Massaging your face is another essential practice for healthy skin and can also be really relaxing! While being an effective way to counter wrinkles, massaging is a slow process and its results are obvious only if it is practiced regularly for an extended period of time. That said, there is no doubt that massage is highly beneficial for tightening facial tissues, increasing blood flow, stimulating nerves and thus, boosting collagen production.
Massage is most effective if the skin is thoroughly cleansed first. Do not forget to remove all traces of makeup, otherwise particles of dirt will end up blocking the pores of the skin. If the skin is oily, then remove oiliness by applying cleansing milk or some astringent lotion. Fresh lemon juice is also very effective in removing excess oiliness. If the skin is dry, use a good moisturizer or facial oil before massaging it using only enough to give sufficient greasiness to the skin so that the hands and fingers move smoothly on the face.
After having cleaned the skin, press it with light but firm fingers, putting a little pressure while applying a good moisturizer. Make sure to hold the skin firmly and apply even pressure. The massage should start from the neck and move upwards ending at the forehead or temples. Veins and tissues get an increased flow of oxygen/ blood supply by this process. The skin around the eyes is delicate so it is advisable to apply cream on this part without pressing it in too deeply. The healthy ingredients of your oil takes 15 to 20 minutes to get absorbed by the skin, so massage should continue that long. Gently wipe off excess when finished.
The Art of Massaging
To begin any basic facial massage, apply your favorite face oil or serum of choice onto damp skin and massage with two fingers in circular motions starting on your forehead, moving outward toward your temples, gently around your eyes a few times, and then downward along the nose, cheeks, jawline, neck, and chest.
Here are some different method applications to create your own favorite at home facial massage.
- Slow Massage - This is the most common method of massage and the most relaxing. The secret is to massage slowly and going with the calm rhythm of your heart beat. Using the fleshy part of your finger tips, press the skin lightly with a slow, stroking motion. To reduce puffiness in the face the process starts at the base of the ears and then down the neck to the clavicles at a slow speed. This helps move lymph and encourage flow. Make this a very light touch as a deeper stroke misses the lymph action. Stroking gives rest to the nerves and the vibration is useful in subduing pain that might be caused over more sensitive areas..
- Fast Massage - The front half of both the palms are used to massage at speed, taking care to make a circular motion upwards. You can use this motion on your jaw and cheeks.
- Pressure Massage - This is a method when slow, deep pressure is applied by the fingertips and is very effective for removing pouches beneath eyes. Cupping the eyes is also a great way to relax the eye and bring down the heart rate to relax you even further.
- Stroking Massage - Cheeks are stroked with the tips of fingers and strokes are applied from the nose to the temples on both sides. Push your skin up, then out; never down, since this can cause sagging to occur.
- Pinching Massage - Effective for a sagging chin or wrinkles on the jawline, the skin is held, as in pinchers, between the thumb and fingers and gently massaged.
- Friction Massage - This massage requires pressure on the skin while it is being moved over the underlying bone and muscle structures. Fingers or palms are usually best for this type of massage and hard movements are usually employed on the scalp while light movements are used on the face and neck.
- Piano Playing Movements - This exercise develops facial muscles and makes them firm. It should be done with the fingers on the entire face, especially the cheek area.
Avoid massage under the following conditions:
- When you feel physically exhausted
- When your skin is inflamed after extensive UV exposure
- Don’t massage parts of the skin with acne or boils, especially when inflamed or suppurating.
- When you have a fever
- When you have skin rashes
- Avoid massaging areas with cuts, wounds, or bruises.
Start adding this self pleasure once a week. It stimulates the skin and muscles, and gets the blood and lymph moving in the face to create a bright and even skin tone. So, not only does it feel great, and makes you feel pampered it is good for you too!
Join us tomorrow for the final post in our DIY series . . .
Part 5 - Making Your Own Skincare Products
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