One simple but hugely beneficial skincare habit to adopt is facial massage. It’s a comforting way to elevate your routine, ease your mind, and rejuvenate your skin all at the same time. Whether you have ageing, dull skin or wake up with a puffy face in the mornings, chances are you can diminish these problems with facial massage.

So, is facial massage the secret to a firmer, wrinkle-free face? Continue reading to learn more about some of the potential benefits and tools to use for facial massage, helping you achieve a naturally beautiful facelift!

What Are the Benefits of Facial Massage?

Aids lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage is a popular type of gentle massage that encourages the natural movement of lymph fluids around the body. The flow of fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste products and toxins from bodily tissues instead of returning them back toward the heart and central circulation.

Environmental stressors can cause a buildup of toxins on our skin, which may contribute to breakouts, fine lines, or puffiness. Facial massage can stimulate the skin to increase blood flow, aiding lymphatic drainage and the process of flushing out toxins. The result? A bright, healthy-looking complexion!

Improves overall skin appearance

Is your skin in need of an immediate, fresh glow? Regular facial massage can give you that by boosting the supply of vital nutrients and oxygen to the skin. It aims to brighten, de-puff, drain toxins and tighten your skin, improving the overall appearance.

Facial massage can be great for managing acne and scar tissue, as well as anti-ageing and wrinkles. A 2017 study found improvements in skin sagging, texture, and wrinkles for participants who used a cream with an anti-ageing facial massage device for eight weeks. Prior to this, researchers found that massage therapy was effective in relieving painful, itchy, and tender skin while improving the appearance of raised burn scars.

Relaxes tension

One of the most relaxing ways to decrease muscle tension in the face, especially if it’s pent-up in the jawline, is through facial massage. Face workouts can help to loosen overall tension, allowing you to unwind and feel more relaxed.

Earache, headache, or lockjaw can occur as a result of discomfort in the face or jaw, which people with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions may experience. Trigger point massage – pressing down on painful knots using the end of a finger – is believed to alleviate tight or inflamed jaw muscles.

Stimulates collagen production

The action of massaging your face can help to stimulate collagen production and cell growth. This then causes a domino effect as the more collagen you have in your body, the more you’re able to produce and maintain. Healthy levels of collagen and elastin will give you stronger and more youthful skin.

Tools to Use for Facial Massage

​​Finding the best-tailored way to massage your face is easy when there are quality tools on the market. Here are some methods whereby you can effortlessly incorporate facial massage to match your lifestyle:

A face roller

You might have seen these aesthetically pleasing tools all over social media, typically made from jade, rose quartz, or other crystals. Face rolling tools are designed to be gently rolled over the face to massage the skin and produce all of the benefits mentioned above.

This trend has actually been around for years; jade rolling originated during the 7th century in ancient China. The Chinese used this handheld tool as a skincare ritual for a soothing facial massage to enhance facial features and improve vitality. 

We would advise popping your face roller in the fridge the night before you wish to use it, as the cooling effect will maximize the benefits of waking up and de-puffing your skin and under-eye circles the next morning.

Gua sha

Another traditional healing method formed in China to promote lymphatic drainage is gua sha. This flat, smooth-edged stone can sculpt, tone, and define the structure of your face. The motion of gently stroking your skin in upwards directions can help lift the contours of your cheeks and prevent skin sagging. 

Gua sha tools typically come in a variety of unique stones which tend to stay cold. They can firm and revitalize the skin’s soft tissue while promoting your wellbeing. This natural, alternative therapy of rubbing the skin’s surface is intended to address stagnant energy, called chi, that may be responsible for inflammation. 

Your own hands

The best thing about facial massage is you can use your very own hands – no money required! As with any tool, make sure your hands are always extra clean to avoid spreading bacteria across your face.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated

For optimum effects, it’s recommended that you keep your skin hydrated before any type of facial massage. Applying a hydrating oil can ensure that there’s enough slip and skin nourishment to perform the face massage effectively. A couple of drops of face oil is all you need.

There are several oils to choose from, but one that’s rising in popularity is CBD oil. This has been shown to have positive pain-relieving effects with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Topical CBD massage oils work well to reduce friction and redness on the skin and relax tense or sore muscles. Simply apply the oil to your fingers or palm and massage it into your face for at least 30 seconds. You can also combine your ritual with CBD oil gummies, tea, candles or other infused products for some added benefits and improved atmosphere.

Repeat this process as needed, but try not to overdo it. People with skin conditions like dermatitis or psoriasis should also avoid massaging the face and seek professional advice.

Final Thoughts

Providing a whole host of benefits, the right facial massage tools and techniques can offer quick stimulation, reinvigorating your face and allowing for better absorption of skin-loving products.

You’re able to carry out straightforward facial massages with a practitioner or on your own, just don’t be too aggressive in your approach, especially in sensitive areas. Light pressure and sweeping motions will be enough. With our round-up of information, we hope your skin can achieve wonders!