial Massage?
While facial massage offers many benefits for most people, it is advisable to temporarily avoid it under certain circumstances, such as if you have open wounds or have recently received injectables. “Avoid facial massages at least 24 to 48 hours after injectable treatments like Botox or dermal fillers,” Maciel says.
Consistency is Key
Whether you opt for the professional or DIY route, sticking to a facial massage routine is essential. “Consistency is necessary for seeing benefits,” Susca says. “Everyone has two opportunities a day to utilize massage to improve their skin when they cleanse. If you’re still unsure of how to incorporate facial massage into your routine, ask an esthetician to show you the basics.