Everything You Need to Know About Facial Massage
To facial massage or not to facial massage, that is the question.
What is a facial massage?
It’s pretty self-explanatory. It’s a massage…for your face. Though only recently hitting the mainstream in America, the facial massage is an ancient technique that has roots in traditional Chinese medicine. It generally involves some sort of lubricant to avoid tugging on the skin (think: a moisturizer, serum, oil, or even a cleansing balm) and some sort of tool to do the actual massaging (think: your hands, a jade roller, a gua sha, etc.).
Okay, but does it do anything besides feeling good?
Actually, yes! Facial massages do quite a bit. Let’s take a look at a few key benefits:
Tones facial muscles and relieves tension: Stress manifests in the face via muscle tension—jaw clenching, brow furrowing, lip pursing, eye squinting, etc. That tension feels shitty and can lead to wrinkles. Facial massage not only eases any tension, it also strengthens supporting muscles that can help ease some of the pressure. Toning facial muscles helps keep your skin looking tight.
Stimulates the lymphatic system: Lymphatic drainage seems to be the ultimate facial massage buzzword, so I’m going to really break this one down. The lymphatic system relies on muscle action and movements to maintain fluid movement. When your lymph nodes (primarily under the ear and on the neck) become blocked, lymphatic drainage either cannot occur at all or occurs at a much slower pace. This makes skin puffy and dull. By targeting the nodes during facial massage, we clear up any blockage and accelerate the lymphatic drainage process.
But, Dani, why does lymphatic drainage matter?
Here’s the shortlist:
Stimulates blood circulation and tissue regeneration
Promotes faster removal of interstitial fluid and toxins
Reduces swelling and water retention
Improves the immune system by eliminating toxins
Promotes body and mental relaxation
Improves product absorption: Facial massage with upward, lifting motions quite literally pushes product into the skin, allowing deeper absorption (which, in turn, means the product will be more effective)
Boosts blood flow: Just like doing a set of jumping jacks or push ups, the movement from facial massage sends a surge of blood and oxygen to the skin. More oxygen and blood helps to deflate puffiness (especially in the under-eye area), brighten skin tone, boost collagen production, and improve circulation.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging: Facial massage helps relax wrinkles and uplift firmness in the skin. Massaging quite literally lifts up facial muscles, resulting in a sort of natural face lift.
Brightens and plumps skin: Regular facial massage oxygenates the tissue and delivers a healthy glow.
Oh, wow. Does it really work?
I know. I was honestly pretty skeptical about facial massaging at first—it sounds way too good to be true. But, I swear, this stuff is legit. When I massage my face, I notice immediate de-puffing, contouring, and lifting in my face. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself.
I’m in. How exactly do I do it though?
Facial massage sounds pretty confusing, but it’s actually quite simple—partially because there are so many damn ways to do it. While using your fingers is perfectly acceptable, there’s a slew of facial tools available to aid in massaging. Most of them look like sex toys, but that’s kind of part of the fun. Before massaging your face, please please please wash your hands, face, and any tools you’ll be using. This will stop you from spreading and pushing a bunch of germs and bacteria and other generally gross things into your skin. Regardless of how you’re massaging the face, remember to use up-and-out strokes.
Let’s talk manual facial massaging for now. Some techniques below:
Cool! What about those sex-toy-looking tools you mentioned?
There’s a ton of those. It’s really just a matter of preference and price. On the expensive end, there are a handful of devices that use micro-currents to glide over the skin and help tone and firm. I’d suggest passing on these unless you’re truly committed to doing it every day. Here’s a list of some other, more affordable options:
Jade/Rose Quartz/Whatever Stone Roller: These rollers glide across the face easily and are naturally cold to the touch for an added de-puffing element. I’d consider these the OG facial massage tools.
My Recommendation: Jade De-Puffing Face Roller, $30; Herbivore
Gua Sha: Gua Shas are cold to the touch, just like jade rollers, but I keep mine in my skincare fridge (absurd, I know) for an added cooling effect. I love a gua sha because the shape allows you to really sculpt out the face. An important note: people tend to go in with the gua sha making a 90-degree angle against the skin. Don’t! Instead, hold it so that it’s almost perpendicular with the face.
My Recommendation: Aventurine Gua Sha Scraping Massage Tool, $9.55; Rosenice (via Amazon)
Ice Roller: This one feels fairly self-explanatory. Stick it in your fridge or freezer and use in the morning (or whenever you want, I’m not your mom).
My Recommendation: Ice Roller for Face & Eye, Puffiness, Migraine, Pain Relief and Minor Injury, $21; Esarora (via Amazon)
Sculpting Gold Bar: Besides being an ultra-chic addition to the vanity, gold sculpting bars mimic a facial “workout” by subtly vibrating on the skin. While the OG will set you back about $200, I found an amazing dupe that’ll still make you feel very fancy.
My Recommendation: Beauty Bar 24k Golden Pulse Energy Facial Massager, $11.50; Angel Kiss (via Amazon)
Face Sculptor: This is a very strange looking tool with two ball-shaped rollers that knead into the skin to mimic the effects of a professional massage. It feels great, and I like to think it helps keep my chin and neck firm.
My Recommendation: Face Sculptor, $69; Skin Gym
Beauty Roller: This tool features a unique hexagon-shaped roller that holds 24 small, massaging stones. I like to keep mine in my skincare fridge.
My Recommendation: Uplift Facial Massaging Beauty Roller, $69; Nurse Jamie
Any last words of wisdom?
Always. If you’ve got a breakout, skip the facial massage. It’s simply too easy to spread bacteria from one area to another. If you’re dealing with a few pimples, consider putting a spot treatment or pimple patch over them before you start your massage. This will help heal the breakout while acting as a visual reminder to skip that part of the face.
