Facial massage with a massager: benefits and harms

Everyone agrees that body massage is a necessary procedure and brings noticeable benefits. I would like to find out whether facial and chin massage is useful and, if so, how to do it “competently”? The problem is relevant not only for older women, but also for relatively young girls. Unfortunately, the tendency for wrinkles to appear at a fairly early age exists and we want to resist it.

Benefits of facial massage

Many people are familiar with the traditional thesis of Western European doctors and cosmetologists: the less you force your face to move, the later its skin will age. Surely someone has heard the phrase: if you laugh less, fewer wrinkles will appear. Are European researchers far from the truth, are they going too far? Let's talk about this. To clear our conscience, let us clarify right away: in recent decades, Western scientists have not been so unanimous in their answers to the question raised.

As evidence, it makes sense to pay attention to how often we find in stores and on the Internet massagers designed to work with the face, and creams to achieve a greater effect of a popular spa procedure. Keeping an eye on this means making sure that the “cream-oil” group of cosmetics is extensive and in demand. What's the matter, who advised the Europeans to abandon their previous point of view?

The East is partly involved here. For centuries, women in India and China worshiped the art of massage therapists and spent a lot of time in massage rooms. This is their traditional attitude towards the path to beauty we mention. They go to personal masters and stand in line for hours at spas. Perhaps people from Indochina or natives of the Indus and Ganges valleys have some kind of special skin, different from our British-German-Slavic skin?

It turns out not. It’s just that eastern specialists really know how to masterfully massage the skin of the cheeks, chin, and neck. This is done carefully, carefully - and is necessarily accompanied by the use of oils, flavors and special gels in the “creative” process. Of course, they argue about priorities, but listening to the Chinese is not a sin. So let’s listen, but first we’ll find out why facial massage is useful and what people want to do to eliminate wrinkles under the eyes, on the temple area and around the lips in this way.

Positive results include:

1. improved blood circulation (and therefore skin color);
2. muscle relaxation (which means wrinkles will not appear);
3. increasing the elasticity of the upper layers (which means the shape of the cheeks and the contours of the chin will improve);
4. saturation of surface tissues with oxygen (which means swelling will disappear);
5. prevention of stress-forming surface effects (which means pimples and blackheads will appear less frequently).

The physical effect will manifest itself more clearly if, at the same time, oils and other beneficial substances are rubbed into the massaged areas, nourishing and moisturizing the skin and promoting tissue regeneration. Well, there is no need to talk about the feeling of relaxation that accompanies the whole complex of actions, a surge of vigor - such positive feelings are obvious. The points are touched in one specific place - the whole body responds gratefully to such actions.

Harmful effects of massage

A negative ending is possible in the following cases:

1. if a very young girl begins to get carried away with the described technique of fighting for facial beauty: the skin does not regenerate, but on the contrary, it loses the ability to naturally restore tone;
2. if a layer of oil or cream is applied to problem areas during a massage and the massage is performed too intensely, the manifestations of acne will intensify;
3. if there is a tendency to allergies, the face is excessively dry, there are abrasions, wounds or rashes (possibly infectious) - symptoms of irritation may appear;
4. if a person is 40 or more years old and his tissues are already prone to sagging, enhanced “processing” of the contour can significantly stretch the skin without the chance of “tightening” it in the future;
5. if there are many moles on the body, the vessels are located close to the surface or peeling (deep, medium), microdermabrasion took place shortly before the procedure;
6. if individual intolerance to some types of massage effects is revealed;
7. if the patient has diabetes or suffers from high intracranial pressure and is susceptible to attacks of hypertension;
8. if they begin to “knead” the temples, cheeks, and chin of a patient with a very thin face too intensively, there is a danger of bruising and subsequent sagging of the stretched areas.

As you understand, the question of the benefits or harms of facial massage should be studied individually, so before deciding on such a measure to eliminate existing defects in appearance, you should consult with an experienced cosmetologist. Perhaps you are not the kind of person who can be helped by mechanical impact on problem areas.

Types and techniques of influence

About the rules

Remember: this spa method will only be beneficial if you do it regularly, and not once a month. The recommended frequency of procedures is once a day or two days. “Kneading” the face of those under 25 years old is pointless: young skin does not need it. Makeup should first be removed and the surface of the face should be thoroughly cleaned. A (warm) compress is needed, as well as moisturizing/nourishing creams. When massaging areas in the “anti-wrinkle” direction, you need to move clearly along the massage lines. It is necessary to carefully study the 5 basic techniques of the procedure and the technique of their application.

