Here’s how your skin can benefit from regular facial massage

You likely don’t need an excuse to give your skin some extra TLC. But if you do, here are all the face massage benefits to keep you glowing like never before!

A face massage is exactly what you imagine it to be. You’re lying down, drifting into a state of blissful rest as the therapist gently massages your face using essential oil. Surely, just the thought of it envelopes you into a state of relaxation, doesn’t it? A face massage is not dissimilar to a full-body massage, except that it focuses only on your facial muscles and skin. 

Why do you need a regular facial massage?

No matter how many products you apply on your face for improved skin health, regular facial massage could do wonders for your skin, including lymphatic drainage and increased collagen production, to keep your skin looking young and give you a natural glow. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure your skin health is in good hands, quite literally. 

From improving blood circulation to relieving stress, the list of face massage benefits is a long one. Conveniently, we’ve drawn up a list for your quick reference. Here’s everything you need to know about…

Face massage benefits for skin health 

While you can occasionally indulge in a face massage yourself – there are several video tutorials online – a professional massage therapist typically performs a facial massage. They would either massage your face by hand or use face massage tools such as a jade roller, also known as gua-sha, or both.

The origins of the gua-sha can be traced to traditional Chinese medical practice that involves stroking the skin surface. Whether by gua-sha or hands, a good face massage helps spread the skincare product (or essential oils, whichever is being used) evenly. You could easily purchase these face massage tools online and use them to keep your skin healthy and glowing. However, ensure to consult your dermatologist to address any specific skin concerns first. 

Here are some of the most common benefits of getting a regular facial massage for your skin health. 

1. Absorbs products better 

While you may follow a religious skincare regimen and never skip sunscreen, a face massage helps enhance your skin health too. Regular facial massage ensures that when you are applying your skincare products, they are absorbed better into the skin, thus making them more effective. You can get a face massage about once a week, to see effective results. Interestingly, some types of facial massages also help reduce chubbiness on your cheeks and help you get a sharp jawline.

2. Relieves your muscles of tension 

Sure, some creams and gels help reduce wrinkles and fine lines on your face. But the power of a good face massage is that it has the potential to relieve your face muscles of tension, which could go a long way in keeping your skin looking radiant and youthful. Believe it or not, a good face massage could turn a rough day around and keep your skin healthy in the long run. 

3. Improves blood circulation 

Face massage benefits have visible results, but only if you are consistent. The way it works its magic is that it does all the good stuff inside your body, to result in long-lasting healthy skin. Think of it like a workout – your body breaks down fat inside to keep you looking fit on the exterior. Similarly, when the muscles on your face are activated during a facial massage, it helps improve blood circulation and ensures smooth oxygen flow that provides your cells with essential nutrients. This process keeps your skin naturally healthy and glowing. 

4. Provides stress relief 

Sometimes, all you need is a good face massage to rid your mind of any stress or tension that could be bogging you down. The gentle pressure on your face muscles keeps you calm and relaxed and is probably one of the best face massage benefits that you could seek. So, the next time you’re just looking to blow off some steam, you know what you need to do. 

5. Reduces puffiness

Let’s face it – we all hate waking up to a puffy face or dark circles under our eyes. It could be a result of lack of sleep, stress, or just a skincare ingredient gone wrong. A simple face massage can cure it. Face massage benefits also include promoting lymphatic drainage, which targets the lymph nodes and helps keep toxins at bay. This reduces puffiness or swelling, a defined jawline, and a clearer complexion over time. Remember: the key is to stay consistent for effective results. 

What are the different types of facial massage? 

Similar to full-body Ayurvedic massages, even facial massages come in different styles to solve unique problems. The face massage benefits depend on the type of massage you pick. Some of them are as follows: 

Swedish Facial Massage 

Don’t go by the fancy name. This is one of the most common and effective types of facial massages.  Swedish facial massage includes soft strokes folding towards the topmost layer of your skin. It helps relax and rejuvenate your facial muscles and is good for general stress relief. This might be a bit heavy on the pocket, but hey, if it’s good for your skin health, it’s worth it, right?

Accupressure Facial Massage 

Facial acupressure offers many face massage benefits. These include reduced wrinkles and fine lines, minimised pores to keep your skin clear of acne and blemishes, and reduced puffiness and swelling for an overall radiant glow. Most people find this one of the most therapeutic face massages. You might want to consider a quick dermat consult before you opt for this one since it caters to specific skin types. 

Shiatsu Facial Massage 

This ancient Japanese method utilises only the fingers and palms to massage your face. It’s a specialised technique and not everyone can ace this. The massage therapist applies gentle pressure to relax your muscles and keep the blood circulation going, enhancing your skin health. 

While you can get all these face massage benefits from a regular facial massage too, remember that facial massage needs to be done by a trained professional. In inexperienced hands, a face massage can have adverse effects on your skin health. Here are some things to keep in mind before getting a facial massage: 

1. Avoid pulling or rubbing your skin too hard, and ensure the pressure is always gentle. 
2. If you have pimples or blemishes on your skin, don’t massage over them. This could make your acne worse. 
3. Always use a serum or toner if you want to massage your face, for a smooth glide. 

Now that you have all the information you need about face massage benefits, book yourself a session and experience one for yourself.