Tackle Complexion Problems With Facial Massage

In 2018, U.S. consumers spent $5.6 billion on skincare products in their relentless quest for smooth, youthful, radiant skin. The most common skin issues, for both men and women, include acne, wrinkles, puffiness, dullness, dry skin and pigment issues. While skincare products may work fine, many of us may not actually need them. Many skin conditions can also be tackled by a quick habit that’s absolutely free of charge: facial massage.

However, there is a right and wrong way to do a massage. If you do it the wrong way, you can break down the delicate tissues of your face, resulting in less firmness and more wrinkles. We'll break it all down here and include how to properly do facial massage in the last section of this article.

Complexion Problems and Facial Massage

Facial massage can provide numerous benefits and help alleviate many of the most complained about skin issues. Let’s take a closer look:

• Acne - Cleansing before the massage gets rid of bacteria and toxins that cause acne. Massage also promotes healing, which can help get rid of those red spots and blemishes faster.
• Wrinkles - Wrinkles are caused by collagen loss and certain facial expressions, among other things. Massage addresses both of these main points. Not only does it stimulate new collagen production, but it also relaxes tense muscles, resulting in fewer tension lines.
• Puffiness - Puffiness is caused by water retention. Massage removes unwanted bags and puffiness by moving the water along.
• Dry Skin - Massage opens pores and allows for the absorption of moisturizers and other products used in the fight against dry skin.

Massage can also help treat other complexion issues, like pigment variations. However, it doesn’t do it directly. Massage makes other treatments and products more effective, which can expedite the elimination of dark spots — so it's worth exploring even if your problem areas aren't listed here.

The Science Behind Facial Massage

How exactly does facial massage work? First, massage stimulates circulation to the treated area. This rushes oxygen and nutrients to the area, both of which are vital for healthy-looking skin. Extra blood, oxygen and nutrients help spur tissue regeneration and remove excess water and toxins on the way out. Soft massage also helps tone the skin and underlying muscles, which prevents sagging and wrinkles.

The Right Way to Perform Massages

While it may seem like any rubbing will do, there is a correct way to massage the face. That’s why beauticians and estheticians learn a lot of anatomy and massage techniques before giving facials. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to do it, too. The most important thing to remember is to stay away from the eyes. The muscles surrounding the eye are very delicate and must be manipulated in the right way, using insanely soft pressure. Here, focus on tapping or applying soft pressure with an eye massaging tool.

For the rest of your face, massage with soft strokes, beginning up and out from the center. Massage upward under the chin and then across the chin and forehead. You can use circular motions or smooth straight strokes. Just don’t pull on the skin or move in a downward motion. Gravity does enough of that. If in doubt, use a vibrating massager designed for faces. This will stimulate the skin without pulling. And, remember: anytime you massage, the skin should be slippery with moisturizer.

Facial massage helps alleviate skin issues by stimulating blood flow, toning skin and decreasing puffiness. The best part? It’s free and readily accessible to everyone and in a few short months, it can make a real difference. But you must know how to do it properly, or you will run the risk of doing more damage. My aunt Dorothy used to massage her face every evening and when people would ask her how she could be so beautiful at 85, she'd teach them how to massage. And if Aunt Dorothy swore by it, that's good enough for me.

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