Want Healthier Looking Skin and Stress Relief? Try Facial Massage

Think massages are just for sore muscles and relaxation? Think again! Facial massages are gaining popularity. They can promote healthy skin and may improve the appearance of your skin. The best part? Facial massage can be done professionally or at home.

What are the different types of facial massage?

There are many different types of facial massage, and it can be overwhelming to choose! You can try all of the massage types to find which one works best for you.

If you are looking for relaxation and facial rejuvenation, you can try Swedish, lymphatic, or Gua Sha facials. Swedish massages use long, light strokes to relieve muscle tension and improve the appearance of the skin. Lymphatic drainage massages focus on particular areas of the face, like under the eyes. It is used to remove toxins and excess fluid, which relieves facial puffiness. Gua Sha uses specifically shaped stones to relieve muscle tension and pain and rejuvenate the skin. The different stones correspond to different areas of the face.

Other types of facial massages, such as shiatsu, acupressure, and reflexology, offer relaxation while helping other areas of the body. These massages involve applying pressure to certain areas of the face to help heal other parts of the body. They differ mostly in technique. Acupressure has been purported to help relieve congestion and headaches, while shiatsu and reflexology may improve mood.

Where can you get a facial massage?

You can give yourself a facial massage at home if you learn the proper techniques. There are online instructions and videos available. You can even take classes to learn facial massage techniques. If you find that too daunting, you can get professional facial massages. Unless you are knowledgeable in massage techniques, you will likely get better results from a professional.

What products are used for facial massage?

Facial massages can be performed with any over-the-counter facial lotion, cream, or oil to ensure the fingers/hands glide effortlessly over the face without causing damage to the skin. The product you use does not have to be specifically for massage – you could use your regular daily moisturizer.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, use products labeled as non-comedogenic products. Oils, such as coconut, olive, and cocoa butter are considered comedogenic.

If you have sensitive skin, use products labeled as hypoallergenic Avoid products with dyes and fragrances. Always try a test spot first to ensure your skin will tolerate the product.

What tools are used for facial massage?

Facial massages use many tools, depending on the technique. stones, Jade rollers, or massagers (hot, cold, or vibrating), help enhance the benefits of facial massage. Gua Sha stones help the skin and muscles, while Jade rollers help the skin. The use of Gua Sha stones allows for deeper penetration to help relieve tension in the deep muscles. Hot or vibratory massagers may relieve muscle aches, while cold massagers may help temporarily tighten the skin.

What are the benefits of facial massage?

There are several purported benefits of facial massage. However, there are very few studies with a large number of participants. Much of the evidence is anecdotal. Always check with your doctor to make sure facial massage is right for you.

One of the main benefits of facial massage is facial rejuvenation and anti-aging. Massage helps improve the absorption of any products used on the skin. Increased absorption of anti-aging products leads to better results.

Massage also increases blood flow to the skin, which brings oxygen and nutrients to repair it. This boost in circulation gives the skin a radiant glow. Increased circulation may help acne and scars as well.

Massage enhances lymphatic drainage to eliminate toxins that damage the skin and excess fluid that makes us look puffy.

Facial massage may also provide non-skin benefits. It can improve a patient's mood and relieve tension, anxiety, and stress. By relieving stress and anxiety, many different skin and health issues may improve.

Massage can help relieve sinus pressure and congestion by promoting mucus drainage and enhancing circulation. Studies have shown that massage can relieve headaches caused by muscle tension and sinus issues.

Massage can alleviate tense muscles in the jaw to help with TMJ pain caused by teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

What are the downsides of facial massage?

Facial massage is a relatively safe procedure that most people can tolerate, but there are some minimal risks.

Some patients, especially those with sensitive skin, can experience irritation or have allergic reactions to the products used on their skin during the massage. If you can, try a test spot first of the product. Read the product labels. If you have known allergens, do not use products that contain them, and make sure the therapist is aware so they avoid them as well.

Another possible side effect is acne. It is important to read product labels and make sure if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you are using non-comedogenic products. If you are getting a professional massage, let your therapist know you are prone to acne. Many oils used during massage can clog your pores.

Never get a massage if you have open wounds or active acne lesions because this can increase your risk for infection. Make sure your therapist sterilizes the tools correctly. If you do not see a sterilizer, ask them how they clean their tools.

Finally, have the correct expectations. Massage is not a substitute for surgery or professional cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, fillers, and lasers. You will get minimal, temporary rejuvenation. Getting massages regularly will give you sustained results over time.

Facial massage has been reported to have many benefits; however, most of these reports are anecdotal. Many believe it can rejuvenate the face and make you look younger, relieve stress, headaches, TMJ, and sinus pressure, and improve the appearance of scars. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new treatments.