What are the benefits of facial massage?

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.

In pursuit of perfect skin, women often resort to painful, expensive and unsafe procedures. Facial massage is a modern and safe alternative to beauty injections, which helps get rid of wrinkles, remove signs of fatigue and improve overall well-being.

Why the aging process of facial skin is inevitable

On the face we most often see the first signs of old age. However, external skin changes are only a consequence of problems such as:

1. Muscle spasms;
2. Poor circulation;
3. Age-related changes in bone structures;
4. Exposure to UV rays;
5. Incorrect posture;
6. Facial expressions and movements;
7. Having bad habits;
8. Inappropriate care for skin type.

With age, the outer layer of the dermis becomes thinner, the fat layer decreases, and swelling appears. As a result of poor lymphatic drainage, the eyebrows and forehead droop, forming folds on the eyelids, and the lines of the nasolabial triangle deepen. The facial contour becomes heavier and less pronounced.

What are the benefits of facial massage

Regularly performing a facial massage at home will help you forget about skin problems and signs of fatigue forever. Various techniques allow you to influence both the superficial and deep layers of the dermis, as well as the muscular frame, due to which you can achieve:

1. Reducing the number of wrinkles;
2. Narrowing pores and getting rid of blackheads;
3. Improved blood circulation;
4. Relieving tension;
5. Saturation of the skin with oxygen and nutrients;
6. Natural facelift.

Of course, all these changes will happen gradually. You will not immediately notice such a clear result as after visiting a cosmetologist. But you can relax and feel no pain at all.

General tips before starting the procedure

Any facial massage technique requires certain preparation:

1. First of all, it is necessary to remove decorative cosmetics from the skin, carry out deep cleaning and scrubbing. If you have a nose or eyebrow piercing, the jewelry should be removed.
2. For more pleasant gliding and saturation with nutrients, you can use creams, oils or facial lotions.
3. The fingers must be freed from the rings; the nail plates should not be too long and sharp, otherwise it will be easy to cause injury.
4. All movements are performed along strictly defined lines: from the wings of the nose to the ears, from the middle of the forehead to the temples, from the chin to the ears, counterclockwise around the eyelids.
5. You should not apply too deep or sharp pressure on the points of the lymph nodes; only light pressure is allowed.

Contraindications

1. Age up to 25 years, except when massage is necessary for medical reasons (swelling or nervous tension).
2. Fever, viral and colds.
3. Various skin rashes (herpes, acne, acne).
4. Any damage (wounds, scratches, burns).
5. Recent cosmetic procedures (skin cleansing, peelings).
6. A large number of moles on the face.
7. The presence of rosacea and fragile blood vessels.
8. Postoperative period.
9. Diseases of the cardiovascular system, tumor formations.

Duration of massage course and results

Facial massage is a procedure that requires a systematic approach. There will be no benefit from 3-4 sessions once a year, so to achieve a lasting effect you need at least 10-15 sessions.

It is recommended to undergo massage therapy 2-3 times a year. At the age of 25-30 years, half the sessions (6-7), which should be spread out over a couple of weeks, will be enough. But facial massage after 40 will require a full course.

On average, one procedure takes from 30 minutes to an hour. It all depends on the execution technique, which we will talk about below.

What type of massage to choose

If you are asking yourself this question, then it’s time to familiarize yourself with the most popular massage techniques today.

Classic massage

Simple and safe, suitable for doing at home. After applying the oil to the skin:

1. We massage the cheeks in a circular motion, rising from the wings of the nose to the outer surface quite smoothly.
2. Oil is rubbed over the lower eyelid from the outer to the inner corner (along the upper - in the opposite direction) to eliminate signs of aging.
3. Then, you should walk your fingertips along the lines of the forehead from the middle to the temples.
4. The contour of the lips is massaged using rubbing stroke-like movements.

Japanese massage

The Asahi Zogan massage technique combines the ancient secrets of rejuvenation used by geisha. Today they have become available thanks to cosmetologist Yukuko Tanaka. The trick is that the surface of the skin is leveled through constant repetition of sequential manipulations.

Japanese facial massage is performed strictly along the movement of lymphatic fluid. Beauty points are activated by stroking and pressing. Each facial area (eyelids, forehead, cheeks and nasolabial triangle) is treated separately

Only three fingers are involved in the manipulations - index, middle and ring. The procedure lasts no more than 10 minutes and includes 11 exercises.

Russian massage

Combines several techniques based on kneading, stroking, tapping and vibration.

1. The area around the eyes and forehead is massaged with the fingertips using circular movements.
2. The effect on the face is made with two hands with four fingers (except for the thumb).
3. Use the tips of your middle fingers to massage the area around your mouth.
4. The nose is massaged using the pads of the index and middle fingers in a circular motion.

