Do Facial Massage Help With Skin Care?
Have you ever considered treating your skin with a facial massage? Aside from relaxation, it gives multiple benefits for your skin, too.
Sculpt and Skin by Amber Jasper’s facial massage helps with skin care by releasing tension and increasing blood circulation. Improved circulation helps your skin absorb serums and creams more effectively.
In this article, we will cover the benefits of facial massage and how they seamlessly complement skincare, leaving you and your skin feeling fantastic!
The Science Behind Facial Massage
Facial massage has been part of beauty routines for ages, and it's not just a tradition – science backs it up! The key idea is that massaging your skin can boost blood flow and help your skin absorb active ingredients from skincare products.
When you massage skin care products, it can change how the skin's fats structure. This makes your skin absorb active ingredients two to three times better than applying the products without a massage. So, antioxidants, vitamins, and hydrating products can penetrate your skin and become more effective.
An NCBI study revealed that using a massaging tool with skincare products led to remarkable improvements. These include reduced fine lines and wrinkles, enhanced skin texture, and increased skin firmness in just eight weeks.
Another NCBI study found that massaging improved how well Vaseline and mineral oil get into the skin.
So, the next time you pamper your skin with a facial massage, you are more confident you’ll get results!
Where to Get a Facial Massage in Australia?
Facial massages can easily done at home, yet getting a facial massage from a professional in a clinic has extra perks. Pros are trained and experienced in the right techniques to effectively release tension and boost circulation.
They use special products and tools, making the massage more effective. The clinic vibe adds to the experience, which is different from home. Plus, clinics can customise treatments based on your skin needs, ensuring optimal results for your unique glow.
Our day spa clinic Sculpt and Skin by Amber Jasper, located in Subiaco, Western Australia, brings you specialised facial massages to elevate your skincare routine.
Feel the relaxing lymphatic massage or the refreshing Sculptural Facial Lymphatic massage for skin tightening. Depending on your treatment option, our packages include LED skin-tightening after your sculptural facial massage and more! Book Now.
What Are the Different Types of Facial Massage?
There are various facial massages, and each has its benefits and techniques. The different types of facial massage include:
Lymphatic drainage facial massage
A lymphatic drainage facial massage is like a gentle workout for your face. It's a cosmetic procedure that encourages lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness, swelling, and tension.
Lymphatic drainage facial massage helps flush out any build-up of fluids, toxins, and wastes from your face through the lymphatic system. This boosts circulation, delivers more oxygen to your skin, and gives you a healthier, refreshed look. A trained specialist performs this using light, circular motions and taps, following the direction of the body's natural flow.
Reflexology
Reflexology, or zone therapy, is a type of massage that applies pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears. These pressure points, or “reflex” areas, are believed to be linked to different body organs and systems, and pressing them can positively affect our health.
During a reflexology session, the person sits or reclines with bare feet. The practitioner gently massages the feet for relaxation and applies firm but not painful pressure on the reflex points using specific techniques.
This pressure will stimulate the body to release endorphins, interrupt the pain cycle, and promote relaxation.
Swedish massage
Swedish massage, or classic massage, is a popular type of therapy widely practised in the West. It promotes relaxation and relieves stress by applying five techniques.
Effleurage: Long, sweeping strokes that warm the muscles and improve circulation.
Petrissage: Kneading, squeezing, and pressing the muscles to release body tension and improve flexibility.
Friction: Applying pressure to the muscles with the fingers, thumbs, or palms to release knots and adhesions in the muscles.
Tapotement: A technique of tapping, slapping, or percussion.
Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake the body
These techniques use massage oil or lotion to smoothen the skin and prevent friction. The massage is typically done on a massage table. One session usually takes about an hour.
Remedial massage
Remedial massage is a special therapy for muscle, tendon, and bone issues. Unlike massages that mainly focus on relaxation, this one is more precise and aims to fix particular problems. It's often done to relieve neck or back pain, muscle cramps, and injuries from sports or other activities.
Before starting the massage, the therapist asks the person where they feel pain. Then, they use techniques like deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, cupping, needling, or stretching to help with specific issues.
The pressure during the massage can be strong or gentle, depending on the person's needs.
Sinus massage
Sinus massage is a simple technique using gentle finger pressure and warmth to clear mucus in the sinuses. It may help ease facial pressure, pain, a runny or stuffy nose, and headaches caused by sinus congestion. You can easily do it yourself at home.
Sinus massage is unique because it focuses on the sinuses, which are small cavities behind the nose, eyes, and cheeks.
What Are the Benefits of Facial Massage?
The benefits and effects of facial massage include increased oxygen flow and reduced puffiness. Here are some more that may vary for every person.
Relieves headaches and sinus problems
Face massages can ease headaches and sinus issues by lessening pressure and encouraging sinus drainage. The gentle pressure and warmth from your hands also boost blood flow in the area, making you feel better.
Increases oxygen flow
A facial massage with a roller or a gua sha tool results in increased blood flow in your skin. This brings more nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells and helps eliminate waste.
It's like boosting your skin, especially when using a roller with warm carbonated spring water. This is good for your skin, even when it's not in motion. It also makes your skin respond better to triggers, such as applying skincare products.
Reduces dark circles and puffiness
Massaging your face can make dark circles and puffiness go away. Tapping or gently massaging around your eyes can move fluids and make your skin look better. Experts like Danielle Collins and sources like Healthline say regular eye massages work. Just be gentle and avoid pulling your skin to prevent damage.
