Facial Massage may be crucial to increase the efficacy of skin care products, because it primarily helps with the absorption. It has physical effects, mental effects, and promotes relaxation. Look at it this way – we exercise our bodies, so why not our faces?
In order to preserve skin’s softness, be sure that you have first exfoliated your hands and that they are properly moisturized. Long fingernails and rough palms may scratch the skin’s surface.
Facial Massage Benefits
A massage during a facial can be beneficial for several reasons and there are various techniques of massage that will be appropriate to each individual’s preferences.
Always remember that a facial massage should never be given for too long or with too much intensity. Light pressure on both the nerve area and motor areas will cause the muscles to contract while relaxing the client. Most people appreciate the benefits of having their skin look and feel rejuvenated.
Not only does facial massage activate “lifeless” skin, assist with product absorption, and help with muscle tone, massage of this region also stimulates the circulation of lymph and blood, cleanses the skin of impurities, emulsifies (loosens) sebum, exfoliates dead skin cells, and reduces swelling and sinus obstruction.
Facial massage is relaxing and healthy when performed correctly. Excessive pressure can break down and weaken the elastin fibers in the face, while not enough pressure will do nothing at all. The amount of pressure, direction of movements, and the duration period will all differ depending on the individual.
When Facial Massage Is Not Right For You
Skin conditions such as rosacea, sunburn, contagious diseases, inflamed acne, and sensitive skin are all contraindications of facial massage. Other contraindications are skin disorders, open lesions, or other types of severe redness. If redness-prone, acneic, or sensitive skin is an issue, avoid using strong or vigorous massage movements.
Temperature is also a concern. Too much heat is uncomfortable, as is a cold environment. Always make sure that your hands are clean and a moderate temperature, especially when touching another person’s face. Have you ever had your face touched by someone’s stinky/icy hand? It’s not fun.
Those with certain health problems may be at risk because any type of massage will increase blood circulation and could potentially be harmful. For example, if a person is sick, a massage might be too intense and make that person feel even worse. If that person has a cough or anything else that is contagious, it is advised simply not to work on him or her.
Although it has traditionally been contraindicated, it is now appropriate for many people with hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions to have a facial massage with no apprehension, especially if their condition is being treated by a physician. For anyone with uncontrolled, severe hypertension, facial massage is always contraindicated.
Types of Facial Massage Movements
Different massage methods are used on different parts of the face and different types of massage often begin in different areas, such as on the chin or forehead. Each movement is usually repeated three to six times before going on to the next.
There are five classic Swedish massage techniques used: effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, and tapotement.
Effleurage:
A gentle, constant caressing movement applied by the hands slowly and steadily. These gliding movements are both comforting and calming. The fingers are used for the smaller areas, such as the forehead, temples, jawline, nose, or chin, while the palms are used for larger areas, such as the cheeks or cheekbones. Effleurage often begins and ends most massage treatments.
Petrissage:
A rubbing movement that stimulates the underlying layers of the skin. The top layer of skin and dermis are held between the forefinger and the thumb. The skin tissues are then raised and squeezed, pinched, or rolled with a gentle yet firm amount of pressure. This type of massage is performed on the more fleshy areas of the face. Each movement should be rhythmic while the pressure should be light yet firm. Petrissage can activate sluggish skin and promote better circulation while stimulating sebum production.
Friction:
A rubbing movement in which the pressure is maintained throughout the skin’s surface while the hands avoid the underlying structures. Friction stimulates both the glandular activity and the circulation of the skin. While deeper, circular friction movements are often used on the arms, hands, or scalp, the gentler, circular friction movements are more commonly used on the neck and face.
Vibration:
A quick shaking movement in which the masseuse not only uses his or her fingertips, but also his or her shoulders and body to generate each movement. The ball of each fingertip is pressed securely onto the area of application. This massage technique uses very stimulating movements that should not be used for more than several seconds at once. Remember the “less” rule: fewer repetitions, less time, and less pressure.
Tapotement:
A series of quick and light patting or tapping movements in which the fingertips impact the skin’s surface in a fast succession. Playing the keys on a piano is a close approximation to this movement. This is the most stimulating type of massage and should be utilized delicately. It also helps to tone sluggish, lifeless skin.
The Dr. Jacquet Movement
Dr. Jacquet, a popular European dermatologist, introduced a massage technique that is particularly effective in treating oily and acne-prone skin types.
To execute this technique, hold a small piece of skin between the forefinger and the thumb while squeezing lightly. While doing this, knead or twist the skin gently. This will help the skin to void its oil ducts. This movement ensures that the sebum moves up and out of the follicles.
The following movements use Dr. Jacquet’s technique with variants of the original method.
- Begin with soft kneading or twisting movements on the chin
- Transition this movement onto the cheeks horizontally
- The skin on the forehead is likely not loose enough to pull upward much, so place the fingertips parallel to one another approximately ½ – 1 inch apart. Push these fingertips together so that the skin is gently pinched between them. Continue this movement on
The Whole Forehead Horizontally.
It is recommended to use caution when using the Dr. Jacquet Movement because the pressure could cause pain and intense kneading could stretch the skin. Try not to use this movement on the eye area much, but if this is necessary, use very minimal pressure. Never apply stimulating massage to couperose areas for the capillaries could become damaged. Never apply the Dr. Jacque Movement to infected or irritated areas of the skin. Excessive pressure can cause tissue damage and rupture the follicle walls.
Always be consistent with your movements. If you perform a step three times or five times on one side of your face, repeat the same number of movements on the other side. It’s best to be symmetrical.
Aromatherapy Massage
The use of essential oils applied to particular areas of the skin can work in unexpected ways. During a facial massage, these oils are often used to treat the skin in various ways and to encourage a mentally relaxed state.
Pressure Point Massage
Comparable to acupressure, each movement of this type of massage is repeated anywhere from three to six times on each of the designated points. On each of these points, pause for three to six seconds before migrating from either the top or the bottom of the face while using soft, inner-directed pressure on each point before lifting the tension and sliding to the following point. Correct training is recommended to perform this massage properly.
While the Pressure Point Massage is actually a type of acupressure, the method can be integrated into therapies without being considered to be a true acupressure treatment. The Pressure Point Massage is usually used to treat sinus problems.
Basics of a Facial Massage
Massage often begins on the forehead, chin, or decollete. The movements are usually repeated three to six times in each place. It is suggested to alternate your hands with an unbroken rhythm or to use both hands at once.
Remember that an even rhythm, or a consistent flow, encourages relaxation when giving a facial massage. The order of each movement is geared toward smoothness and fluidity from one movement to the next.
Many people are partial to a cleansing massage. This type of massage will continue the cleansing process, stimulate the skin tissues in order to increase the circulation of blood, and assist in removing dead cells on the surface. These types of massage movements are a bit more forceful than are those given during a gentler, calming massage.
Creams that penetrate the skin deeply should not be used in this cleansing process because they can carry makeup, dirt, or other kinds of residue deeper into the follicles. Other products that are used with massage are formulated to permeate deep into the skin and are spread over skin that is clean. These types of products range in variety from oils, creams, and lotions to serums.
Suitable massage techniques are dependent on the bone structure, muscles, and nerves. It is important to use proper techniques and necessary to understand the contraindications of different massage styles.