About technology

1. There are two options for “warm-up”: with the pads of your fingers and with the help of your thumb and palm. The intake mainly affects the muscles.
2. The directions of rubbing are different. With superficial, the fingertips “work”; with deeper, the edge or base of the palm is “involved” in the process.
3. Stroking movements are directed from the boundaries of the facial contour to the central part. This activates lymph and blood flow, removes small scales, and achieves a state of relaxation.
4. Tapping is gentle tapping on the surface of the cheeks, chin, and around the lips. Produced with the back of the hand.
5. Vibration consists of dynamic, not too strong shaking made by the fingertips.

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About the types

1. Classic (hygienic and preventive) - for the sake of tone and freshness of tissues;
2. relaxing – to relieve tension, relax and cleanse the surface layer;
3. lymphatic drainage – to improve blood flow from capillary blockages, remove excess fluid and reduce swelling;
4. plastic – to change the facial contour, gain a healthy glow, eliminate facial wrinkles;
5. chiroplastic – for the sake of a pronounced lifting effect (as an element of a complex procedure covering the neck, arms and trapezius muscle);
6. aromatic – to eliminate dry skin, smooth out wrinkles and improve overall well-being;
7. myofascial - for the sake of removing muscle tension, relaxing results, smoothing the nasolabial and correcting the contours of the cheekbones and chin;
8. medicinal – for the prevention of acne, smoothing tissue in the areas of comedones, combating signs of neuralgia and remnants of stagnant spots.

The type of procedure that is most beneficial for you will be determined by a cosmetologist. We hope that our advice will help women choose the best way to fight for an attractive appearance.

Facial massage is an important part of beauty care, which cannot be replaced by external products. Store-bought creams are unable to penetrate deeper than the surface layer of the skin. Their function is limited to moisturizing and creating a protective film. Massage improves metabolism and blood circulation, accelerates the movement of lymph. The procedure affects gas exchange, increasing oxygen consumption by tissues. This method can not only remove swelling, but also improve color, give the skin elasticity and firmness. Cosmetic massage prevents skin aging, fights the appearance of wrinkles and creases, pigmentation and acne. With its help, you can prevent not only the beginning signs of aging, but also the appearance of defects such as a double chin.

Facial massage is passive exercise for muscles. This is the safest and most enjoyable form of anti-aging, which gives positive emotions, a state of peace, freshness and lightness. With its help, you can bring muscles into balance: strengthen weakened ones and relax tight ones. As a result, the oval of the face becomes tightened, folds and swelling go away.

You can perform self-massage or contact professional massage therapists. The results of procedures performed in a salon or medical center will be more noticeable.

There are many massage techniques. Methods, in the process of practice and new discoveries, are constantly developing and improving. Every decade new, more effective techniques appear.

The most famous types of facial massage:

1. 1. Classical. It consists of alternating different techniques: stroking, rubbing, kneading and vibration. The facial technique is very gentle. It is the best choice for improving trophic processes in the skin and cleansing the skin of dead epidermal cells.
2. 2. Plastic. It is also called sculptural massage, as it allows you to give the face new contours and remove the double chin. His movements are intense, pressing. Recommended for all ages.
3. 3. Japanese shiatsu. Acupressure, which is best done independently. It is done with the fingertips, influencing specific biological points on the face. Impact on the point once, less often three times, for 5–7 seconds. This procedure is considered an energy practice; it effectively relieves muscle hypertonicity and improves blood circulation.
4. 4. Hardware. This is a salon procedure performed by a cosmetologist. Includes lymphatic drainage, muscle stimulation and massage. The procedure quickly removes swelling, the face looks younger, and its color acquires a healthy pinkish tint.
5. 5. Pinch according to Jacquet. This technique is not intended to combat aging; it is performed only by a specialist in cases of dysfunction of the sebaceous glands. It is considered the best choice for the treatment of acne and post-acne.

Points of influence in the shiatsu technique

Human skin is riddled with tactile receptors. Mechanical irritation of tissues during massage provokes stimulation of receptors that carry signals to the nerve centers. Upon reaching the brain, these impulses are synthesized into a complex reaction, causing changes in the functioning of the body.

Japanese shiatsu massage has the greatest potential for irritating receptors, since it affects biologically active points.

Massaging the face and neck can be done at any age, usually no earlier than 25 years of age. From the age of 30, it is advisable to include it in the list of mandatory facial care procedures.

Of course, massage is not a panacea against age-related changes in the face and neck, but it is undoubtedly an important component of an integrated approach to maintaining youth. Like any technique, it has its pros and cons.

You can see for yourself the benefits of this rejuvenating method after just a few procedures. The effect will be especially noticeable on older faces.

