8 Benefits of a Facial Massage
- Types of massage
- Intended Benefits
- How exactly to do it
- When to Call a Professional
- Conclusions
Facial massage is a procedure you can do with a medical practitioner or on your own. The technique stimulates stress points on the face, neck, and shoulders.
You can use lotions, creams, oils, or cleansing balms to massage your face, in addition to a facial roller or gua sha tool.
Facial massage promotes healing of the skin by relaxing facial muscles. It has a relaxing and refreshing effect, helping you look much better.
If you want to use facial massage solely for relaxation or to address a particular problem, there are many methods you can try.
Please keep reading below to explore more information about the benefits of facial massage, how you can do it yourself, and when to see a professional.
Types of massage
There are many different types of facial massage, as well as methods you can perform by yourself or using a specialist.
Types of facial massage consist of:
- Lymphatic drainage
- Reflexology
- Shiatsu
- Gua sha
- Swedish
- Therapeutic
- Sinus
- Acupressure
Facial massage techniques consist of:
- Cupping
- Electronic or knuckle rubdown
- Folding
- Effleurage
- Resonances
- Touching
- Jacquet pinching
Intended Benefits
Keep reading to discover what several scientific studies and non-scientific data have claimed the benefits of facial massage.
1. Anti-aging and anti-wrinkle
One of the main advantages of facial massage is its opportunity to improve the skin’s overall appearance.
A small study from 2017 tested the effectiveness of a facial massage that included a stimulating massage tool. People used the anti-aging product and lotion on their faces and neck for eight weeks. The effect of the cream has been improved when used with facial massage. Improvements have been seen in wrinkles, sagging skin as well as texture.
The scientists further looked at the results of facial massage on skin explants. For ten days, skin samples were wiped with an anti-aging agent twice a day for 1 min. Compared to unattended skin explants, the product caused a higher expression rate of dermal proteins, which had a rejuvenating effect on the skin.
2. Sinus pressure
If it is not a contagious situation or during a severe stage of sinusitis, you can use massage to relieve sinus pressure, discomfort, slight pain, and congestion.
Sinus massage can also help drain mucus, relieve headaches, and improve blood circulation. More in-depth clinical studies are necessary to confirm and expand on the impact of sinus massage.
3. Acne
Stimulating the skin with massage can help improve blood flow and reduce the appearance of acne. The specific research that proves that facial massage contributes to acne is limited.
Some people recommend olive oil massage to treat acne. Results vary, so if you’re interested in trying it, test it on a small area before rubbing your entire face.
Don’t be too aggressive with your massage technique. Prevent any strict action or exfoliation, especially in delicate areas.
4. TMJ
People with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems may experience discomfort in the jaw or face. It could be a migraine, an earache, or tetanus.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a trigger point massage can help relieve tense, irritated, or painful jaw muscles. This discomfort can be caused by chewing, clenching the jaws, or grinding teeth.
Massage to relieve TMJ symptoms can be especially effective when combined with jaw training.
5. Glowing skin
Facial massage may be the best solution if you want intense, glowing skin. A 2002 study found that 59 percent of women who received facial massages reported feeling fresh and refreshed.
About 54% reported skin elasticity, and 50% experienced skin tightening. Much unscientific evidence suggests that building facial muscles can help tighten skin, soothe tense muscle tissue, and increase blood flow.
6. Skin blood circulation
Using a facial massage roller has a beneficial effect on the skin bloodstream, which can help improve the appearance of the skin.
Per a small 2018 study, people who received a 5-minute facial massage with a massage roller had increased blood stream to the area for at least 10 minutes after the massage. After five weeks of massage, the effect of blood flow on heat increased significantly.
7. Facial rejuvenation
Facial massage can help relieve stress by improving relaxation and skin health.
2018 research points to the effectiveness of facial massage with the Pao tool for facial rejuvenation. The facial massage tool has been shown to increase the thickness of the facial muscles and their transverse alignment in women who used it for 30 seconds twice a day for eight weeks.
8. Scar tissue treatment
Massage can be beneficial if you have facial scars that are in the process of being healed. Massaging the affected tissue and the adjacent areas can help improve circulation, cool nearby cells, and smooth out the bumps.
Facial massage can also help relieve symptoms such as pain, itching, and sensitivity. 2014 researchers found that massage therapy helps reduce pain and skin irritation while improving the appearance of burn marks.
How exactly to do it
You can do a facial massage yourself without leaving your home. Before starting, clean your face and hands. Use a percentage of serum, oil, or cleansing balm to make your fingers glide over your skin. You also can use the surface of your hand.
Whether you have 10-15 minutes or an entire hour, you can create your preferred tools to create a personalized facial massage regimen. Repeat each movement five times, or concentrate on a specific spot for 20-30 seconds. Use gentle but firm pressure.
There are a couple of ways that anyone can use it. Below are a few that you can use to develop your routine:
- Use circular motions to massage your fingers right into your temples.
- Use your fingertips and palms to massage the sides of your face, starting at the chin and moving up towards the temple. Then go back.
- Press and also move your ring fingers right into the brow bone. Move from the inner to the outer edge.
- Then do the same movement under the eyes.
- Using your thumb and forefinger, start at the outer corners of your brows. Gently compress your eyebrows, moving towards the inner edge.
- Press your fingers into the brow area. Move them up to the hairline.
- Press firmly on the area between the eyebrows for a couple of seconds. Then keep pressing in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction.
- Use your fingers to push under your cheekbones.
- For a more substantial effect, press directly on your face with your knuckles. Please start at the nose and move them across the cheeks to the ears.
- Use your thumb and the first two fingers to squeeze your chin. Squeeze the skin as you approach the ears.
- Press directly on the jaw, moving your fingers from the outside of the jaw to the chin.
- Use circular motions to massage the area under your earlobes.
- Use your fingers to press down your neck, starting at the top and working down.
- Use your ring finger to apply firm pressure on the inner brow, moving towards the outer brow.
- Use your fingertips to tap all points on your face gently. Then gently squeeze the fleshy areas of the skin.
- Apply acupressure to facial stress points or sinus pressure.
When to Call a Professional
See a doctor or massage specialist for a facial massage or if you want to address specific health concerns, including acne, temporomandibular joint, or wrinkle reduction.
The specialist will have the ability and experience to customize the facial massage to suit your needs. They may also recommend any additional treatments.
Conclusions
Facial massage is a great way to rejuvenate and revitalize problematic skin. Enjoy the experience when you find you can do your facial massage or go through regular specialized treatments.
Stick to massaging your face with whatever products help you deal with your skin problem. For beautiful, glowing skin, stay healthy and balanced by giving yourself plenty of time to rest and unwind with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
