The technique of facial massage is far from being a mere fad or a modern treatment to be resorted to from time to time, but rather a solution with multiple benefits for the body’s health and mental tone. So, find out how a facial massage is done, what positive effects it has and who it is recommended for?
Summary:
- Does facial massage work? – learn how to apply it correctly at home
- Are facial massages good for your skin? – mistakes to avoid in order not to endanger skin health
1. Does facial massage work? – learn how to apply it correctly at home
Among the benefits of a facial massage is the accessibility of the technique. So you can opt to have it done at the salon, but the same results can also be achieved at home. Here are the steps to follow to get visible results:
- Cleansing and applying an oil
The preliminary step of a facial massage involves removing impurities. Next, a cosmetic oil is applied in a thin layer all over the face. It is important that the oil used is adapted to your skin type.
- Areas targeted for massage
The next stage of facial massage begins by massaging the neck, starting from the base, moving up to the ears, then to the corners of the mouth, continuing with the nose and cheekbones. The facial massage procedure also involves stimulating the skin on the temples and forehead. The last stage of the process ends with massaging the area under the eyebrows, continuing from the sides of the eyes to the nose.
2. Are facial massages good for your skin? – mistakes to avoid in order not to endanger skin health
If you haven’t tried this technique before and you’re wondering how often to do a facial massage, there’s no rule. Like any other technique, massage can be performed according to your skin’s needs and personal preferences. For example, people with normal skin can stick to one facial massage a month.
Are facial massages effective? Recommendations and prohibitions
Much more important than the frequency of application are the prohibitions or habits to avoid if you want to enjoy the results you want. So, here’s what not to do a few days before your scheduled massage:
- 4-5 days before avoid sun exposure and exfoliation treatments;
- all facials are prohibited as they make the skin more sensitive, which can compromise the effects of the massage;
- for 24-48 hours after the facial massage for wrinkles, allow your skin to breathe and refrain from using any treatments or make-up products.
Facial massage to prevent aging is particularly recommended for the following categories:
- people over 30 with a normal skin type;
- people over 25 if they have oily skin or other problems.
Facial massage can therefore also be done successfully in the comfort of your own home if for various reasons you can’t get to the salon. By following the steps that make up the procedure, as well as the above-mentioned prohibitions, you increase your chances of enjoying the following positive effects:
What are the top 5 benefits of facial massage?
Facial massage offers a wide range of benefits for both skin health and general well-being. Here are the main benefits of facial massage:
- Skin oxygenation
The movements involved in a massage help to stimulate blood circulation, which helps transport oxygen and nutrients that are essential for even-looking skin.
- Facial massage for wrinkles
The massage technique eliminates muscle stress, which is one of the main causes of a tired complexion and expression lines. So by applying massage regularly, you prolong the youthful appearance of your complexion, giving it a more relaxed expression.
- Boost collagen production
This process supports skin elasticity, which helps skin maintain its smooth texture while preventing fine lines.
- Improves dark circles and bags under the eyes
By improving circulatory functions, massage gives your complexion a more youthful appearance, alleviating or even preventing two of the most common problems that compromise the aesthetics of the face: dark circles under the eyes and under-eye bags.
- Reducing sebum production and inflammation
Massage can help even out the texture and color of the complexion, as it is helpful in both balancing sebum production and soothing inflamed skin. This technique is therefore recommended both for people who experience the discomfort associated with oily, dry and sensitive skin.
Facial massage and full body massage chairs: 4 similar benefits
Although these techniques target different areas, there are a number of common positive effects that are beneficial to the whole body:
- Unblocking blood flow
Both types of massage have a relaxing effect on either the face or the whole body, depending on the technique you choose. Both face and body massage promote optimal blood circulation, which means oxygen and nutrients are delivered to cells and muscles. This gives you radiant skin while preventing contractures by relieving muscle stress.
- Acupressure techniques
Professional massage chairs use acupressure techniques to stimulate certain key points on the surface of the body, which supports the body’s optimal functioning. Similarly, facial massage can help to relax the face, thanks to a technique that involves pressing points on the surface of the face.
- Improve lymphatic drainage
Both types of massages promote lymphatic drainage, which enhances the process of flushing toxins out of the body and reducing edema, resulting in flawless skin.
- Reducing facial tension by relaxing the body
Hand and foot reflexology also has a positive effect on the facial musculature, as certain key points in these areas are directly linked to the facial area through energy channels. Thus, when the body is relieved of stress in the muscles, the accumulated tension in the eyes, jaw and forehead is significantly reduced.
A facial massage and massage chairs with Mindfulness program and air cushions complement each other in promoting relaxation and well-being. Air cushions stimulate circulation and release muscle tension, contributing to deep relaxation. Both methods help reduce stress, improve sleep and the appearance of the skin, offering a holistic approach to physical and mental health.
By applying gentle strokes to facial muscles and pressure points, facial massage balances the stress hormone cortisol. Facial massage techniques also support the release of endorphins and serotonin, chemicals naturally produced by the body that combat the harmful effects of stress.
The best massage chairs on the market include programs with rollers or gentle heating, complemented by state-of-the-art technologies that mimic the movements of a masseuse. All these help to relax the nervous system, complementing the benefits of facial massage.
So, although they focus on different areas, both forms of massage make up an ideal solution for complete relaxation, from relieving muscle stress, releasing toxins from the tissues and prolonging the youthful appearance of the skin.