Before the procedure, the face is usually steamed. Each movement is repeated 8-10 times.

Vacuum massage

A popular salon procedure, the result of which is achieved through the dosed effect of negative pressure. It is performed using a special massager, but sometimes there is a technique for performing vacuum facial massage with cups. Using these devices, air is drawn out from the skin being treated.

Therapy should be completed after 30 years of age. During the process, special oil is applied to the face. The nozzle of the device or jar is installed on the skin area and fixed for a few seconds, after which it is moved to another area using circular movements. Repeated 8-10 times on each zone (on eyelids up to 5). The minimum duration is 10-15 minutes with subsequent increase.

Lymphatic drainage massage

The pronounced cosmetic effect of the therapy allows you to look younger for decades. Over the course of several procedures, the movement of venous blood improves, which evens out skin color, reduces swelling and accelerates metabolic processes.

The technique of lymphatic drainage facial massage involves both manual and hardware effects. The main thing is to perform circular, stroking and tapping manipulations strictly along the lymph flow lines.

Massotherapy

Used to treat skin diseases. A special feature is deep pinch techniques that affect the subcutaneous fat. The technique has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the sebaceous glands, promotes renewal and healing of the skin.

In this case, Jacquet massage is used most often, but it can be used as an independent technique. The procedure is carried out using talcum powder using pinching movements with the thumb and forefinger from the center to the periphery of the face. Completes in approximately 10 minutes.

Selecting your own cosmetic oil for facial massage

Natural ingredients enhance the effect of massage procedures, so it is important to select a product according to your skin type:

1. Universal sunflower and olive oils are found in every kitchen; they are ideal for facial massage at home. They can be mixed or used pure.
2. Almond, grape, peach and other seed-based oils are good for oily dermis. They won't clog pores.
3. Thin and dry skin will feel better after a massage with avocado, cocoa, and coconut oil.
4. Essential oils with any aroma will help you relax, but you should add very little of them so that the smell does not turn out to be harsh.

Important! Before using the oil, you must ensure that you are not allergic to the component.

Try a facial massage course at home or in a salon and let us know your results in the comments.

The benefits and harms of facial massage are a pressing issue for many women over 35 years old. At this age, the procedure becomes practically necessary; it is very important to understand its properties and rules of implementation.

Why do you need a facial massage?

With age, the condition of facial skin begins to deteriorate. Swelling and wrinkles appear, the skin loses its healthy glow and becomes dull, large folds appear, and the contours of the face are deformed.

Facial massage is a useful procedure, the properties of which can help with all of the problems listed above. Of course, massage does not cancel the natural aging process. However, it significantly slows down age-related changes and makes them less bright and sharp.

1. improves lymph flow and blood circulation;
2. promotes adequate nutrition of tissues;
3. saturates the skin with oxygen and has a tightening effect;
4. smoothes wrinkles and folds;
5. increases skin firmness and elasticity.

Types of facial massage

There are a lot of massage techniques; they differ in duration, properties, specific methods of performing the procedure and final goals. Several main types can be distinguished.

1. Classical. This useful procedure is aimed at generally improving metabolic processes in tissues and relaxing muscles. During a classic massage, stroking, kneading, rubbing and vibration alternate, and the face is touched gently.
2. Japanese lymphatic drainage massage. It is also called acupressure, because when performing it, the massage therapist uses certain biologically active points. The procedure is carried out mainly with the fingertips, without rubbing movements. The benefit of lymphatic drainage facial massage is that its properties help remove swelling and improve the movement of lymph.
3. Plastic or sculptural. The main difference from other types is the intensity of the impact - the useful procedure is carried out with fairly strong movements. The purpose of the procedure is not only to smooth out small wrinkles, but also to remove large folds, as well as to form the desired contours.
4. Pinch, or medicinal. The properties of the massage are intended to improve facial skin health and combat acne, pimples and acne scars. As the name implies, the procedure consists of pinching movements.
5. Vacuum. It is usually carried out in a salon setting, as it involves the use of special devices, for example, massage cups. The benefit of vacuum facial massage is that it allows you to get rid of puffiness and restore a healthy color to your face.

Benefits of facial massage

Therapeutic or cosmetic massage has a very positive effect on the condition of the face, especially when age-related problems have already appeared. Useful procedure:

1. improves metabolic processes and relieves excess tone of facial muscles;
2. eliminates wrinkles, swelling, deep folds and sagging;
3. helps to tighten the oval of the face and remove sagging;
4. restores normal blood circulation and lymph flow, and with them, healthy color and texture of the skin;
5. helps get rid of acne, pimples and age spots;
6. has an anti-stress calming effect.

