15 minutes read

Over the last few weeks we have been focusing on the benefits and implementation of cleansing, exfoliating, masks, toning and moisturising "habits" in your skincare routine to protect your most precious asset - your skin!

In this article we focus on the Top 5 Key Benefits of Facial Massages as well as highlighting some easy massage techniques that you can use at home, either on your own, with a friend or a family member. These techniques promote healthy skin, while relaxing facial muscles. Without a doubt these lead to a feeling of wellbeing and relaxation that reflects in your glowing radiant skin, regardless of your age.

For an even more luxurious relaxing, yet stimulating treatment, book an appointment with a massage therapist, who will use techniques that in addition to invigorating the facial musculature, stimulate pressure points on the face, neck, and shoulders. The benefits of this stimulation are much harder to achieve on a self-massage.

However, if you are wanting to manage more complex aspects of skin conditions, such as acne pustules or to lessen scar visibility, a visit to a specialist dermatologist is indicated. 

Nevertheless, below are some notes and tips for relaxing home-based facial massage approaches with good revitalising benefits. 

Types of Facial Massage, Techniques & Massage Products

There are numerous different facial massage types and techniques that you can try on your own, though some require the intervention of a professional.

Below, are examples of types of facial massages typically performed by a professional therapist. These are beyond the scope of this article and will be dealt with in future articles.

• Lymphatic drainage, reflexology, shiatsu, gua sha, Swedish, remedial, acupressure and sinus.

Facial massage types can be performed using a mixture of facial massage techniques and these are listed below. 

• Effleurage, tapping, pinching, knuckling, folding, vibration and cupping.

Vibration and cupping require support devices. Folding is also best done by a professional therapist.

For the purpose of this article the focus is on home-base techniques that do not use devices, are to use simple, and are highly effective. These are listed below.

Effleurage

• Probably the best known technique is effleurage shown in the diagram below.
• This technique is often combined with circular upward gliding movements.
• This technique is designed to "combat" the impact of gravity. 

Tapping, Pinching & Knuckling

• As the technic names indicate, use gentle tapping, pinching and knuckling movements following the effleurage strokes, accommodating for the shape of the face and fragility of the skin.
• The point is to exercise the different areas of the face without a beating, as this will lead to bruising.

Massage Products

• Always cleanse the face before starting a massage.
• Never perform a massage without a massage or "gliding" product
• Use a light oil, a serum, a lotion or a balm.
• At Azurlis™ we have Serum products that are easily adaptable to use in a massage, especially the Beautiful Skin Serum, the Wonderful Skin Serum and the Soothing Eye Serum.
• Yes, the Soothing Eye Serum can be used all over the face.
• We also have 2 Body products that are just as good for the face, namely Body Bliss and the Uplifting Body & Mind Lotion.
• But, you can use your favourite product.

Top 5 Key Facial Massage Benefits

1 - Anti-aging and Softening Wrinkles

A major benefit of a facial massage is the improved overall appearance of skin. Skin becomes better hydrated and moisturised. This results in less noticeable lines and fine wrinkles.

A recent research publication attributed the lifting and tightening effects noticed on facial muscles to the regular use of a facial massage. Reduction in skin sagging and softening of wrinkles were also recognised as major improvements in the overall skin appearance.

2 - Glowing Skin

Research is also accumulating on the benefits of daily self-massage, with the study participants reporting improved signs of ageing, decreased fine lines, plumpness of fine wrinkles and skin radiance. These changes were statistically significant from those in participants that did not massage on a regular basis.

Overall the participants that massaged regularly commented on a feeling of freshness and rejuvenation. These benefits are ascribed in part to the improved blood flow and more efficient cellular waste removal.

3 - Improvement of Skin Blood Flow 

As mentioned above, there is growing evidence that facial massage has a positive effect on skin blood flow, which in turn improves the appearance of the skin. However, the benefits of a daily self-massage go beyond the "feeling and looking younger" effect! 

4 - Facial Rejuvenation

As discussed above, facial massages can help relieve tension while enhancing relaxation, they can also contribute to tightening of muscles and lifting, all of which contribute to improved skin appearance and to feeling revitalised.

However, there is some controversy on whether facial exercises, also known as facial workouts, complement facial massages to improve of the overall appearance of the skin.

So, I'm going to leave this for you to decide for yourselves. Needless to say, you might need a bit of time every day to fit your exercises in your daily routine. 

