Facial massage stimulates blood circulation and nourishes the tissues of the face, which therefore appears younger and brighter. In addition, it makes the skin more toned and firm, so swelling and small wrinkles are reduced. As an added benefit, a good facial massage relieves stress and gives a pleasant feeling of calm and relaxation. Pamper yourself with a massage once a day, in the morning or evening before bedtime.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Massage to Brighten the Face
Step 1. Start with a perfectly clean face
Wash it as usual before massaging it. Cleanse your skin with an oil or mild cleanser, rinse it with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Step 2. Apply a few drops of a face oil
The fingers will slide more easily if the skin is slightly greasy and you will not risk irritating it. In addition, the oil will make the complexion brighter and brighter. You can use a blend of oils suitable for the face or choose one that is particularly suitable for your skin's needs. Recommended oils include almond, argan and jojoba oils, which do not clog pores.
- If you have very dry skin, it is best to use almond or argan oil.
- If you have combination or oily skin, use jojoba oil or a blend of castor oil and jojoba.
- If you are concerned about your skin remaining greasy, you can use your favorite moisturizer.
Step 3. Start massaging the lymphatic area
Toxins appear to be excreted through the lymph glands closest to the face, which are located on the neck below the ears. Massaging that area promotes the release of toxins and prevents them from accumulating in the tissues of the face. Massage the lymphatic area in large circular motions for 1 minute, using your fingertips.
- Make large circles starting from below the ears, moving your fingers down to the throat and then up along the jaw.
- Apply steady but gentle pressure. Facial massage is different from deep tissue massage as the skin on the face is more sensitive.
Step 4. Massage the sides of the face
Using the same large circular movements, massage the outline of the jaw and work towards the corners of the mouth, the area next to the nostrils and above the cheekbones. Guide the skin first upwards and then outwards, never downwards, to restore tone to sagging tissues. Continue for 1 minute.
Step 5. Massage your forehead
Again, make a large circular motion to massage both sides of the forehead at the same time. Start at the temples and gradually move your fingers towards the center of the forehead, then slowly bring them back to the sides. Continue for 1 minute.
Step 6. Massage the eye area
Place your fingers under the arch of the eyebrows and move them to the outer corner of the eyes. Continue by bringing them first under the eyes and then to the sides of the nose, at the height of the inner corner of the eyes. Slowly return to the original position under the eyebrows and repeat the massage for 1 minute.
- With this massage you can fight the problem of puffy eyes. When finished, the eye area will look younger and brighter.
- If you want, you can lightly grease your fingertips to avoid damaging the delicate skin around the eyes.
Step 7. Repeat the movements in sequence
Massage each part of the face again. When you are done, you will notice that the skin looks younger, firmer and brighter.
Method 2 of 3: Face Firming Massage
Step 1. Apply a few drops of a face oil
The fingers slide more easily if the skin is slightly greasy, thus avoiding pulling it and risking irritation. At the same time, the oil moisturizes it and reduces the visibility of fine lines. Apply a veil of one of the following oils:
- For dry skin: coconut or argan oil;
- For combination skin: almond or jojoba oil;
- For oily skin: jojoba oil or your favorite moisturizer.
Step 2. Massage the skin around the corners of the mouth
If you want to firm and lift the tissues with the massage, you need to focus on the areas where the skin has a sagging appearance. Massage the expression lines on the sides of the mouth in small circular motions, using your fingertips. Remember that pressure must always be applied upwards, to lift the tissues rather than pushing them further down. Continue for 1 minute.
Step 3. Massage your cheeks
Move your fingertips in a spiral along the cheeks to firm and lift the tissues. Apply gentle pressure as you move your fingers up, towards the cheekbones and then towards the sides of the face. Start over and repeat the spiral movement for 1 minute.
Step 4. Massage the eye area
Place your fingers under the arch of the eyebrows and move them to the outer corner of the eyes. Continue by bringing them first under the eyes and then to the sides of the nose, at the height of the inner corner of the eyes. Slowly return to the original position under the eyebrows and repeat the massage for 1 minute.
- Massaging the eye area helps lift sagging skin and clear crow's feet.
- You can lightly grease your fingertips to avoid damaging the delicate skin around the eyes.
Step 5. Massage your forehead
If you have horizontal wrinkles on your forehead, you can reduce them by massaging in the opposite direction. Keep your hands vertical and place your fingers on your forehead. Perform a zigzag massage by moving one hand up and the other down at the same time to gently stretch the skin. Continue for 1 minute.
Step 6. Massage the vertical expression lines in the center of the forehead
You can reduce the visibility of the expression lines that form above the nose by massaging them horizontally. Place your hands horizontally over the wrinkles you want to get rid of. Massage the skin back and forth to gently stretch it.
Step 7. Repeat the movements in sequence
Gently massage each part of your face again. When you are done, you will notice that the skin looks younger and firmer. Repeat the massage once a day for best possible results.
Method 3 of 3: Massage to Relieve Stress
Step 1. Apply a few drops of a face oil
The fingers will slide more easily if the skin is slightly greasy and you will not risk irritating it. Perfumed oils can promote a good mood and increase the anti-stress properties of the massage. Apply a veil all over your face, basing your choice on the following guidelines:
- For dry skin: coconut or argan oil, with the addition of 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil if desired;
- For mixed skin: almond or jojoba oil, with the addition of 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil if desired;
- For oily skin: jojoba oil or your favorite moisturizer, with the addition of 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil if desired.
Step 2. Massage the area under the ears and the outline of the jaw
Tension often builds up in the neck and jaw area, but by massaging it you can be able to stretch the muscles. Make circular movements with your fingertips. Continue massaging the area for 1 minute.
- Make large circular motions. Start from under the ears and move your fingers first down to the throat and then up following the profile of the jaw, to bring them back to the starting position.
- Increase finger pressure where muscles are tense and contracted.
Step 3. Massage the sides of the face
Using the same sweeping circular motions, massage the lower cheeks until you reach the corners of the mouth, then work your way up the nostrils and up to the cheekbones. Close your eyes and focus on the smooth, relaxing movement of your hands.
Step 4. Massage the temples and forehead
When tension builds up in this area it can cause headaches, so pay special attention to it. Simultaneously massage your temples in a spiral motion. Gradually advance until you reach the center of the forehead, then repeat the massage backwards. Continue for 1 minute.
Step 5. Massage the eye area
Place your fingers under the arch of the eyebrows and move them to the outer corner of the eyes. Continue by bringing them first under the eyes and then to the sides of the nose, at the height of the inner corner of the eyes. Slowly return to the original position under the eyebrows and repeat the massage for 1 minute.
- Massaging the area around your eyes will make you feel better when you feel fatigued at the end of the day.
- You can lightly grease your fingertips to avoid damaging the delicate skin around the eyes.
Step 6. Massage your nose
In case of nasal congestion or sinusitis, massaging the area around the nose will give you relief. Grab the top of your nose between your thumb and forefinger, slide your fingers down to your nostrils and then back up. Repeat this movement for 1 minute.
Step 7. Repeat the movements in sequence
Gently massage each part of your face again. When finished, you should feel calm and relaxed.
Advice
- For an ideal result, place a couple of cucumber slices or two used (cold) tea bags over your eyes, lie down and relax for 15 minutes. The tannins contained in the tea help to tone the skin and improve its tone.
- Do not massage your face while lying down. The goal is for toxins to be excreted and not to remain in the facial tissues.
