Anti-aging facial massage is a popular offering in many salons and spas. Proponents of this technique claim that it temporarily plumps the skin or can create long-term changes in appearance. Incorporating proper facial massage techniques into your daily skincare routine can result in not only better radiance but also a firmer, wrinkle-free face. How does that work? First of all, kneading the skin improves blood circulation, which allows more blood cells to reach the skin and produce more oxygen. Read on to find out how facial massage can be used to combat wrinkles!
Can facial massages reduce signs of aging?
Some practitioners of facial massage for wrinkles claim that when used regularly, massage can reduce the signs of aging either immediately or over time. For example, a 2018 study examined the effects of massage rollers on the skin over a 5-week period. The researchers performed a massage on the right cheek of 12 study participants. At the end of five weeks, vasodilatation - a measure of blood flow - was greater only on the right cheek.
This suggeststhat the massagecould help improve blood circulation. In theory, this could promote the supply of healthy nutrients to the skin, plump the skin, or support skin healing. In another 2022 study, researchers found that massage thinned and tightened the skin and subjectively improved the appearance of the skin.
Types and techniques of facial massage for wrinkles
There is no evidence that any particular type of anti-wrinkle facial massage works better than others when it comes to reducing the visible signs of aging. There are different approaches including:
Shiatsu:This form of massage, which comes from Japan, involves applying pressure to specific points on the face. Start by rubbing your hands together to create friction or “chi.” Once you feel heat building, place your hands over each eye. Now take your two index fingers and place them on the area between your eyebrows and your nose. Apply light pressure and begin making slow, small circles.
Run these small circles along the outside of the eyebrow, applying light pressure until you reach the base of the eyebrow. Repeat across entire forehead. Start in the middle of the forehead each time and move up and across the face toward the hairline with each repetition.
Next, start with your two index fingers on either side of the nose, just below the eye socket, and apply the same light pressure in small, slow circles below the eye socket until you reach the base of the eyebrow. For loose jaw skin, start with two index fingers together at the center of your chin and repeat the same circular motion along the edge of your jaw, moving up and toward the base of your brow.
Gua Sha:With this method of anti-aging facial massage, the contours of the face are massaged with amassaged with a flat crystal tool. It has its origins in East Asian medicine. Start by applying a facial oil or moisturizer to your face, neck and décolleté. Starting at your neck, use the broad side of the tool to stroke upward toward your jawline using light to medium pressure. Repeat the technique on both sides of the neck.
Next, move on to the jawline by starting at the chin and using the curved side of the tool to stroke along the jawline to the ear. Repeat the process on the opposite side. To create the cheeks, place the flat, wide edge of the tool on the side of your mouth. Using medium pressure, slowly pull your Gua Sha up past the cheekbone, stopping just before the ear. Repeat the process on the opposite side.
As you turn to your eyes, place the tool under the inner corner of the eye and gently stroke the narrow side from under the eye to the hairline. Repeat the process on the opposite side. Then, start at the center of your eyebrows and sweep the tool to the side until you reach the hairline. Repeat the process on the opposite side. Finally, place the tool at the top of your eyebrow and stroke upwards towards the hairline. Repeat the process on the opposite side.
Lymphatic drainage:During this type of massage, lymph, a type of body fluid, is directed under the skin. Some people use them to reduce swelling. Apply a lotion or light cream all over the face and neck.Use a jade rollerand roll outward from the center of the face, which naturally stimulates the lymphatic system to drain fluid. Be gentle and move towards the contours of the face, finishing with the outsides of the face. To achieve optimal results, experts recommend repeating the treatment at least once a month.
There are many ways to massage the face. For beginners who want to try it at home, here are some steps:
- Give one about ten centimeters in sizeAmount of oilinto your hands and rub them together to warm it up. Apply the oil evenly to your face and neck, stroking slightly upwards.
- Starting at the neck, gently move the fingers from the collarbones up to the jaw. Repeat the process several times.
- Move the fingers to the sides of the chin and press outward and upward with light but firm pressure, sliding over the jawbone to the ears. Repeat this several times.
- Move up to the sides of the nose and repeat a similar movement, but this time move the fingers up and out over the cheekbones. Repeat this several times.
- Place your fingertips between your eyebrows and push them outward over the brow bone toward your temples. Repeat this several times.
- Bring the fingers back to the eyebrows, but this time in a vertical direction, sweeping the fingers from the eyebrows up to the hairline. If you wish, you can leave the oil on the skin or wash it off.