The benefits of facial massage are as follows::

1. improves complexion due to improved blood flow;
2. metabolism is activated;
3. relieves stress;
4. muscle hypertonicity decreases;
5. the skin takes on a healthy and well-groomed appearance;
6. wrinkles and sagging are reduced;
7. the oval of the face improves;
8. acne and age-related pigmentation disappear;
9. swelling goes away.

A positive side effect after a facial massage is an improvement in overall well-being, relief from headaches in the forehead, temples and eyes.

The only disadvantage of massage is that inept actions can cause harm to the skin. If the massage therapist is not professional, then excessive pressure is possible. This is fraught with the appearance of vascular networks or bruises.

The claim that massaging can stretch the skin has no basis. The effect of facial sagging in older women is often observed after several sessions of professional massage. This is explained by the fact that the muscles that were in hypertonicity returned to normal and this caused a temporary imbalance in the skin tissue. Over time, their skin returns to normal.

Massage has its contraindications - oncology, some heart and vascular diseases and other serious health problems. ARVI, high temperature, any disease in the acute stage is a reason to postpone the session.

Do not massage the skin after a recent chemical peeling or micro-resurfacing procedure.

It is forbidden to massage the skin when there are rashes and any damage on it. This way they will be injured, and the condition of the skin will only worsen. It is worth finding a gentle method for those with fragile blood vessels and rosacea.

Those who undergo Botox and hyaluronic acid injections are advised to undergo a massage course in advance. It activates blood circulation, and if sessions are carried out immediately after the procedures, the drug will quickly be removed from the skin.

Massage does not have a cumulative effect. If you perform the techniques from time to time, the result will be observed for several days. With regular sessions, if they are cancelled, then after a few months the skin tone will return to its original level. Therefore, if a woman is over 40 years old, it is worth doing light self-massage often, for example, every day while applying skincare products.

Beauty salons practice courses of 10–15 procedures, which are recommended to be repeated 2 times a year. The course consists of two sessions per week, preferably conducted at the same time.

The duration of the procedure depends on the technique. Pinch massage and Japanese shiatsu last about 10–15 minutes, classic types with massage of the face, neck and décolleté take from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

After completing the salon course, care continues at home.

Among the numerous facial care procedures offered by beauty salons, massage occupies a worthy place. This is a safe, comfortable and affordable way to maintain attractiveness and youth. The benefits and harms of facial massage have been well studied by experts. Cosmetologists recommend that women over 27 years old regularly visit a qualified massage therapist to avoid premature skin aging. In this case, you should be careful about the contraindications of the procedure.

Benefits of facial massage

The main purpose of facial massage is to maintain constant tone of the skin. Relaxing manipulations promote tissue relaxation. But proper action on the skin also stimulates lymphatic drainage and blood microcirculation, which allows:

1. avoid the appearance of edema;
2. saturate the dermis with oxygen;
3. improve tissue nutrition;
4. return a healthy color to your face;
5. tighten the skin, restoring its lost elasticity;
6. eliminate minor age-related changes;
7. prevent the appearance of acne.

Massage reduces facial muscle tension, helps eliminate dead cells and remove toxins even from the deep layers of the dermis. Thanks to the activation of blood circulation and metabolism, the skin better absorbs the cosmetics used during the procedure.

Is manual facial massage beneficial?

Manual massage is based on a combination of mechanical and reflex effects on the skin. Irritations caused by massaging are transmitted to the brain through nerve endings. The brain's response reflexively changes the tissues of the dermis, restoring its damaged structure and functionality. In addition to mechanical effects, essential oils and other drugs that enhance the expected result are often used.

The hands of an experienced massage therapist feel the condition of the patient’s skin and muscles. His manipulations can even help with certain skin diseases (seborrhea, acne).

1. Classic cosmetic facial massage carried out with cream or massage oil to tone the skin muscles. Description of classic facial massage here.
2. Plastic and therapeutic vibration-plastic facial massage involves a deeper impact, often carried out using talcum powder. It is usually used for aging skin or dermis prone to swelling.
3. Jacquet pinch massage affects problem areas of the face:

1. dark spots;
2. pronounced scars;
3. deep wrinkles;
4. manifestations of seborrhea.

Pinch and plastic types of massage are more effective in beauty salons. Independent use of their individual elements is possible in combination with classical influence.

The benefits of facial massage after 40 years

Experts consider facial massage for women over 40 years of age to be an important component of comprehensive skin care. At this age, it is necessary to achieve maximum results in the fight to prevent skin aging.

Regular facial massage courses:

1. increases blood circulation,
2. accelerates the “delivery” of nutrients to cells,
3. activates collagen production.

