There is nothing like a facial massage for the ultimate in deep relaxation. Known for its soothing effects, facial massages provide the perfect combination of relaxation, self-care, and long-term skin benefits. During a facial massage, the skin on the face is gently massaged, reducing tension, improving blood circulation, and relaxing muscles for a youthful glow. A deeply grounding and restorative experience, a facial massage calms the nervous system while refreshing the skin.
What is a Facial Massage?
A facial massage is a therapeutic technique involving the stimulation of skin, muscles, and pressure points on the neck, face and shoulders. A non-invasive procedure, facial massage techniques include gentle movements such as sweeping strokes, kneading and tapping. The fundamentals of a facial massage include:
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Skin preparation: Using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, the skin is cleansed and then patted dry with a soft towel. A suitable moisturiser is then applied to provide slip and hydration for the massage.
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Effleurage: Using the hands and fingers, this technique uses light, sweeping strokes across the skin's surface. Moving upward and outward motions across the face and neck, this allows the warmth of the hands to relax the muscles, improves circulation and encourages lymphatic drainage. This technique prepares the skin for deeper massage techniques and product absorption. It originates from the French word effleuer, which means to touch lightly.
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Petrissage: This technique uses a kneading and pinching movement, often near the masseter to release tension and stimulate muscles around the jawline. Using the fingertips or palms, the skin is gently grasped and lifted in small circular motions. From the French word, petrir, meaning to knead, this technique can improve muscle tone and elasticity.
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Tapotement: Tapping uses the fingertips or the pads of fingers to gently tap or drum against the skin in quick alternating motions.
Types of Facial Massages
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General facial massage: This is the standard type of facial massage and is the most widely used and often taught in beauty schools for its basic techniques. Usually, a classic facial massage will involve using techniques such as kneading, tapping, and soft and deep effleurage. Often this type of massage is used to promote relaxation, rejuvenation and overall skin health.
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Lymphatic drainage facial massage: This is a massage that focuses on the lymph nodes. It uses light pressure and rhythmic movements to move lymph fluid towards the lymph nodes so that waste and toxins can be filtered and removed. It improves circulation by delivering oxygen around the skin, draining toxins and assisting in the reduction of inflammation and puffiness.
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Gua sha facial massage: Gua sha is the ancient traditional Chinese practice of scraping the skin with a jade tool. This method of facial massage uses the gua sha tool to loosen up tight jaw muscles, increase blood flow and even contour the face. The gua sha tool features a smooth, contoured edge designed to glide across the skin with gentle pressure. The tool is held at a 15 to 45 degree angle to the skin and light, even pressure is applied to glide the tool across the face, jawline and neck to help boost circulation and release tension.
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Kobido Japanese facial massage: This Japanese facial massage uses a complex blend of stroking, kneading, tapping, vibrations and pressures across the face and neck. It usually begins with a gently stroking motion to heat up the skin, followed by kneading to release the fascia and other connective tissues, relax the muscles and smooth out wrinkles. A series of fast tapping movements helps release toxins and improve collagen production for a natural, facelifting effect. While most facial massages relax, kobido is more typically used for rejuvenation.
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Shiatsu facial massage: This Japanese technique uses finger and palm pressure along the energy meridians on the face to reduce stress, alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation. It promotes deep relaxation and helps manage pain. The massage technique uses the middle fingers or thumbs to massage in circular motions across the forehead and temples and move into stroking motions down the side of the jaw and chin.
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Structure face sculpt: At About Time, our Structural Face Sculpting Massage is tailored to you, helping you rediscover your face tone and structure, while improving optimal skin elasticity and shape. Using firm pressure, your therapist will massage the inside of your mouth with gloves on. This encourages a deep release and an intra-oral opening, with some clients experiencing an emotional release from deep muscle fibres. This results in muscles restored to their natural length, elasticity and tone, with visibly improved facial structure, circulation and skin texture.
