We all know how sore our bodies can feel after working out. Simple daily movements like smiling, frowning, and chewing can be very strenuous on the facial muscles. Similarly, a facial massage can benefit your muscles just as stretching and foam roller exercises can help your legs and arms after exercising.
Face massage might seem like a luxury few can afford, but with the right tools, you can enjoy the benefits at home. Here is all the help and everything you need about self-care for your face. Here’s the lowdown from dermatologists and estheticians.
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How Does A Facial Massage Work?
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Associate Professor of Dermatology, says facial massage involves rubbing and manipulating the skin and muscles of the face. He said, “It can be done with your fingers or different tools or electronic devices. He also notes that facial massage can be accompanied by “application of skin care products to enhance penetration into the skin.”
What Types Of Facial Massage Are There?
Bulzing says the two main massage techniques are effleurage and petrissage. A face effleurage never leaves the hands. It improves circulation near the skin’s surface.” Compression on the skin, however, is called Petrissage. Bulzing notes that this technique “affects the deeper muscles of the face and pumps blood to the surface.”
Many types of facial massage exist, including:
- Lymphatic drainage
- Reflexology
- Shiatsu
- Gua sha
- Swedish
- Remedial
- Sinus
- Acupressure, and many more.
How Facial Massage Can Benefit You
- Enhances lymphatic drainage
- Boosts circulation and stimulates muscles
- Provides tension relief
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Home Facial Massage: How to Do It
With all facial massages’ benefits, you probably wonder how to do it yourself. Dr. Garlapati recommends a facial massage during your skincare routine if you are eager to experience massage techniques.
Dr. Zeichner recommends gently rubbing the face in circular motions starting from the center and moving outwards. Following are some more facial massage techniques you can try at home, according to expert tutorials:
- You can massage your face using your palms and fingertips by starting at your chin and moving up to your forehead. Reverse the process.
- Put your index and middle fingers under your cheekbones. The center of your face should be the starting point.
- Gently rub your temples with your fingers.
- Glide your ring fingers into your brow bone. Move from the inner to the outer Repeat the action underneath your eyes.
- Put your thumb and first finger on both outer corners of your eyebrows. Move towards the inner corner by pinching your eyebrows.