Facial massages are treatments you can do alone or with a pro. They involve pressing certain spots on your face, neck, and shoulders.
You can use creams, oils, or cleansing balms with facial massages, along with a face roller or flat gua sha tool.
Facial massage boosts healthy skin and relaxes your facial muscles, making you feel refreshed and look better.
Whether you’re into it for relaxation or targeting specific issues, there are many techniques to explore.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of facial massage, how to do it on your own, and when to see a pro.
Table of Contents
Types of Facial Massage
Facial massages come in various types and techniques, suitable for self-practice or with a pro.
Facial massage techniques include:
- Cupping
- Digital or knuckle kneading
- Folding
- Effleurage
- Vibrations
- Tapping
- Jacquet pinching
Types of facial massage comprise:
- Lymphatic drainage
- Reflexology
- Shiatsu
- Gua sha
- Swedish
- Remedial
- Sinus
- Acupressure
Facial Massage Benefits
Keep reading to find out what both research and personal stories have to say about the perks of facial massage.
1. Reduce Aging Signs
Facial massage can enhance skin appearance, especially regarding aging signs.
In a small 2017 study, participants used an anti-aging device and cream for 8 weeks. The combination of cream and facial massage improved wrinkles, skin sagging, and texture. Research on skin samples also showed increased expression of anti-aging proteins due to massage.
2. Relieve Sinus Pressure
Massage can help ease sinus pressure, discomfort, and congestion, except during infectious cases or acute sinusitis.
Sinus massage may also aid mucus drainage, relieve headaches, and boost circulation. However, more comprehensive scientific studies are necessary to validate and expand on these effects.
3. Diminish Acne
Massaging the skin can enhance blood circulation and potentially diminish acne. However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of facial massage for acne improvement
Some people advocate using olive oil massage to treat acne, though results vary. If interested, try it on a small area first before applying it to your entire face.
Adopt a gentle approach and avoid harsh motions or exfoliants, particularly on sensitive areas.
4. Glowing Skin
For radiant, glowing skin, facial massage could be the answer. A 2002 study revealed that 59 percent of women who had facial massages felt fresher and rejuvenated.
Around 54 percent noticed more supple skin, while 50 percent experienced skin tightening. Many personal stories suggest that stimulating facial muscles can tighten skin, relieve tension, and enhance circulation.
5. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)
TMJ conditions can cause jaw or facial discomfort, including headaches, earaches, or lockjaw.
Trigger point massage might ease tight, inflamed, or painful jaw muscles, often from activities like chewing, teeth grinding, or jaw clenching.
Combining massage with jaw exercises can enhance the relief of TMJ symptoms.
6. Relieve Skin Tension
Facial massages relieve tension, promoting relaxation and skin health.
In 2018, research highlighted the effectiveness of facial massage using a Pao device for facial rejuvenation. Women who used the device for 30 seconds, twice daily for 8 weeks, experienced increased facial muscle thickness and cross-sectional area.
7. Boost Facial Blood Flow
Using a facial massage roller can boost skin blood flow, potentially enhancing skin appearance.
A small 2018 study found that a 5-minute facial massage with a roller increased blood flow to the area for at least 10 minutes afterward. After 5 weeks of massage, the response to heat in the blood flow improved significantly.
8. Heal Facial Scars
Massage can be highly beneficial for healing facial scars. Massaging the scar and surrounding areas may improve blood circulation, loosen nearby tissues, and smooth bumps.
Facial massage may also alleviate symptoms like pain, itchiness, and tenderness. A 2014 study discovered that massage therapy could reduce pain and improve the appearance of raised scars from burns.
How to Do Facial Massage at Home
You can actually do facial massage from the comfort of your own.
To get started, wash your face and hands. Apply a bit of serum, oil, or cleansing balm to help your fingers glide smoothly over your skin.
Whether you have a few minutes or a full hour, customize your routine. Repeat each stroke five times or focus on areas for 20 to 30 seconds. Apply gentle but firm pressure.
Here’re some techniques to try:
- Use circular motions on your temples with your fingertips.
- Start at your chin, move up to your forehead, and then back down.
- Use your ring fingers to press and glide from inner to outer corners.
- Pinch gently from outer to inner corners using your thumb and first finger.
- Press fingers into the center of brows, glide up, and move towards temples.
- Press firmly between eyebrows, then make clockwise and counterclockwise movements.
- Press under cheekbones and move towards temples.
- Press with knuckles from nose across cheeks to ears for stronger effect.
- Pinch the center of the chin and move towards the ears.
- Press into the jaw from outside towards the chin.
- Use pinky fingers to press from top of neck downwards.
- Firmly press with a ring finger from inner to outer brow.
- Tap gently all over your face, then pinch fleshy areas.
- Apply pressure to facial or sinus pressure points.
The Bottom Line
Facial massages are awesome for giving yourself some love and rejuvenation, and they can target specific skin concerns. You can either learn to do them yourself or treat yourself to regular professional sessions.
After a massage, use products that help your skin stay healthy and glowing. Keep your skin happy by resting well, eating healthy, and staying active.
If you have medical concerns like acne, TMJ, or scars, it’s best to see a doctor or massage therapist.
Professionals can customize the massage to your needs and suggest other treatments too.
Dr. Ashley Morgan is a dermatologist who offers online skincare consultations to help people with various skin concerns like acne, wrinkles, oily skin, dry skin, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
She graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Medicine. With extensive experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, she stays updated on the latest skincare technology to provide the best care for her patients. If you have any skin issues, let Dr. Ashley Morgan help you out.