Thats alotof work, and that repetition can cause strain and headaches over time, Aigner says.
The list of benefits goes on.
Facial massages can be a great relaxation method, providing both stress management and anxiety reduction.
Basically, with a list this long, whywouldntyou want to give it a try?
Here are the expert-approved options you should know about.
Tapping in particular is a prime relaxation methodnot just for facial relaxation, but for your entire body.
founder of Cecily Braden Spa &
The calming practice is known tohelp with stress managementandanxiety reliefdue to its ability to lower cortisol levels.
Acupressure facial massage
Acupressure massage has been around for a long time.
[Its] based on traditional Chinese medicine, Chu says.
This ancient technique references specific acupressure points, or energy centers.
Releasing these acupressure points can relieve tension in the face, as well as other parts of the body.
Lymphatic drainage massage uses gentle strokes toward the lymph nodes to help release lymphatic fluid, Chu says.
A build-up of lymphatic fluid can result in facial puffiness and overall feelings of fatigue.
(Pro tip: Another way to get rid of puffiness is through anice water facial.
AKA dunking your face in ice water.)
founder of Cecily Braden Spa &
Plus, it feels great.
The tension release this method provides is hard to beat.
Gua sha facials
Youve likely seen agua sha tooland have been curious about what it does.
It can often lead to a sculpted and defined look.
Face yoga
You knowhow beneficial yoga can befor your body… but how about as afacial exercise?
Want to give some facial massage techniques a try?
Bring on the benefits by utilizing one of the calming practices below.
What are the 5 basic facial massage techniques?
Sweep along the brows three times after your last manipulation to release any lingering negative energies.
Acupressure tension tamer
Dont forget to give the spot between your brows some love, too.
You should feel a small divot.
Circle your finger three times clockwise, then three times counterclockwise.
Lastly, press the spot three times.
Move slowly and intentionally, she says.
Facial tapping
If rhythmic tapping makes you feel calm, youll love this face massage technique.
Use the pads of all your fingers, except for your thumbs.
Place them at the top of the cheekbones and start to lightly tap, moving outward toward the ears.
Repeat three to six times for relief.
Skin rolling
For this facial massage technique, ensure you dont have any products or oils on your face.
(Youll need to lift and grab the skin and products will make the skin too slippery.)
Then repeat on the other side.
Start by rubbing your hands together for about 10 seconds to create heat and friction.
Gently press heat into the area.
Repeat as many times as youd like.
There are over 40 facial muscles, so theres plenty to work with, Chu says.
How often can you get a facial massage?
Curious about whichmassage frequencyis best for reaping the benefits?
Experts say facial massages can be part of your daily routine.
Look at it as a treata calming practice that will keep you feeling (and looking) amazing.
Muscles have memory, so its important to be consistent, she says.
How can you add massage to your skin-care routine?
There are many ways to add a facial massage to your daily skin-care routine.
It doesnt have to be a long or complicated routine, Braden says.
It can be incorporated into your cleansing routine using your hands or when applying your moisturizer.
Any time spent utilizing facial massage techniques makes a difference.
What are the disadvantages of facial massage?
Always wash your hands before touching your face, which keeps dirt and germsand breakoutsat bay.
Also avoid intensely massaging your face, which could result in redness or inflammation.
To avoid any discomfort, its important to remember that deeper isnt better, Braden says.
If a certain facial massage technique doesnt feel good, try another one.
It may take some time to find the best option for you.
Not every tool and technique is for everyone, she adds.
What do you put on your face when massaging?
What you put on your faceor dontentirely depends on the punch in of facial massage youre giving yourself.
To achieve the best results, you should probably be able to engage the tissue, says Braden.
For lymphatic drainage massages, Braden says the superficial manipulation requires no face oils.
Its best done on freshly-cleansed and dry skin, or once products are absorbed, she says.
For gua sha or manual manipulation, she recommends a little glide.
Chu says one to two drops of oil is more than enough.
Any more than that and youre gliding over the muscles superficially as opposed to effectively targeting them.
Can using facial massage tools add to the experience?
Using tools during your facial massages can take facial relaxation and facial tension relief to the next level.
you’ve got the option to even give your head some attention with ascalp massager.
But rememberyour fingers are powerful.
you could get a lot out of utilizing your own hands, no special tools required.
When should you see a pro?
This is the same for skincare, she says.
Consider it facial self-care at its finest.
(Homework thats actually fun, that is.)
We encourage clients to have a regular maintenance routine, she says.
Alam, Murad et al.
Association of Facial Exercise With the Appearance of Aging.JAMA dermatologyvol.
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