Many claim that facial massages may help promote skin health, relax facial muscles, and improve blood flow. However, many of these claims have not been proven in scientific studies.
Whether you want to use facial massage purely for relaxation or to treat a specific condition, there are plenty of techniques to try.
Continue reading to take a closer look at some of the benefits of facial massage, how you can do it on your own, and when it’s best to visit a professional.
There are several different facial massage types that proponents claim to have health benefits. These include:
- lymphatic drainage
- reflexology
- shiatsu
- gua sha
- sinus
- acupressure
These different forms of massage may involve different techniques and implements, including cupping, kneading with the hands, and the use of tapping or vibrational devices.
It’s important to note that only small or low quality studies support these techniques, such as
Face massages have several reported health benefits, with varying levels of research support. Some of these benefits include:
Skin health and appearance
Facial massages can help improve some markers of skin health, such as visible skin fullness, tension, and blood flow.
Research from 2018 involving 50 people reported that facial massage with a Pao device may increase facial muscle thickness. Researchers concluded that this may aid “facial rejuvenation,” although this is a loosely defined term.
According to another small 2018 study, people who had a 5-minute facial with a massage roller had increased blood flow to the area for at least 10 minutes after the massage. After 5 weeks of massage, blood flow response to heat was significantly improved.
A smaller, more recent
Sinus pressure
Some people claim that massaging the sinuses can help alleviate congestion and pain. While some people may find symptom relief from massaging certain parts of their face, it will not treat the underlying cause of sinus pressure, such as infections.
TMJ pain
People who have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions may experience discomfort in the jaw or face. This can include headache, earache, or lockjaw.
TMJ massage and other physical therapies may help relieve associated pain symptoms, according to a 2020 review.
Manage scar tissue
If you have a facial scar that’s healing, massage may help reduce its appearance. Massaging the scar tissue and surrounding areas may help increase blood flow, loosen up nearby tissues, and flatten bumps.
Facial massage may also help relieve symptoms such as pain, itchiness, and tenderness. In an old 2014 review, researchers found that massage therapy was effective in reducing pain and itchy skin while improving the appearance of raised scars from burns.
You can give yourself a facial massage in the comfort of your home. Before beginning, clean your face and hands. Use a small amount of serum, oil, or cleansing balm so your fingers glide and roll over your skin easily. You can also use the surface of your palm.
There are several techniques you can use. Below are a few you can use to create your routine:
- Use a circular motion to rub your fingers into your temples.
- Use your palms and fingertips to massage the sides of your face, starting at your chin and moving up toward your forehead. Then, slide your hands back down.
- Press and glide your ring fingers into your brow bone. Move from the inner to the outer corner. Then, do the same movement underneath your eyes.
- Using your thumb and first finger, start at the outer corners of your eyebrows. Gently pinch your eyebrows as you move to the inner corner.
- Press your fingers into the center of your brows. Glide them up toward your hairline. Then, move your fingers toward your temples.
- Press down firmly on the space between your eyebrows for a few seconds. Then, continue pressing as you make clockwise and counterclockwise movements.
- Use your index and middle fingers to press under your cheekbones. Start at the center of your face and move toward your temples.
- For a stronger effect, use your knuckles to press into your face. Start at your nose and move them across your cheeks to your ears.
- Use your thumb and first two fingers to pinch the center of your chin. Pinch the skin as you move toward your ears.
- Press into your jaw as you move your fingers from the outside of your jaw toward your chin.
- Use a circular motion to massage the area under your earlobes.
- Use the outside of your pinky fingers to press into your neck, starting at the top and moving downward.
- Use your ring finger to firmly press into the inner brow, gliding toward your outer brow.
- Use your fingertips to gently tap over all the areas of your face. Then, gently pinch the fleshy areas of skin.
- Apply acupressure to facial pressure points or sinus pressure points.
Contact a doctor or massage therapist for a facial massage or if you’d like to address specific medical concerns, including acne, TMJ, or scar reduction.
A professional will have the skill and expertise to tailor the facial massage to your specific needs. They can also recommend any additional treatments.
Facial massages are a wonderful way to give yourself some healing and rejuvenating TLC while treating specific concerns. Enjoy the process of discovery as you learn to do facial massage on your own or have regular professional treatments.
Follow up a facial massage with any products that help improve your skin’s condition. For beautiful, glowing skin, stay healthy by giving yourself plenty of time to rest and relax, following a balanced diet, and being active.
