Facial massages have been a trusted ritual in the skincare and aesthetics industry for many years. In fact, if you’ve ever had a professional facial, you’d know that it’s an essential step, but have you ever wondered why? Well, beyond how great it feels, there’s a proven science behind each movement designed to enhance the skin’s health, radiance and resilience.
In this blog, we will dive into the main benefits of a facial massage, exploring how the techniques improve circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage and soothe facial muscles.
What is a Facial Massage?
A facial massage is a skincare technique that involves gently manipulating the facial muscles and tissues using various strokes, pressure points, and movements. It enhances skin health, boosts circulation, promotes relaxation, and provides benefits like improved muscle tone, reduced signs of ageing, and a radiant complexion.
Found in many cultures, facial massages are an age-old practice incorporated into beauty routines worldwide, with each culture bringing its own unique technique.
In China, gua shas are a commonly used polished stone that massages the face with smooth, sweeping movements. The process is considered a healing ritual that encourages good energy to flow through your body and has been implemented for over 2000 years. In India, Ayurvedic traditions use upward strokes with oils tailored to individual skin types to encourage balance and rejuvenation.
So, for facial massages to be found in many cultures and for so many years, it must be doing something right.
A professional facial massage goes beyond just pressing and rubbing the skin; it involves targeted manipulation of facial muscles and tissue to encourage optimal function and appearance.
6 Face Massage Benefits
1. Tones Facial Muscles
As we age, our facial muscles weaken in mass and tone, contributing to sagging skin and a loss of facial definition. Facial massages are a great way to tone these facial muscles, as repeated movements stimulate the muscle fibres so they can remain tight and supple.
The regular stimulation that a facial massage provides encourages the facial muscles to become stronger and naturally gives the face a more sculpted appearance.
Toning and lifting facial muscles is especially valuable for areas like the jawline, cheeks and forehead, where the skin tends to sag and lose elasticity first.
A professional therapist will target these areas with lifting movements to create a natural facelift effect that lasts over time.
2. Boosts Circulation
Improved blood circulation in the face is an immediate benefit of facial massages. A facial massage encourages better blood flow to the skin’s surface by using various strokes and tapping motions.
Increased circulation will nourish the skin with essential nutrients and oxygen, promoting a radiant and healthy glow. Maintaining a good blood flow also supports cell renewal, which helps encourage the skin to recover from daily wear and tear.
Many treatments on the market promote blood flow due to the immense benefits such as microdermabrasion, microcurrent facials, and even microneedling. However, a facial massage can be just as effective if done correctly and frequently, without the need for invasive treatments.
3. Anti-Ageing
Facial massages are widely recognised for their anti-ageing benefits, which diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. Regularly massaging the face encourages collagen production, the key protein that keeps the skin firm and smooth and helps to maintain skin elasticity.
Wrinkles form when our facial muscles are tensed or contract frequently, especially around our eyes, forehead and mouth. As mentioned, the pressure of the massage relaxes the underlying facial muscles and nerves, which is vital to stop wrinkles from forming.
With consistent massages, the skin becomes more resilient, and increased blood flow gives it a brighter, more youthful look. This is why many beauty and aesthetic experts encourage the practice of facial massage to help slow down the signs of ageing.
4. Defines Facial Features
Facial massages offer a non-invasive solution for those looking to sculpt and define their facial features. A professional facial massage routine uses techniques such as kneading, lifting and tapping to encourage muscle tension release, leading to a more defined look. The repetitive, targeted movements lift and contour areas like the cheekbones, jawline and brows.
A facial massage can be viewed as a way to reset the facial muscles. By targeting specific muscle groups, facial massages help contour the face, creating a more sculpted and defined look. For example, regularly performing a sculpting massage on the jawline and neck creates a more pronounced jaw and reduces the appearance of jowls over time.
5. Reduce Stress
Now, anyone who has ever experienced a professional facial massage will testify to how amazing they feel. Just as the body muscles hold on to tension, face muscles hold on to a surprising amount of stress. The trained hands of a skilled therapist hit all tension spots to provide deep relaxation. The soothing rhythmic movements release built-up tension around the temples, brow, and jaws.
Beyond providing physical relaxation, facial massages also trigger the release of endorphins, which are our bodies’ feel-good hormones. This means not only does the facial massage feel good but also puts you in a good mood. Many clients find that after their facial massage, they feel more at ease and have a clearer mindset.
6. Relieves Tension from Headaches and Sinuses
So facial massages are great for anti-ageing, relaxation and lymphatic drainage, but did you know they are an excellent holistic treatment for headaches and congestion? Targeted massage techniques help those who suffer from tension headaches and sinus congestion by releasing tension from the temples, forehead and around the nose.
Massaging these areas gently increases the blood flow and relaxes facial muscles, alleviating the intensity of tension headaches to bring relief.
Additionally, facial massages encourage lymphatic drainage, which is beneficial for sinus congestion. By massaging around the nose and cheekbones, drains fluid build-up in the sinuses. This natural approach leaves clients feeling refreshed and relieved without relying on medication.
Popular At-Home Facial Massage Devices
As more clients acknowledge the benefits of facial massages, at-home devices are taking the beauty world by storm!
These devices offer professional-level results from the comfort of your home, combining cutting-edge technology with techniques to boost circulation and sculpt facial features.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular devices currently:
1. NuFace
The NuFace is a microcurrent device that tones facial muscles and improves skin elasticity. Think of a gym workout for your face, offering lifting and contouring effects over time.
Microcurrents stimulate the deeper layers of the skin and muscles, mimicking the natural electrical signals your body produces to enhance firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Our educational director and founder of Dermacure Clinic, Eleonora Androva, recently made a video on her experience using the NuFace device. Check it out for tips on how to use it and to see if it’s worth it for you!
2. Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
Straight from Korean Beauty, the Medicube Booster pro uses radiofrequency technology to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity and enhance product absorption. The device features various modes such as Booster Mode, Derma Shot Mode, Microcurrent Mide and Air Shot Mode to address various skin concerns.
If you are willing to splurge a little extra to treat yourself, this device is an excellent addition to your skincare routine, with most modes being suitable for daily use.
3. Foreo Bear
The Foreo Bear combines microcurrent technology with T-Sonic pulsations, offering a dual approach to facial toning and relaxation.
While the microcurrents firm and lift the skin, the pulsations help relax facial tension, reduce puffiness, and improve product absorption. It’s compact, making it perfect for travel or quick daily use.
4. Therabody TheraFace Pro
A versatile device, the TheraFace Pro offers multiple functions in one, including percussive massage, microcurrent, and LED light therapy.
It helps reduce facial tension, improve muscle tone, and target specific skin concerns such as acne or dullness. Its percussive therapy is unique, helping to deeply relax muscles and release tension from jaw clenching or stress.
Transform Your Skincare Routine with Facial Massages
As outlined throughout this blog, facial massages are so much more than a luxurious add-on to a skincare treatment. It’s a holistic practice that delivers many skin and wellness benefits and has been around for centuries.
From tightening and defining facial muscles to boosting circulation, reducing signs of ageing, and relieving stress and headaches, there are many benefits to a professional facial massage.
Whether done professionally or as part of a home routine, facial massages can be an essential addition to anyone’s skincare and self-care regimen, providing long-lasting beauty benefits.