Most Common Benefits of Facial Massages
Improved circulation and bloodflow
Facial massages include a range of techniques that enhance microcirculation, the flow of blood through the capillaries beneath the skin. The gentle stimulation of a massage opens blood vessels which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells.
Reduced puffiness and inflammation
Fluid retention, poor lymphatic drainage and stress can cause puffiness and inflammation in the face. By stimulating lymphatic drainage, facial massages help remove excess toxins and fluid which reduces swelling. They also help to improve blood circulation which promotes a healthier, more balanced complexion.
Anti-ageing and skin tightening
Facial massage is known to be associated with skin tightening and anti-ageing properties. The stimulation of blood flow and collagen results in visible improvements such as skin elasticity and muscle tone. When the face is massaged, it can change the skin’s fat structure which makes it easier to absorb active ingredients in skin care products.
Relieves headache and sinus problems
Facial massages can ease tension and sinus pain by lessening pressure and encouraging sinus drainage. It can target pressure points in the temples, cheekbones, eyebrows and nose bridge which helps relax the muscles and reduce tension.
Relaxation and stress reduction
The blissful technique of a facial massage can be relaxing and stress-reducing. A massage therapist gliding their hands along the hairline to the nape of the neck helps release tightness in the forehead and pressure from behind the eyes. The gentle strokes along the face and down to the jaw positively impact the sympathetic nervous system which lowers blood pressure and reduces cortisol, promoting the release of feel good hormones.
How Facial Massages Work Beneath the Skin
Using gentle pressure and sweeping movements, facial massages work to wake up the skin and relax the muscles. The pressure from a facial massage helps the blood vessels and lymph channels stay healthy and active. It stimulates circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage and boosts collagen production, which all contribute to the improvement of skin appearance and health.
Benefits of Professional Facial Massage
A professional facial massage at About Time offers a more specialised, deeper and luxurious experience than home treatments. Experienced masseurs and estheticians specialise in a multitude of different facial massage techniques. They also know how to customise the facial massage to each individual, depending on the formula used and the types of movements performed. Spa and wellness professionals understand massage techniques that make the difference between good and truly great skin. A regular professional facial massage regimen can help with everything from skin concerns such as acne, wrinkles and fine lines to headaches and sinus pain.
How to Maximise Facial Massage Benefits
To maximise facial massage benefits, there are certain techniques and things you can do.
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Cleanse thoroughly: Proper cleansing begins the process of stimulating blood flow before a facial massage. Without clean skin, the treatment may not work as effectively, as the face is constantly exposed to pollution, bacteria and sweat. It also undergoes a continuous process of renewing dead skin cells. This residue must be removed properly so pores can become unclogged and the skin is receptive to the stimulative properties of a facial massage.
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Use proper lubrication: The role of lubrication, such as oil or moisturiser, is to enhance the efficacy of facial massage techniques. Lubrication provides a smooth surface for hands and fingers without causing friction. It also allows for deeper muscle penetration and nourishes the skin for added benefits.
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Always move upwards and outwards: Using upwards and outward strokes lifts and counteracts gravity, promoting a toned and youthful appearance. This is essential for a classic facial massage. However, lymphatic drainage facial massages should use the downward movement technique, which helps move fluid and reduce puffiness.
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Professional massages: Schedule regular professional facial massages every four to six weeks. This is roughly the length of the skin’s natural regeneration cycle. After that time, the skin may begin to look dull as dead cells begin building up again.
- Daily routine: Include a daily at-home facial massage as part of home care. Try incorporating it into a morning or evening skincare routine. The evening is a good time for anti-ageing massage as it helps facial redness subside during sleep. It also helps with relaxation and allows skincare products to take maximum effect.
Facial massage offers a myriad of benefits, including improved blood flow, lymphatic drainage, enhanced product absorption and brighter, glowing skin. By incorporating a facial massage into a regular routine, you can reduce fine lines, enjoy deeper relaxation and even relieve headaches and sinus pain. About Time Bathhouse is the ultimate destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating facial massage.