Before you read, are you a fan of the gorgeous Meghan Markle whose facial massage routine is one of her natural beauty secrets? Or are you really convinced of the benefit of facial massage?
About that feeling after your massage session, that moment of euphoric relaxation! Today, facial massage has become a single procedure that can be experienced at home or in a beauty center as an old technique but developed to suit the changes taking place. This article will discuss the truth of this massage and its real benefits.
What is a Facial Massage?
Facial massage is an ancient therapy that has evolved over time to meet the needs of modern practitioners and clients, incorporating new tools, and techniques to enhance its effects and make it more accessible. It is a manual therapy technique that involves manipulating the soft tissues of the face, including the muscles, skin, and connective tissue used to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and improve circulation.
Facial massage has a long history of years to ancient civilizations in Egypt, China, and India. In these cultures, massage was often seen as an important part of overall health and well-being.
Over time, it is used in conjunction with other treatments such as facials, skincare, and cosmetic surgery to enhance their effects. some practitioners now use specialized tools such as jade rollers, gua sha stones, or microcurrent devices to enhance the effects of their massage techniques, while others may incorporate aromatherapy, LED light therapy, or other complementary therapies to further promote relaxation and healing.
The Truth Behind the Benefit of Facial Massage
The Guardian is also interested to know this truth, is face massage a real skin treatment? In fact, it’s good for skin issues, but it benefits your muscles much more than your external skin.
According to the Guardian, dermatologists do not deny its benefits for facial muscles, but it is not a therapeutic alternative to skin problems. Dr. Natasha Cook, a specialist dermatologist based in Sydney, says “fundamentally mythological”. Cook adds “It’s an entertainment piece, I think that’s all it is. If you understand the essence of ageing … the action of rolling or massaging just does not equate with fixing that, except for [being] a glorified facial.”.
The physiotherapist David O’Brian, a co-owner of Glebe Physio in Sydney, admits its benefit for face muscles more than facial skin. O’Brian says: “There are many muscles that attach your jaw to different parts of your skull and neck, and facial massage can help to reduce the tone in those muscles to assist in getting it moving again,”.
Dermatologists and physiotherapists agree on the idea that facial massage is effective when it’s part of a broader treatment plan (such as jaw pain treatment). Furthermore, it’s a good way to relax, and reduce stress.
The REAL Benefits of Facial Massage
Improve Blood Flow & Circulation
A study in 2018 conducted a massage on one side of the face for a period of 5 weeks, and the result was a greater expansion of blood flow to the tested side only. This enhances the delivery of healthy nutrients to the skin, improves skin glow, and supports skin recovery.
Acts as an Anti-Aging Technique that Helps in Face Lifting Naturally
Face massage strengthens facial muscles and connective tissue, which positively stimulates blood flow to free tension stored in the facial muscles, erases signs of stress and fatigue and improves the flexibility of connective tissue. This helps in lifting and softening your facial contours, and smoothing lines and wrinkles. Studies in 2021 & 2022 show that face massage could help improve facial mobility, making the skin more lifted, and improving the skin’s appearance.
This requires continuity in the procedure, as it is done for a certain period. It gives temporary and minor results. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist, says “Facial massage may give a minimal, temporary improvement and facial contour by helping to eliminate excess fluid. The only way to truly contour the face is with the use of cosmetic products for through procedures like injectables or surgeries,”.
This treatment was for Jowels, nasolabial folds, sagging skin, Puffiness of cheeks, Frown lines, Crow’s feet, Marionette lines, and Neck wrinkles”.
Relieves Stress & Anxiety
Do you feel anxiety a lot? According to The Somatic Movement Center, “Throughout our lives, we tend to make some of the same facial expressions over and over based on our personalities and habitual reactions. With repetition, chronic tension builds up in our facial muscles just like it does in muscles throughout our body. This is why as people get older, their faces may gradually become lopsided or stuck in a stressed or frowning expression.”.
This stored stress can lead to feeling pain and your skin looking sagging. According to The American Institute of Stress, “One of the simplest face massages to master when it comes to relieving stress is the grounded friction technique. For this massage, you want to rub your hands together for 10 to 20 seconds until they’re sufficiently warm, then apply them to whatever part of the body is holding the most tension, which is usually the forehead and neck area. The warmth from your hands will get your blood flowing and give you a feeling of not just being centered, but being present. Similar to pulling on your earlobes, you will feel grounded with a sense of peace.”.
Reduces Jaw Muscle Pain “TMJ Disorders”
“Gentle massage can ease the pain and decrease the tension in your jaw.”, The Permanente Medical Group. Adding “Start by sitting or standing tall, legs uncrossed and feet flat on the floor. Gently nod your chin down as if you are saying “yes.” Find the Rest Position with your jaw. You should feel slight tenderness in the muscles that you are massaging. This tenderness should decrease as you continue to massage.”
According to The Face Design Center, below is a case study that shows the transformation after face massage. (these results don’t last forever, they last as long as you continuously repeat the process).
Do you Really Need Special Tools for Facial Massage?
All you need is your hands, although there are several tools such as rollers and stones made of jade, rose quartz, and stainless steel. The receptors on the comfort of our hand and fingertips make it very sensitive to touch, allowing you to adapt the pressure and shape individually with your skin, connective tissues, and muscles.
Final Thoughts
Facial massage is also widely accepted in the field of aesthetics and skincare, where it is often used as a complementary therapy to enhance the results of other treatments or as a standalone treatment to improve the health and appearance of the skin.
Thinking of giving it a try at home? Abigail James, A-list Facialist, well-being expert & author shares her 360 approach to skincare & health, making it step by step in Anti-ageing, Face lifting massage.
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