As reported in a 2018 study some rejuvenation did take place with the use of regular facial exercises, and on average the participants looked about 3 years younger, after the trial period. However, this improvement was achieved after a daily exercise routine of 30 minutes for 20 weeks.

Are you willing to work this hard to look a tiny bit younger?

5 - Improvement of Scar Appearance

Facial massages are healing to skin that is damaged by scars, whether these result from acne, burns or any other for form of damage.  Massaging the scar tissue and surrounding areas helps to increase blood flow, loosen up nearby tissues, and soften hardened tissue.

However, you need to be patient as time is required to see improvements, and for very damaged skin, most often the treatments are only available from dermatologists.

Also, no silly "harsh quick fixes", such as pouring Coca Cola on your face, should be used, as the skin can be further damaged. No offence to Coca Cola, as they are not the ones promoting this "treatment".

Facial massage are also known to relieve symptoms such as pain, itchiness, and tenderness. Researchers in 2014 found that massage therapy greatly reduced pain and itchy skin while healing and decreasing the appearance of raised scars from burns.

Home-based Massage - What to do?

Whether you have 5 minutes or an entire hour, give some thought to what you want to achieve with your facial massage and what routine works best you you.

Customise the facial massage routine as your own!

Choose between using each stroke or step 5 times or focus on a specific area for 20 to 30 seconds. Use gentle but firm pressure, though avoid pain as this will lead to bruising.

Below is a diagram displaying the direction of the fingers and hand movements using the effleurage technique to encourage the maximum benefits of the procedure.

Other techniques such as pinching, tapping, knuckling, acupressure and sinus points follow the same direction lines. Acupressure and sinus points will only be discussed in future articles.

A list of techniques to create your own routine is presented below:

• Effleurage - Gliding & Circular Movements:

• Use a circular motion to glide your fingertips over your temples.
• Use your palms and fingertips to massage the sides of your face. Starting on your chin and move up toward your forehead. Then glide your hands back down.
• Press and glide your ring fingers into your brow bone. Move from the inner to the outer corner.
• Then, do the same movement underneath your eyes. Avoid creasing the skin in this area.
• Press your fingers into the center of your brows. Glide them up toward your hairline. Then, move your fingers away toward your temples.
• Press down firmly on the space between your eyebrows for a few seconds.
• Then, continue pressing as you make clockwise and counterclockwise movements.
• With your index and middle fingers press under your cheekbones. Start in the middle of your face, on either side of your nose and move toward your temples.
• Use your ring finger to firmly press into the inner brow, gliding toward your outer brow.
• Use a circular movement to massage the area under your earlobes.
• Use the outside of your pinky fingers to press into your neck, starting at the top and moving downward.

• Pinching & Tapping:

• With your thumb and first finger, start at the outer corners of your eyebrows.
• Gently pinch your eyebrows as you move to the inner corner.
• Use your thumb and first two fingers to pinch the center of your chin. Pinch the skin as you move toward your ears.
• Press into your jaw as you move your fingers from the outside of your jaw toward your chin.
• Use your fingertips to gently tap over all the areas of your face. Then, gently pinch the fleshy areas of skin.
• Use your fingertips to gently tap over all the areas of your face. Then gently pinch the fleshy areas of skin.
• NB - Pinch where there is is less muscle or fat, and tap where the face is fuller.

• Knuckling:

• If you wish a more intense effect, use your knuckles to press into your face.
• Start on your nose and move them across your cheeks to your ears.
• PS - knuckling is more efficient when carried out by another person.

• Pressure Points - Not really Acupressure:

• The brow pressure points in the diagram below are useful to release congestion.
• Although not as effective as acupressure or sinus pressure, these pressure points steps are easy to use, safe and beneficial.
• Apply gentle pressure and hold to a count of 5.

Sometimes a Massage Therapist or a Medical Professional are the Best Options

Consult your health professional or massage therapist for a facial massage or when  specific medical concerns need to be attended to, including acne or scar reduction.

These specialists will have the skills and expertise to adjust the facial massage to your specific needs. They can also recommend any additional treatments.

The Take Home Message

• Facial massages are a wonderful way to give yourself some healing and rejuvenating TLC while attending to specific concerns.
• Have fun in this discovery path, if you have not done this before. As time goes by you will learn what the best facial massage suit you.  
• Develop a facial massage routine with products that help to improve your skin’s condition, and remember that for beautiful, glowing, radiant skin you need to stay active, eat healthy food and factor in time to relax in your daily grind.

If you don't, nobody else will! ;-)