The benefits of classic facial massage are not only cosmetic effects. It improves overall well-being, helps get rid of migraines and even has a beneficial effect on brain activity.

Benefits of facial massage after 40 years

If, upon reaching 35 years of age, women are advised to think about massage procedures, then in the future massage becomes simply necessary. It helps to delay skin aging as much as possible. The benefits of facial massage after 40 years are that the procedure stimulates collagen production and increases blood circulation, helping skin cells receive all the necessary nutrients. The skin remains elastic; with regular massage, women much later experience sagging cheeks or the appearance of a double chin.

The effectiveness of facial massage after 50 years

Upon reaching 50 years of age, women are faced with the fact that their skin inevitably begins to fade. It is impossible to completely stop this process, but you can smooth out its manifestations - a useful massage helps with this. It accelerates blood flow and promotes lymph drainage, triggers cell renewal, tones facial muscles and fights wrinkles.

After 50 years, the properties of acupressure lymphatic drainage massage will be especially beneficial. This Japanese practice gives the most profound and powerful effect.

How to prepare your face for a massage

When performing a cosmetic procedure at home, it is necessary to prepare for it, otherwise the properties may cause harm rather than benefit.

1. The face needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Don’t just wash off your makeup, but also treat your skin with lotions and tonics to remove all dirt and excess oil.
2. It is recommended to steam the skin a little - sit for a quarter of an hour, bending over a container of hot water, from which steam rises.
3. A gentle scrub can be applied to a washed and steamed face to remove remaining impurities and dead skin particles.
4. It is not recommended to wipe your face after removing the scrub so as not to harm the skin. It needs to be blotted gently with a soft towel.

Then you can proceed directly to the procedure. Hands should also be thoroughly washed and treated with oil or useful cream for good glide.

Rules for facial massage

When performing a home procedure, you need to follow several recommendations, then the benefits of self-massage of the face will be unconditional, and no harm will happen.

1. Since the skin on the face is very sensitive, even with an intense massage, movements should be light and soft. The procedure should not cause unpleasant or painful sensations - this will definitely cause harm.
2. Movements should not be chaotic, but directed strictly along the lines of lymph movement, and the hands should always move from the middle of the face to the temples and earlobes.
3. The independent procedure should be carried out in front of a mirror - this will make it possible to control your own movements and notice all mistakes in time.

It is best to carry out the procedure in the evening, shortly before bed, when you no longer need to rush anywhere and can fully concentrate on self-care.

Facial massage techniques

Most popular techniques consist of alternating the same techniques.

1. Stroking. The movements are performed with the pads of the fingers with very gentle pressure, the hands move from the center of the face to the cheekbones and temples, in fact, this stage prepares the face for more intense exposure.
2. Trituration. This stage is also carried out with the pads of the fingers, but the movements become more energetic and stronger, after rubbing the skin should turn pink, and blood circulation should noticeably accelerate.
3. Vibration. It is necessary to place the entire palm or fingertips on a specific area of ​​the face and perform oscillatory movements from side to side.
4. Kneading. A small fold of skin should be grabbed with your fingers and slightly squeezed, then released and repeated on another area of ​​skin. You cannot squeeze the skin too hard - the movement should be careful and soft, not causing pain or discomfort, otherwise it will only cause harm.

Any massage uses one of the above techniques or uses them in turn.

Technique for facial massage at home

As a rule, classical massage is recommended for home use; it is the simplest, and its properties bring a good effect. The description of a facial massage looks simple; the procedure combines all the basic massage techniques.

Before performing a useful procedure, it is necessary to prepare - wash and steam your face, wash and lubricate your hands with the chosen massage product. After this, you need to consistently work out the main problem areas. The time allotted for each of them is determined individually, but in general the massage should take about a quarter of an hour.

Elimination of nasolabial folds

The index fingers of both hands need to be placed on the wings of the nose, and then with a smooth movement and light pressure, draw a line with them to the corners of the mouth along the contour of the nasolabial fold. The movement is repeated several times.

Smoothing out crow's feet

The fingers rest against the temples, and then a series of light taps are made with the pads of the ring fingers along the lines of the lower and upper eyelids.

Facelift

Place your palms out to the front of your neck and slowly move your hands towards your forehead. When you move your palms, the skin should be slightly pulled upward. This movement is the main benefit of facial sculpting massage, since it eliminates the double chin.

Smoothing wrinkles on the forehead

The index fingers are placed just above the bridge of the nose, in the middle of the forehead, and then moved along the line of the eyebrows to the temples, while making light circular movements.

