Facial Massage in Park City, Utah
Facial massage helps promote healthy skin while relaxing your facial muscles. It has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect, helping you look and feel better.
Whether you want to use facial massage purely for relaxation or to treat a specific condition, there are plenty of techniques to try.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of facial massage, how you can do it on your own, and when it’s best to visit a professional.
Different types of facial massage
There are several different facial massage types and techniques that you can do on your own or have done by a professional.
Types of facial massage include:
reflexology
shiatsu
Swedish
remedial
acupressure
Facial massage techniques include:
digital or knuckle kneading
folding
effleurage
vibrations
tapping
Jacquet pinching
Benefits of facial massage
Read on to learn what some of the research and anecdotal evidence has to say about the benefits of facial massage.
Anti-aging and wrinkles
One of the main benefits of facial massage is its ability to improve the overall appearance of skin.
A small 2017 studyTrusted Source examined the effectiveness of facial massage that included a stimulating massage device. Participants used an anti-aging device and cream on their face and neck for 8 weeks. The effects of the cream were enhanced when used with the facial massage. Improvements were seen in wrinkles, sagging skin, and overall texture.
Sinus pressure
As long as it’s not an infectious case or during an acute stage of sinusitis, you can use massage to relieve sinus pressure, discomfort, and congestion.
Sinus massage may also help promote the drainage of mucus, alleviate headaches, and boost circulation. More in-depth scientific studies are needed to confirm and expand on the effects of sinus pressure massage.
Glowing skin
Facial massage may be just the ticket if you want bright, glowing skin. Research from 2002 found that 59 percent of women who had a facial massage reported a feeling of freshness and rejuvenation.
About 54 percent reported supple skin, while 50 percent experienced skin tightening. Plenty of anecdotal evidence suggests that stimulating your facial muscles can help tighten skin, relieve tight muscles, and boost circulation.
Increased blood flow
Using a facial massage roller has a positive effect on skin blood flow, which may help improve the appearance of skin.
According to a small 2018 study, people who had a 5-minute facial with a massage roller had increased blood flow to the area for at least 10 minutes after the massage. After 5 weeks of massage, blood flow response to heat was significantly improved.
Manage scar tissue
If you have a facial scar that’s in the healing process, massage can be greatly beneficial. Massaging the scar tissue and surrounding areas may help increase blood flow, loosen up nearby tissues, and flatten bumps.
Facial massage may also help relieve symptoms such as pain, itchiness, and tenderness. Researchers in 2014 found that massage therapy was effective in reducing pain and itchy skin while improving the appearance of raised scars from burns.
Self Facial Massage
You can give yourself a facial massage in the comfort of your home. Before beginning, clean your face and hands. Use a small amount of serum, oil, or cleansing balm so your fingers glide and roll over your skin easily. You can also use the surface of your palm.
Whether you have 5 minutes or an entire hour, you can put together your favorite elements to create an individualized facial massage routine. Repeat each stroke five times or focus on a specific area for 20 to 30 seconds. Use gentle but firm pressure.
There are several techniques you can use. Below are a few you can use to create your routine:
Use a circular motion to rub your fingers into your temples.
Use your palms and fingertips to massage the sides of your face, starting at your chin and moving up toward your forehead. Then slide your hands back down.
Press and glide your ring fingers into your brow bone. Move from the inner to the outer corner. Then do the same movement underneath your eyes.
Using your thumb and first finger, start at the outer corners of your eyebrows. Gently pinch your eyebrows as you move to the inner corner.
Press your fingers into the center of your brows. Glide them up toward your hairline. Then move your fingers toward your temples.
Press down firmly on the space between your eyebrows for a few seconds. Then continue pressing as you make clockwise and counterclockwise movements.
Use your index and middle fingers to press under your cheekbones. Start at the center of your face and move toward your temples.
For a stronger effect, use your knuckles to press into your face. Start at your nose and move them across your cheeks to your ears.
Use your thumb and first two fingers to pinch the center of your chin. Pinch the skin as you move toward your ears.
Press into your jaw as you move your fingers from the outside of your jaw toward your chin.
Use a circular motion to massage the area under your earlobes.
Use the outside of your pinky fingers to press into your neck, starting at the top and moving downward.
Use your ring finger to firmly press into the inner brow, gliding toward your outer brow.
Use your fingertips to gently tap over all the areas of your face. Then gently pinch the fleshy areas of skin.
Apply acupressure to facial pressure points or sinus pressure points.
When to see a pro
See a doctor or massage therapist for a facial massage or if you’d like to address specific medical concerns, including acne, TMJ, or scar reduction.
A professional will have the skill and expertise to tailor the facial massage to your specific needs. They can also recommend any additional treatments.
Self Care & Healing
Facial massages are a wonderful way to give yourself some healing and rejuvenating TLC while treating specific concerns. Enjoy the process of discovery as you learn to do facial massage on your own or have regular professional treatments.
Follow up a facial massage with any products that help improve your skin’s condition. For beautiful, glowing skin, stay healthy by giving yourself plenty of time to rest and relax, following a healthy diet, and being active.
Facials at KMSKIN Studio in Park City, Utah always include some type of massage as a precursor to the facial. Kris is a licensed Massage Therapist in California and has been trained in different massage techniques for the face. To find out more, book an appointment now for October 2022.
