Facial Massage: The Ancient Secret to Rejuvenated, Youthful Skin
Regular face massage is a fantastic way to improve your skin’s tone and texture, firming the underlying muscles and tissue structure. So many of us are completely oblivious to the amount of tension we carry in our facial muscles. The face and scalp are full of pressure points and nerve endings that, when stimulated, have a hugely beneficial effect on our physical appearance and psychological health.
A good facial massage will help relax tension, soften the complexion, and strengthen the muscle tissues. While professional therapists use various massage movements, even just one or two movements for self-treatment can make a significant difference to your skin and temperament. The easiest way to carry out a self-massage is to use small, gentle circular movements on your entire face.
For optimal benefits, facial massage should ideally be given by someone else, but self-treatment can also yield great results as long as you follow some basic points. This is a holistic treatment and offers the best results when performed regularly over a long period. As well as rejuvenating and enlivening the complexion, facial massage is also an excellent therapy for sinus congestion, migraines, and stress.
Benefits of Facial Massage:
- Reduces stress
- Stimulates blood circulation to the surface tissues, which in turn provides nutrients and nourishment to the skin, promoting a youthful and healthy complexion.
- Reduces puffiness by stimulating lymphatic drainage.
- Relieves nasal congestion.
- Helps migraines.
- Helps to detoxify and deep cleanse the skin by loosening dead skin cells.
- Tones the skin.
- Nourishes and moisturizes dry skin.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Helps reduce/fade scars.
- Encourages an even skin tone.
- Helps to soften expression lines.
Some Points to Note Before Carrying Out Facial Massage:
- Never massage infected, irritated, or inflamed skin.
- Never drag the skin during facial massage.
- Always remove all jewelry prior to treatment.
- Massage should be carried out on freshly cleansed skin.
- Use a natural plant-based carrier oil for facial massage.
- As a general rule, upward and outward movements should be used during a facial massage.
Recommended Oils for Facial Massage:
- For dehydrated skin: Avocado, Shea butter, Evening Primrose, Pomegranate oil.
- For normal skin: Coconut, Rosehip, Grapeseed, Hazelnut oil.
- For scarred/blemished skin: Rosehip, Vitamin E oil.
- For greasy skin: Thistle, Coconut, Hemp seed oil.
- For mature skin: Pumpkin seed, Walnut, Argan oil.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. If you have any medical or skin conditions, please refer to your health practitioner before carrying out any self-treatments.
The Author:
Marisa is a therapist and founder of Alive Earth Skincare.
Photo. Gemini