Clears skin
Facial massages promote lymphatic drainage, which removes toxins and reduces swelling and puffiness. Massaging releases tension in facial muscles and relaxes tightness in them. These can prevent the development of wrinkles and minimise fine lines.
Manages scar tissue
Massaging your scar with fingertips 2 to 3 weeks after it forms can help it heal better, especially after surgery. Press firmly and move your fingers in circles on the scar.
Massage 4 to 6 times daily for 5 to 10 minutes each for 6 to 12 months. This makes the scar more manageable and less itchy and helps with healing. It also reduces discomfort, redness, and swelling.
How to Perform a Facial Massage at Home
Facial massages boost skin health, improve blood flow, and remove dead skin. You can easily give yourself or others a relaxing facial massage with some practice.
One thing to remember is to massage the face continuously in an upward direction. This counteracts the effects of gravity and potentially imparts a lifting effect to the skin.
Here are simple steps to prep the face and environment for a great massage experience.
Clean the face
Clean your skin before a facial massage to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Makeup can clog pores and disrupt the effects of the massage products you'll be using. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type, and rinse your face thoroughly with warm water.
Set your space
If you have a massage chair or bed, great! If not, a comfortable chair works. Keep the space tidy, with just you, the person, and your massage tools.
You may also enhance the atmosphere by adding air purifiers with soothing smells for a more relaxing experience. Prepare this ahead or while the person getting the massage washes up.
Prepare the products
Use a few drops of facial oil or serum on your skin for a better massage. This keeps moisture in and gives your skin a nice glow.
The oil also helps your fingers move smoothly during the massage. Get clean pillows or towels ready. Have your face lotion, mask, rinse, toner, and moisturiser nearby if you plan to use them.
Wash and warm your hands
Rub your hands together to warm them up for a few seconds. This transfers heat to your skin, boosting blood flow and relaxation. Since you'll be touching someone's clean face, wash your hands well to avoid spreading germs or bacteria.
Choose a relaxed position
For a facial massage, it's best if the person lies down on a comfy surface like a massage table or bed with their head slightly up.
Use a rolled towel under their neck or shoulders for support. If lying down isn't possible, a chair with a headrest works, too, by tilting the head back a bit. Ask the person to close their eyes and relax for a soothing massage experience.
Put on face lotion
Use a hypoallergenic milky lotion on their face and gently rub it in. The lotion should be non-oily, light, and easily absorbed. As you massage, the moisturizer hydrates the skin and lessens friction. Apply pressure gently at first.
Massage the forehead then the temples
Start at the centre of your forehead and gently massage outwards towards your temples using small, circular motions. Gradually increase the pressure as you go and repeat several times.
Begin with your fingers and eventually use your palm, moving it in circular motions with even pressure. Go back and forth across the forehead to relieve tension.
For the temples, place one hand on each side of the head at the temples. Use your fingertips initially for light circular massages. Apply gentle pressure on both sides and repeat 2 to 3 times if desired.
Adjust the pressure by using your thumbs or more of your hands based on the person's preference. Circular motions work well for the face.
Massage the cheekbones
Place your hands under your cheekbones on both sides. Begin with fingertips, gently applying light pressure on the skin. Move towards your ears with a soft rubbing or circular motion.
Use a comfortable amount of pressure. Massage your cheeks with upward, circular motions, starting from the centre and moving up towards your temples.
Don’t forget the eyes and jawline
Use your ring fingers to softly massage around your eyes, from the inner corner and moving outward towards your temples. Be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on the delicate eye skin.
Place your thumbs under your jaw and point your index fingers to rest against each side of the nose. Move your entire hands upward and outward, letting them slide along the cheeks towards the ears. Repeat the same motions you used on the cheekbones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Massages
Is facial massage good for the skin?
Giving your face a regular massage isn't just relaxing. It's linked to making your skin more elastic and firm. It helps improve your skin tone and texture and eases sinus pressure.
You can get it done by professionals from Sculpt & Skin by Amber Jasper.
How often should facial massage be done?
The frequency of facial massages can be done two to three times a week. If you're doing it at home, you can do it more often. If you've got the time, you can give your face a little massage every day for about five to ten minutes.
What happens if you don't massage your face?
Skipping face massages won't harm you, but you might miss potential benefits. Massaging your face can boost blood flow, relax your facial muscles, and ease tension headaches. Plus, it can increase the oxygen flow in your skin for that extra radiant glow and reduce puffiness and inflammation.
What are the best skincare products to use for facial massages?
For facial massages, go for plant-based skincare products, like oils, balms, and cleansers, with a bit of thickness. These help your hands glide smoothly.
Grapeseed, argan, and rosehip oils are also great options. Skip mineral oils and paraffin wax—they can clog pores. Serums are a bit too speedy to give the proper massage feel.
If you're dealing with acne or rosacea, consider lymphatic drainage techniques with the right products. Watch out for the comedogenic scale of oils—coconut oil might not be your best pick for facial massage.
Radiant Skin Awaits: Get the Glow with Facial Massages
Getting beautiful, glowing skin isn't just about using skincare products. At Sculpt & Skin by Amber Jasper, we believe in the magic of facial massages! Regular sessions not only make your skin healthier but also make you feel great overall.
It's not just a routine; it's a journey to well-being. So, treat yourself to the soothing touch of our facial massages and reveal the radiant beauty beneath your skin. Your skin deserves that beautiful glow!
Book your specialised facial massage at Sculpt & Skin by Amber Jasper today.
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