Face massage, oh my. It’s intimidating, and it’s probably a little confusing, but when done correctly, it’s extremely beneficial. This skin-care procedure can be extremely beneficial for someone who suffers from facial bloating after overindulging or, let’s be honest, eating way too much salt.
However, most people, including myself, are at a loss about what to do other than massage their faces aimlessly. It turns out that there is a strategy — and it’s
This occurred to me when receiving one of the most amazing facials I’ve ever had: the Elemis Biotec Facial at Georgia Louise Spa in New York City. I was curious, so I contacted Georgia Louise, Elemis’ Consulting Facialist, to learn more about the methods I can use and why facial massage should be a bigger part of my routine.
While most of us do not practise facial massage, we have almost certainly received it as part of a facial. The more experienced hands performing your facial will help remove stress and fluid from your face (hello, teethgrinders), as well as raise and shape your muscles, resulting in more radiant skin
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Georgia Louise clarifies: “You’d be surprised by how many muscles we use in our face in just a few hours if we sat and thought about it. People get massages for pain or stiffness on a daily basis, but not everybody thinks about their face in the same way.”
So, what would you expect from a massage that focuses solely on the face? The benefits, according to Louise, include an acute increase in blood and oxygen flow, which improves collagen production and, as a result, a youthful glow over time. According to Louise, getting a facial at the Georgia Louise Spa will awaken the skin, allowing it to react better to the products being used.
What’s the point of waking up the skin? While it is our largest organ, Louise believes it can also be our laziest. Since a facial massage increases blood and oxygen supply, the skin becomes more awake, making it more responsive to the full effects of the procedure. Isn’t that amazing?
That will happen in the near future. What about the long-term effects of giving or getting a facial massage? “Facial massage increases circulation, allowing skin to recover and rebuild itself from the damage and traumas we subject it to on a daily basis much more quickly,” Louise explains.
Furthermore, if you suffer from puffiness, as I do, a drainage massage’s light flowing touch will help to flush out congestion. And what about these gentle, light strokes? They even work wonders for people who have congestion due to allergies, which I’m pretty sure all of us RNs have.
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If you can't make it to the Georgia Louise Spa for a facial, what are some strategies you can try at home
Anyone who suffers from stress headaches or sinus issues will benefit from pressure point massage
Starting at the beginning of the brow and moving outwards, apply firm pressure with your ring finger, keeping each pressure for 5-10 seconds.
Add medium pressure to the temples and a pressure to the back of the ears by the ear lobe, moving outwards under the eyes.
Do this 3–4 times more.
Finally, Louise recommends that you massage your face at least three times a week to improve circulation and relieve any discomfort you might be holding in your face. For more facial massage techniques, watch the video below, and then go out and relieve tension and bloat!
HOW DO YOU TARGET PARTS OF YOUR FACE
If you’re short on time and just need to address a few issues, here are four simple facial-massage techniques broken down by major facial regions.
-To Depuff Your Eyes: Gently push and roll your ring fingers over your brow bone from the inner to outer corners with a gentle (and we say light!) pressure; repeat under your eyes.
-To smooth you’re Forehead: Slip your index and middle fingers up your forehead until you hit your hairline, firmly pressing them between your brows. Repeat as appropriate, working your way outward until you’ve covered your entire forehead. (Tip: If you’re feeling particularly congested, press and hold the space between your brows for a few seconds longer.)
Make a peace sign with both hands and bend your fingers over to make “air quotes” to define your jawline. Cradle your jaw between your thumbs on either side of your chin and sweep them up toward your ears in a sweeping motion.
-To Sculpt Your Cheekbones: Repeat the motions you used to sculpt your jawline, except this time position your fingers under your cheekbones. Finish with a short boost of circulation by gently pinching the apples of your cheeks.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A FACIAL MASSAGE AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS
Facial massages are just what they sound like: rubbing your face with your hands. Increased breathing, reduced puffiness, a more lifted visage, and the melting away of any stress in your face are all advantages of using either your hands or using a tool (e.g., a jade roller).
Pros suggest doing it two or three times a week, and they recommend starting with a few drops of facial oil or serum to avoid dragging or tugging at your skin.
HOW Do YOU DO IT AT HOME
To give yourself a facial massage, softly pinch your brows from the inner to outer corners with your thumb and index finger. Rep five times more. Then, in a circular motion, rub your index and middle fingers over your temples for a few seconds to relieve some stress. Then, make a circular shape with the same fingers by softly sweeping them under your eyes, toward the middle of your face, and then up and over your brows. Rep five times more. Finally, use your fingertips to force any residual fluids away from your temples down the sides of your face and neck. Take your knuckles and sweep them over your cheeks from your nose to your ears on puffy days.
