Facial massage isn’t just a luxury restricted in the hands of a spa therapist. With skincare on the rise, facial massages are only getting bigger. Not only do facial massages give you a healthy glow and help fight signs of ageing but they also make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Something everyone needs at the end of the day? Here, we give you all the details on facial massages -
Different Types of Facial Massages
Facial Massage Techniques
Facial Massage Tools
Essential Oils For Facial Massages
DIY Softening Scrub for Facial Massages
FAQs
Different Types of Facial Massages
1. Major Exfoliating Facial Massages
Scrubs are a great natural exfoliant, scrubs with sugar or salt will do wonders in getting the soft, supple skin. In face scrubs, salt helps slough away dead skin to brighten dull complexions. Facial massages followed with the scrubs can leave skin visibly smoother and improve skin texture over time. This mechanical form of exfoliation comes with a warning, though… One has to be cautious when using salt to scrub their face as each particle could cause minor abrasions of the skin.
2. Deep Cleansing Facial Massages
Cleansing has always been at the core of good skincare. Facial massages with a good cleanser or even double cleansing in circular motions for about 2-5 minutes are key to good skin health. Pick a cleanser basis your skin type and get those hands going.
3. Powerful Balancing Facial Massages
Facial massages could be helpful for those with dry skin. However, it not only helps dry skin but also oily skin by soaking up sebum to help control and balance your skin's oil levels. Cleanse-tone-moisturise. Follow it up by applying a serum/facial oil and massage in an upward motion. You can also use a derma roller or a jade roller.4. Impressively moisturising Facial Massages
Give your skin some hydration and nourishment by moisturising it. Moisturisers are ideal companions for facial massages. Why not try out some at-home beauty treatments, and reap the benefits? It works for every skin type, ideal for a night-time routine and is the best way to end the day by pampering your skin in the easiest way possible.5. Balancing Mask Facial Massages
Both, salt and honey-infused facial massages have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to soothe skin and calm breakouts and irritation. They also help to balance oil production and retain hydration in the layers of skin where it's needed most. Mix two teaspoons sea salt (preferably finely ground) with four teaspoons raw honey to create a spreadable paste. Apply evenly to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Before rinsing, soak a washcloth in very warm water, and gently wring out. Lay the warm washcloth on your face for 30 seconds. Use your fingers to gently exfoliate in a circular motion while rinsing your skin thoroughly with tepid water. Follow with your usual skincare routine.Tip: If you are a beginner, start with the cleansing facial massage routine. Make it a habit and then introduce new steps in your facial massage routine.
Facial Massage Techniques
Face brightening massage
- Cleanse your skin
- Apply a facial oil or serum
- Start by massaging the sides
- Follow by massaging the forehead
- Lightly, massage the under-eye area and the brow area
- Go over the area once again
Firming massage
- Apply light facial oil on the face
- Massage the corners of your lips
- Massage the cheekbones
- Follow by massaging the eye area softly
- Massage the forehead
Stress-busting massage
- After applying a massage oil
- Massage under the ear lobes and along the jaw
- Continue by massaging on the jawline
- Now, focus on the temples and the forehead
- Finish by massaging the nose
Tip: It is recommended to do facial massages as a part of your night-time routine.
Facial Massage Tools
1. Jade Roller
Made of cooling quartz, these rollers help soothe and calm the skin. Used with a moisturiser or a serum, they are hugely popular for their relaxing benefits.
2. Gua Sha tool
The Gua Sha tool is known as a natural face lifter. It is shaped keeping in mind the contours of the face and thus helps in lifting and sharpening the high points of your face.
3. Eye massagers
Ideal for those stressed, over-worked eyes, the eye massagers take care of your delicate eye area. It is harnessed with vibration and helps in de-puffing the eyes, and giving your eyes the much-needed boost.
Tip: Store your facial massage tools in the refrigerator to reap the benefits.
Essential Oils For Facial Massages
1. Healing facial massage with lavender
It is one of the most common ingredients in skin tonics. Lavender is synergistic oil, which means its healing potential increases manifold when mixed with other base oils. It blends well with most other ingredients, be it base oils like a nut, fruit, and seed oils or gels, waxes and butter. “It is said to have a sedative action in cases of nervous tension, palpitations, and even hysteria. It is also used to lower blood pressure,” says Shahnaz Hussain, veteran beauty expert and CEO of Shahnaz Herbals. During ancient times, lavender oil was used to tackle depression, migraines, insomnia, and stress. In skincare preparations, it is used mainly as skin or scalp toner and can be effective in the treatment of chronic conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil to 100 ml of olive or sunflower oil to prepare a fragrant body massage oil.2. Relaxing facial massage with rose
It calms the mind, induces relaxation and helps stress-related conditions such as acne. “Rose tones the vascular system and has a soothing action so it’s widely used in toners. It promotes blood circulation and removes toxins. It is also used in treatments of the skin around the eyes,” says Hussain. Add five drops of rose oil to 100 ml of mineral water. Soak cotton swabs and use them as eye pads to delay the appearance of wrinkles and brighten the eyes, says Hussain. You can also add 10 drops of rose oil and one small cup of pure almond oil to water in a bathtub for a relaxing soak.
3. Cleansing facial massage with rosemary
Rosemary works as an antiseptic and astringent and also has as well as healing properties. It can be used in bath oils to ease fatigue or can be applied directly to the scalp to get rid of dandruff. Add five drops of rosemary essential oil to 50 ml rose water. Shake well and store in an air-tight glass bottle in the fridge. Apply this on the scalp with cotton wool after washing your hair and leave it on till your next wash.
4. Glowing facial massage with sandalwood
The aroma of sandalwood is said to have a calming effect on the nerves. Sandalwood oil has powerful healing properties and is one of the best known natural germicides and antiseptics. It helps soothe skin rashes, pimples, acne, boils and other such eruptions. For oily, combination and acne-prone skin, add 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil to 50 ml of rose water to make a protective, anti-ageing tonic. Wipe the face with it using cotton swabs.
Tip: Facial massage with lavender essential oil works wonders for the skin.
DIY Softening Scrub for Facial Massages
Ingredient - Salt
Why? - Salt is a gentle natural exfoliate that sloughs off dead skin. It also has minerals to soften skin and restore hydration.
How to use? - Mix a quarter-cup salt and half-cup olive oil or softened coconut oil into a thick paste. If desired, add 10 drops of your favourite essential oil. Apply in the shower with a washcloth, loofah, or the palms of your hands, gently scrubbing your skin in a circular motion.