Facial massages are becoming increasingly popular in home skincare routines. Incorporating regular facial massages into skincare routines can contribute to healthier, glowing skin and overall relaxation. With the fascination of Korean Glass Skin, the quintessential practice of facial massage, originating in South-Eastern cultures like Korean and Chinese, has come to the mainstream. Let’s understand the benefits and steps of a facial massage at home.
In its core essence, a facial massage is a therapeutic practice, that involves massaging the face while pressing various pressure points, to promote skin health, and improve skin appearance and overall relaxation.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Facial Massages at Home
According to some studies (1),(2) conducted to determine the effectiveness of facial massage for various skincare benefits, facial massage at home could help with the following:
- Improved circulation: Facial massage stimulates blood flow to the skin, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery, resulting in a more radiant complexion.
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Regular facial massages can help relax muscle tension in the face, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (1)(2)
- Enhanced lymphatic drainage: Facial massages can aid in lymphatic drainage, helping to eliminate toxins and reduce puffiness, giving you a more toned and sculpted look.
- Facial toning and sculpting: Massaging the facial muscles can tone and uplift the skin, resulting in a firmer and more youthful appearance. (1)
- Relaxation and stress reduction: Facial massage promotes relaxation, helping to release tension and alleviate stress in the facial muscles and mind.
- Increased absorption of skin care products: By massaging skincare products into the skin, facial massage improves their absorption, allowing them to penetrate deeper and maximize their effectiveness.
- Brightened complexion: The increased circulation and lymphatic drainage from facial massage can result in a more vibrant and glowing complexion. (2)
- Relaxation of facial muscles: Facial massage helps relax tense facial muscles, reducing the appearance of facial fatigue and promoting a more relaxed and refreshed look. (2)
- Enhanced absorption of nutrients: By promoting circulation and lymphatic flow, facial massage enhances the delivery of nutrients to the skin cells, nourishing and revitalizing the complexion.
- Stress relief: Performing facial massage at home provides an opportunity for self-care and relaxation, allowing you to unwind and pamper yourself in the comfort of your own space.
- Access: With many tools to choose from, for a facial massage at home, they have become a highly accessible, budget-friendly, and practical skincare essential.
By incorporating regular facial massages into your skincare routine, you can experience these benefits and enjoy a healthier, rejuvenated, and more vibrant complexion.
A step-by-step guide to DIY Facial massage at home
1. Facial massage tools
There are various facial massage tools ranging from manual ones to electronic ones. Some of the more popular ones to choose from are:
- Gua Sha Tool: Gua Sha tools, made from materials such as rose quartz, amethyst, jade, or stainless steel, is used to scrape the skin gently. They can help promote lymphatic drainage, improve circulation, and contour the face. We recommend Rena Chris Gua Sha Facial Tool. Know all about Gua Sha in our comprehensive guide.
- Facial Roller: Facial rollers, typically made of stone, such as jade or rose quartz, are used to massage the face. They are a handy tool and usually have a smaller side for the eyes and a bigger one for the rest of the face.
- Facial Cupping Set: Facial cupping sets use small suction cups to create a vacuum effect on the skin.
- Facial Toning Devices: Facial toning devices, such as NuFace Mini Facial Toning Device, use low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles and promote collagen and elastin production. They can help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
2. Product
A multi-tasking serum(like Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum) or essential oil can be selected as per skin type and any specific skin concern that you may have. Check out this guide to choose an essential oil.
When it comes to essential oils, they are a powerhouse and need to be diluted with a carrier oil. 2-3 drops of most essential oils per use is usually enough and should be mixed with carrier oils to form desired quantity.
3. Process
Remove all traces of makeup and cleanse your face with a mild cleanser. Apply the chosen product generously all over the face and neck.
- Forehead – Start at the forehead with your chosen massage tool or use your knuckles. Gently move from the eyebrows toward the hairline. Then move from the center of your eyebrows to each side.
2. Under eyes – Move in semi-circular motion starting from the bridge of your nose towards the top of the ears on each side. Use very gentle strokes considering the delicate under-eye skin. Use the smaller side of the facial roller or Gua Sha tool or simply use 2 fingers to massage under the eyes.
3. Cheeks – Increase the pressure slightly and massage from the bridge of the nose towards the ears on each side.
4. Jawline – Graze the jawline in an upward motion, starting at the middle of the chin towards the bottom of each ear.
5. Neck – Massage upwards from collarbone to the jawline, on each side and then the center.
6. Tapping – Use your fingertips to gently tap your face.
Mistakes to avoid
- Do not use a product without doing a patch test.
- Use gentle strokes and adjust pressure as per your comfort.
- Avoid facial massage on active acne, cuts, and wounds.
4. Cleaning your facial massage tool
Wipe your facial massage tool dry with a tissue or cotton or better with an alcohol wipe, after each use. Wash in warm soapy water at least once a week.
Many facial massage tools are made of semi-precious stones and may get damaged if they fall. Store in a clean dry box after each use.
Conclusion
If done right, facial massage at home can go a long way in improving skin texture, appearance, and overall health. The DIY facial massage at home is also relaxing and a stress reliever, which makes it a pleasurable experience and hence easier to incorporate into the daily routine. Chose the tools and products that work best for your skin type and hop on board!!
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