It is recommended to combine the procedure with the use of essential oils rich in trace elements and minerals. They promote maximum skin hydration. Cosmetologists consider several types of massage to be the most effective after 40 years:

1. using a vibrating massager, which facial massager is better, read more here;
2. using a vacuum massager;
3. rubbing;
4. facial massage with honey;
5. cold stones;
6. using electrical stimulation.

Almond oil in combination with a few drops of rosemary oil has worked well as an aid. This “cocktail” best activates the metabolic processes occurring in the skin.

The effectiveness of the procedure after 50 years

Experts call the skin of a woman who has crossed the 50-year mark fading. At this age, she needs to be looked after with special attention. In this case, facial massage is simply necessary - it will delay the loss of elasticity of the dermis. One of the most effective treatments for aging skin is Japanese lymphatic drainage facial massage. Its benefits are explained by the targeted effect on the deep tissues of the epidermis, which allows:

1. carry out lymph drainage;
2. remove toxins;
3. tone and strengthen muscles;
4. outline the oval of the face more clearly;
5. reduce the number and depth of wrinkles;
6. improve complexion.

Skin aging will recede if the massage is carried out using high-quality cosmetics.

The benefits of a procedure with a cosmetologist

A salon massage will bring the greatest benefit to your facial skin. Its advantage is due not only to the well-honed technique of a competent specialist and his useful recommendations for facial care. Facial massage by a cosmetologist can be combined with another procedure required by the patient. In addition, there is an opportunity to evaluate the quality of professional cosmetics.

A course of several massage sessions:

1. will give the necessary muscle tone;
2. strengthens the oval of the face;
3. will make the skin more elastic.

The main thing is to find “your own”, the most suitable massage technique, among the variety of techniques presented in the salon.

Main indications and contraindications

For young people under 25 years of age with good skin tone, the procedure is indicated for acne. At a more mature age, indications for massage may include:

1. loose skin;
2. age and expression wrinkles;
3. fuzzy oval face;
4. shaved;
5. poor complexion;
6. double chin;
7. muscle spasms;
8. swelling;
9. skin that has lost its elasticity.

Facial massage is indicated after subcutaneous injection of correctors with gel. The effects of many of them become more effective after massaging the skin. It is not recommended to carry out the procedure if you have:

1. various types of skin inflammation (pimples, ulcers);
2. open injuries and wounds;
3. warts and large moles;
4. various rashes of an allergic and infectious nature (herpes, eczema);
5. excessive fragility of small blood vessels;
6. neoplasms;
7. acute pinching of the facial nerve;
8. severe hypertension or hypotension;
9. acute inflammation of the sinuses;
10. problems with blood clotting;
11. hypertrichosis (increased facial hair growth).

You cannot massage your face after chemical peeling and micro-resurfacing of the skin.

Can it be done for pregnant women?

During the period of bearing a child, the hormonal background of the expectant mother undergoes a change. At this time, even healthy skin can become capricious, becoming excessively dry, sensitive or swollen. In the absence of contraindications, pregnant women can receive relaxing massages, including facial massages.

The effect should be weak, more cosmetic than therapeutic. Although skillful moderate manipulations of a massage therapist perfectly relieve fatigue, swelling and even soothe headaches. Moreover, massage allows the expectant mother to relax and put her thoughts in order, recharging herself with positive emotions.

Possibility of daily procedures

The frequency of massage is influenced by the type of procedure chosen. The recommendations of experts on this issue are very different:

1. Some advise doing 10 to 15 intensive massage sessions twice a year, and maintenance procedures twice a month.
2. Others are of the opinion that intensive exposure should consist of 12 course sessions.
3. And still others are sure: a working woman should make it a rule to visit a massage therapist at least once a week - this is required by the current rhythm of life.

These recommendations apply to salon procedures and vary depending on the characteristics of the patient’s body. Therefore, before performing a massage, it does not hurt to consult not only with a cosmetologist, but also with your doctor.

Self-massage of the face using the technique of Alexandra Soveral is effective when carried out for 10 minutes three times a week. Some people do a “lightweight” home facial massage before bed every day. Lymphatic drainage facial massage according to Yukuko Tanaka should also be performed every day, devoting about three minutes to the procedure.

Opinion about the benefits and harms of the popular Zogan lymphatic drainage massage in this video:

Massage, of course, is not a panacea. But, having felt the effect of it, many patients come to beauty salons specifically for this procedure. According to women's reviews, they not only notice a slowdown in the aging process of the skin and acquire a more well-groomed appearance, but also get sick less.

You can find more information on this topic in the section Facial massage.