Raising the corners of the lips

Place your index fingers on the corners of your mouth and slowly move your fingers upward along the contour of the nasolabial folds in a circular motion.

Deep massage

To deeply work the face and significantly increase blood circulation, it is necessary to perform a pinching massage along the lines of lymph movement. In the process, the facial muscles are toned, and with regular procedure, beautiful contours are modeled.

The final stage of facial massage

After performing all the basic movements, you need to walk over the entire front surface with light tapping movements. After this, the remnants of the massage product are removed using wet wipes and a nourishing mask is applied to the skin. After a quarter of an hour, wash it off and gently pat your face with a towel.

What products to use for facial massage

The benefits of manual facial massage will be even greater if you carry out the procedure using oils or massage creams. They not only guarantee good gliding of the fingers, but also additionally nourish the face.

Which product to choose depends on your skin type and underlying problems. For example:

1. oils and creams based on olive or with the addition of peach and apricot extracts are good for dry skin prone to wrinkles;
2. for oily skin, you can use products with sesame or citrus fruit extracts - they regulate the production of subcutaneous sebum;
3. Grape and almond oils, jojoba oil and creams based on them have a rejuvenating effect;
4. Cinnamon and ginger, clove and juniper oils are good for swelling.

You can buy a useful product for the procedure at a cosmetic store or prepare it yourself at home. In both cases, you need to take into account the characteristics of your own skin and the characteristic properties of certain oils and creams, so as not to harm yourself with the wrong choice.

How often should you massage your face?

In order for the beneficial properties of massage to bring noticeable and stable results, it must be done in courses of 10-15 sessions for about a month, at least twice a year. Since the skin on the face is very sensitive, sessions should not be carried out daily, but at intervals of 2-3 days.

Mistakes when performing facial massage at home

Before performing a useful procedure for the first time, you should familiarize yourself not only with its rules, but also with common mistakes.

1. Rubbing the skin too intensely. A good massage is determined not by the strength of the impact, but by the duration and correct direction of the impact.
2. Chaotic movements. There are massage lines, or lymph flow lines, on the face - you need to smooth and knead the skin along them, and not randomly in all directions.
3. Irregular implementation. The properties of the procedure appear only with a responsible approach - 23 sessions will not give immediate results.

Facial massage in the salon

The benefit of a facial massage in a beauty salon is that the service will definitely be of high quality. In addition, this is an opportunity to observe a specialist at work in order to understand important nuances. Among the advantages of the salon procedure, one can also note:

1. the specialist’s strict adherence to all massage rules;
2. use of professional oils and creams by the massage therapist;
3. the opportunity to undergo a procedure with the preliminary use of gentle peeling, use the services of mesotherapy or hardware thermolifting, and experience the benefits of cupping facial massage.

You need to choose a salon very carefully, paying great attention to its reputation and customer reviews.

Facial massage results: before and after photos

In photographs that allow you to compare the condition of the face before the massage and after several procedures, the difference is clearly visible. The photos demonstrate that the beneficial properties of the procedure remove fine wrinkles and significantly smooth out large folds, making the face younger and improving its shape.

Harm of facial massage

Sometimes the properties of massage can cause severe harm. For example, some women note the appearance of hematomas and vascular networks on the skin. This indicates that the vessels are located too close to the surface - intense massage is basically contraindicated here.

The harm from too frequent massage can be expressed in the fact that its beneficial properties will have the opposite effect, the skin will sag, become flabby, and even more wrinkles will appear. This will happen due to excessive stretching of the epidermis and facial muscles, which is why you need to take breaks between massage sessions.

Contraindications for facial massage

In most cases, the procedure brings only benefit and not harm. But there are also several contraindications. These include:

1. skin damage - open wounds, abrasions and burns;
2. skin inflammations - pimples and ulcers;
3. abundant large moles and warts;
4. infectious and allergic rashes;
5. fragile vessels located too close to the surface of the skin;
6. severe problems with blood pressure;
7. pinched facial nerve;
8. neoplasms in the body;
9. increased facial hair growth.

In addition, the procedure cannot be carried out if you are overly tanned, after chemical peeling of the face and micro-resurfacing of the skin. It is not recommended to perform massage at elevated temperatures, in which case its properties will only cause harm.

Is it possible to give facial massage to pregnant women?

An intensive procedure can have a negative impact on the condition of the expectant mother. For example, harm can result in excessive acceleration of blood circulation and increased blood pressure. But there will be benefits from a cosmetic facial massage - it will relax the muscles and improve skin tone, relieve headaches and swelling.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of facial massage depend on how competently it is carried out. If you avoid gross mistakes, the procedure will help significantly improve the condition of aging skin.

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