How To Do Facial Massage: Step By Step Guide

A lot has already been said about cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating and treating. But what hasn’t got enough hype is a facial massage. Have you noticed a healthy glow in your skin after a facial massage every time? Well, skin care experts swear by this simple routine for long term benefits. So let's discuss it in detail.

Highlights:

• What Is Face Massage & Why Is Facial Massage Important?
• What Does Massaging Do To Your Face?
• Types Of Face Massage
• How To Do Facial Massage: A Step By Step Guide
• Benefits Of Facial Massage
• How Often Should You Massage Your Face?
• Which Oil Is Good For Face Massage?
• Disadvantages Of Facial Massage
• Is Daily Face Massage Good For Skin?

What Is Face Massage & Why Is Facial Massage Important?

Facial massage is a technique that involves the use of hands or a tool to gently massage the facial skin [1]. It helps in increasing blood circulation [2], relaxes facial muscles, decreases puffiness and offers a healthy glow. Skin care experts recommend a facial massage 2-3 times a week for glowing skin.

What Does Massaging Do To Your Face?

Besides being a feel good procedure, a facial massage exercises the face muscles and gets the blood moving to create an even tone. It clears out pores and allows your skin care products to penetrate better.  Facial massage also helps drain the stagnant fluid that causes puffiness in your face.

Types Of Face Massage

1. Lymphatic Drainage Facial Massage

Lymph is a fluid in your body that carries the toxins away and eliminates waste. It is made of water, proteins and salts. Accumulated lymph can be drained by a massage [3]. This is a great technique if you are looking to rejuvenate your skin by deep cleansing.

2. Shiatsu Or Finger-Pressure Facial Massage

This type of facial uses acupressure applied to certain points [4] in the face called the energy channels. People who practise this chinese technique use special devices, their fingers or palms to tone muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face.

3. Classic Facial Massage

This is the most common one used by beauticians across the world. It involves movements like stroking, tapping, kneading and pinching. It promotes collagen production and leaves your skin feeling relaxed.

4. Kobido Facial Massage

Kobido means 'ancient way of beauty'. This is the oldest type of facial massage. It uses 47 techniques to massage 16 facial muscles. It is a deep relaxation facial massage that also helps in relieving pains. 

How To Do Facial Massage: A Step-By-Step Guide

A lot of SkinKraft’s customers have been enquiring about the right way of doing facial massage. So consider this as your crash course on how to do facial at home. The first step is to prep your skin:

• Cleanse your hands and tie back your hair.
• Wash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry.
• Moisturize your skin.
• Choose an oil for your skin.
• Steam your face to soften the pores and to help with easy penetration of oils.
• Use your fingers in circular motion to gently massage your face. You can use deep and stimulating motions if you are looking to firm your skin.
• In case you have sensitive, acne-prone or oily skin, stick to light pressure.
• You can consider using skin care gadgets for massaging like a metal roller or jade roller if you’re comfortable.

Step 1: Massaging Your Forehead

Place your knuckles between your eyebrows and move them up towards the hairline. Repeat this five times.

Step 2: Massaging Your Eye Area

Do not be harsh with the skin around your eyes as it is very gentle. Use soft and rolling movements with your ring finger. Repeat five times. 

Step 3: Massaging Your Cheeks

Rest your knuckles on your cheeks near the nose bridge and swipe them across your cheeks towards the ears. Repeat five times.

Step 4: Massaging Your Mouth Area

Make a 'V' shape with your index and middle finger. Place the fingers in a way that the index finger is above the upper lip and middle finger is below the lower lip. Press gently and pull towards the ears.

Step 5: Massaging Your Chin

Place your palms underneath your cheekbones and massage towards the hairline.

Step 6: Massaging Your Neck

Finish with the neck. Massage in vertical strokes from the collarbone towards your face in an upward direction.

Benefits Of Facial Massage

1. Improves Blood Circulation

Facial massage is like facial exercise and helps in improving the blood flow in the facial skin. Research says that a 5-minute massage on the face for a consistent period can greatly improve blood flow and help in radiant skin.

2. Reduces Stress

A self pampering session at a salon or spa always feels good, right? Face massage reduces stress by activating the sympathetic nervous system. The next time you are anxious or want to elevate your mood, you know what to do!

3. Flushes Out Toxins

Facial massage moves the lymphatic fluid and clears out toxins from your facial skin. Lymphatic system is a combination of tissues and organs in the body that get rid of the toxins and other waste materials from your body.

4. Anti-Aging Benefits

Face massage can minimize the appearance of fine lines and help achieve a smoother texture. When the muscles of your face are tensed, they can cause wrinkles. Facial massage relaxes these muscles and makes the wrinkles less prominent. As there is increased blood circulation with massage, the collagen production increases. Collagen is a protein that keeps the skin firm and prevents from sagging.

How Often Should You Massage Your Face?

You can massage your face for five minutes everyday. But go for a professional facial once every 3-4 weeks. This is your skin renewal cycle and a facial massage once every 28 days ensures smooth and even skin. 

Which Oil Is Good For Face Massage?

Disadvantages Of Facial Massage

There are no disadvantages of a facial massage as such. But when done incorrectly, you are likely to develop sagging skin sooner. Deep and rough massaging can sometimes cause bruising and muscle soreness that may last for several days. It can cause nerve damage in some cases. Lack of skill and too much stretching while doing a facial massage can leave your skin with unwanted results.

Is Daily Face Massage Good For Skin?

Skin care experts advise on a facial massage at home 2-3 times a week. However, gentle massaging everyday for 5-10 minutes does no harm to your skin. It helps in promoting blood circulation and fading fine lines over time.

Bottom Line

Now you know how to get a salon style facial massage at home without burning a hole in your pocket. All you need is an essential oil and your hands. Get started today. Your skin will thank you later.

Begin By Knowing Your Skin