Hey there, lovely ladies! Are you in your 40s and wondering how to keep your skin looking radiant and fresh? The answer may surprise you - a facial massage! It's not only a luxurious way to pamper yourself but also helps to fight signs of ageing, promote better circulation, and give your complexion a healthy, dewy glow. Who needs a fountain of youth when you have a good facial massage?

In this blog, we'll explore several benefits of facial massage to women's skin and health. Follow our step-by-step guide on performing facial massage correctly to help you get the most out of your facial massage routine.

What is a Facial Massage

Facial massage is a method that involves massaging your face with your fingertips, using gentle, circular motions. In the words of Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, it refers to rubbing and manipulation of the skin and muscles of the face to promote a relaxing feeling and a healthy skin.

Massaging your face is an age-old beauty technique that can help reduce the signs of ageing, removal of dead skin cells, and boost skin health. More importantly, it is a natural, non-invasive procedure to improve the appearance of your skin, Well-being Expert Abigail James said.

Suppose you're looking to up your skincare game. In that case, there are many ways to give yourself a facial massage besides using your hands, such as eye massagers that offer a deeper massage and better results, Dr. Ramya Garlapati, a Board-Certified Dermatologist from Miami, explained.

Now, I know what you're thinking, "Facial massage? That sounds complicated and expensive." But it's neither of those things. In fact, you can give yourself a facial massage right at home, and it won't cost you a dime.

Top Benefits of Facial Massage

Grab your favourite moisturiser and let's dive into the five benefits of facial massage!

Smoothes out Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Let's start with the most obvious anti-ageing effect of facial massage - reducing wrinkles and fine lines. As we age, our skin suffers from loss of collagen and elasticity, and wrinkles start to appear. But facial massage can help combat this.

By massaging your face, you increase blood flow and oxygenation to your skin cells, which in turn helps stimulate collagen production and cell turnover, Dr. Shari Auth, a Certified Acupuncturist and Herbalist, explained. Collagen is the protein that keeps our skin plump and firm, so the more collagen you produce, the fewer wrinkles and fine lines you'll have.

Improves Circulation

According to a study, face massage using a massage roller can increase facial skin blood flow, which is vital for removing toxins and waste products from your skin. Furthermore, improved blood flow makes delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells more efficient, providing you with a healthier and youthful appearance.

Facial massage is important for regulating circulation and stimulating your facial muscles because as your skin ages, the muscles become stagnant, leading to saggy skin. And if you’re trying to promote skin tightening, try to practise facial massage once or twice a week.

Minimises Stress and Tension

We all carry tension in our faces, whether we realise it or not. Facial tension happens when you are emotionally or physically stressed. This stress can result in muscle construction, which eventually can lead to discomfort and pain. But facial massage can help with that.

When you massage your face, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" response in our bodies. This response helps reduce the negative effects of stress and tension in your face, leaving you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Facial massage does not only make your skin healthy, but it's also good for your overall health, Elaine Huntzinger, an Acupuncturist, said. It's a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day.

However, if you feel extreme and lingering pain in your jaw and face, it is best to seek the help of a healthcare professional.

Helps Products Absorb Better

You already know that facial massage aids in improving blood circulation. This, in turn, helps you to maximise the benefits of your skincare routine in targeting age spots, Dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo explained.

Massaging your face helps the product to penetrate better and deeper into your skin tissue due to improved circulation in your face. Meaning, your moisturiser, serum, or any other skincare product you're using will be more effective when you tap or gently slap it into your skin.

Improves Lymphatic Drainage

Lastly, facial massage can help promote lymphatic drainage, Anastasia Goron, a Facial Exercise Expert, said. The lymphatic system is responsible for flushing out waste and toxins from our bodies, and when it becomes stagnant, it can lead to several skin concerns such as acne, premature ageing, and loss of skin elasticity. Facial massage can help stimulate lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce puffiness and promote a plumper appearance on the face.

Conclusion

Facial massage is a natural and effective way to improve your skin texture, reduce the signs of ageing, and promote relaxation and well-being. By following the step-by-step guide and tips provided in this article, you can perform facial massage correctly and get the most out of your skincare routine.

As always, if you have any concerns or questions about facial massage or skincare, it's best to consult a dermatologist or skincare expert for personalised advice.