Getting a massage can be very pleasurable, as well as beneficial. And while many people in the United States still consider massage to be a luxury item, the benefits far outweigh the cost. Facial massages are definitely high up on the list of what many consider to be a luxury. However, the proof is in the pudding. People who get regular facial massages tend to have glowing skin that looks ageless and flawless. Let’s look a little deeper at this type of massage and how it can benefit you.
Facial massage can be much more than just relaxing. When done properly, different massage techniques can relieve facial tension, lift facial muscles, reduce puffiness, assist the flow of the lymphatic system and rejuvenate the skin.
There are multiple massage techniques that can and will benefit your face. For example, repetitive movements using the knuckles and fingertips can relieve facial tension, lift facial muscles and help remove metabolic waste like dead skin cells that keep the face looking old. Repetitive “ironing” movements help to reduce wrinkles and lessen saggy skin. Upward movements work against gravity, stimulating muscles and nerve endings to help erase fine lines. And these are only three massage techniques. There are many more.
There are also many different types of handheld tools that can be used to assist in a facial massage. Gua sha tools and jade rollers are a couple of the more popular choices. Gua sha tools are usually made of some smooth stone or hard plastic with a smooth edge. Jade rollers are just that, handheld rollers made of jade. Both of these tools can eliminate puffiness, while stimulating collagen into the face to improve and tighten facial skin tone.
Typically, some sort of lotion or serum is applied to the skin before the facial massage is performed, just like a regular massage. This is done to make the skin easy to glide over and the topical is also usually nourishing to the skin.
One surprising thing about facial massage is that it also includes the neck, back of the neck and even the shoulder area. This is because many of the muscles of these areas lead up to or attach to the head and face. So just like the face, these areas need to be pampered, especially if there is a lot of tension.
Just like any other massage, facial massages increase blood flow and oxygenation to the cells of the skin. This increases nourishment, as well as detoxification. All of this stimulates skin cell regeneration and rejuvenation. Because of this, your skin can look fuller, firmer and brighter as fluids drain from the face reducing puffiness. It’s a great way to spend some quality time with yourself and focus on your self-care.
Facial massage can be a nice treat for your skin or it can become a regular part of your health care regimen. And if you are unable to make the time to see a professional, you can always give yourself a quick facial massage at home. Either way, you win and your skin will look fabulous.
