There are a huge variety of products and methods designed to prolong the youth, freshness and elasticity of the skin. Everything, from basic care to cosmetic procedures, works for the benefit of a beautiful and healthy face. However, one of the most effective means for maintaining good skin condition is facial massage. The correct technique stimulates blood circulation, improves the condition of the lymph nodes, and sculpts the lines of the forehead, cheekbones and chin. In many ways, massage works like a gentle and natural facelift. It is easy to do yourself at home; by giving yourself small facial massage sessions, you will notice a significant difference in the condition of your skin.
Numerous studies show that people who devote time to facial massage every day experience age-related changes in their skin much better - it remains firm and elastic much longer. It does not require hours or any complex techniques; facial massage can simply be included in your daily care. You can devote time to it before bed or when you watch TV. The whole point of facial massage is that it is an easy and pleasant process that can be spent 5 or 20 minutes daily. It relaxes the skin, allows care products to penetrate into the deeper layers of the dermis, and restores oxygen exchange in cells. Here we will try to understand in detail what facial massage is, what it is like, how to do it, what products and devices to use, and why a few minutes of massage every day helps keep your skin young for decades.
Face massage
But specifically, I got hooked on facial massage about 2 years ago. Yes, you can say that this is a little early, because I was only 30 years old, but in skin care, it seems to me that sooner is better than later.
I won't say that I had any age-related changes, but as I noted above, my skin has never been as elastic as it should be, perhaps this is due to the fact that I have a couple of extra pounds, perhaps because for frequent weight loss and weight gain. And it always annoyed me. Even when I was thin, my cheeks still sagged and the oval was not perfectly clear. Creams didn’t do anything about it, and they can’t. The only thing that more or less helped was these V masks, but if you don’t use them all the time, you won’t go broke for long.
So I turned my attention to facial massage.
At first it was a light massage (more stroking) using balms to remove makeup, then I had massagers - I’ll talk about them below. About a year ago I started trying various massage techniques - revitonics, asahi, face-building. Something took root and stayed with me. Something was dropped because it was too difficult or useless.
A few words about why I focus on massage rather than cosmetics.
Well, my dears, you must understand that no cosmetics can turn back time and turn you into a 15-year-old nymphet. Even the most powerful anti-aging components are not guaranteed to cope with age-related changes, but the risk of irritation from them is very high.
In addition, it was from the massage that I received those dramatic skin changes that I was so looking forward to from cosmetics. The effect of the creams was not even close.
It was thanks to the massage that the skin became more elastic and toned, the oval acquired a clear outline, my cheeks became thinner, my eyebrows raised, my face no longer swells! Even if it suddenly swells, I know how to fix it in 5 minutes - with massage and special exercises.
By the way, who hasn’t seen my article on how to get rid of swelling, here you go - How to get rid of swelling.
Le Mieux – Hyaluronic Shea Mask
This mask also has a very rich composition:
- Shea Butter
- Macadamia oil
- Hyaluronic acid
- Beta glucan
- Vitamins A and E
This mask has a very dense texture and provides excellent glide throughout the entire massage session. Other advantages include a good price-quality ratio. There is a volume for personal use - 60 ml, and 500 ml for professionals.
I can’t point out any shortcomings, it’s just that this product is not suitable for everyone. And I'm afraid this brand will not be found in all countries. But these disadvantages do not relate to the disadvantages of the product itself.
Will do
This mask is perfect for mature or aging skin prone to dryness. Especially for people with very dry, injured, dehydrated and flaking skin. And also for skin that loves dense textures.
Won't fit
Not suitable for those with normal to oily skin. This product is also not the best choice for people with sensitive skin that does not like thick textures and is prone to puffiness.
If Pomegranate Cream gives a feeling of coolness, then this mask, on the contrary, is warm and seems to warm the skin, which, for example, is not very comfortable for my skin.
Of course, I will use this cream mask to the end, but I won’t buy any more for myself. However, I can confidently recommend it to those who like this texture.
Products for massage and self-massage of the face
Asahi massage
One of my favorite massage techniques is the Asahi massage (translated as “morning sun massage”). In general, this is an old and effective technique that has been honed over centuries. And then the Japanese stylist Tanaka Yukuko revived this technique and brought it to the masses.
Asahi massage improves lymph circulation, reduces swelling, perfectly tightens the oval of the face, removes a double chin, smoothes wrinkles, makes the skin more elastic and dense.
Asahi massage is best done with oil or hydrophilic balm. And so and so good.
I really love these oils and balms:
- luxurious nourishing rosehip and avocado oil Antipodes Divine Avocado and Rosehip Face oil
- Suki Nourishing Facial Oil
- Acure Blue Tansy Night Oil
- Azelique Anti-Aging Facial Oil
- rosehip oil Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil
- hydrophilic oil DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
- hydrophilic balm Elemis Pro-collagen Cleansing Balm
- ESPA Nourishing Cleansing Balm
That is, any of your favorite facial oils will do.
I do this massage almost every day, or rather in the evening, when I use hydrophilic balms to remove makeup. A massage takes me 5-10 minutes, no more. When I’m too lazy to massage, I use massagers.
Purchased funds
To roughly navigate the composition and cost of cosmetics for facial massage, it is better to study several options for the highest quality and most popular ones:
Dermika
Reconstructive preparation for the skin (cost - about 950 rubles). Used for massaging the face and décolleté.
Peculiarities:
- Fights wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Restores tone.
- Strengthens cell walls.
- Protects from harmful external influences.
Suitable for all skin types.
ELDAN gel with collagen
Cost – about 1700 rubles. A universal product with plant collagen, dimethicone, linden extracts and orange oil.
Peculiarities:
- Has drainage properties.
- Softens the skin.
- Eliminates the first wrinkles.
- Well absorbed.
- Hypoallergenic.
The gel texture ensures action on the deep layers of the epidermis.
Chamos
Regenerating massage cream (price - about 450 rubles). Olive oil in the product effectively moisturizes and deeply nourishes the dermis.
Peculiarities:
- Regenerates epithelial cells.
- Eliminates signs of fatigue.
- Has lifting properties.
- Moisturizes and heals the skin.
The product can be used for various massage techniques.
It is better to purchase facial massage cream in pharmacies or certified salons. This is the only way to obtain a high-quality product that does not cause unwanted reactions after using cosmetics for massage.
Revitonics
Initially, I really liked revitonics, but later other girls began to appear who adopted the techniques and began to pass them off as their own. Then all these trials and showdowns began. In general, the impression was spoiled.
But this technique is still extremely useful. In Revitonics, I like the approach to the body as a whole.
You won't have a beautiful face without good posture. Posture is everything to us. Put your head and neck in place! This will improve blood circulation, the head and face will receive enough oxygen, which will have a very beneficial effect on the overall condition of the skin.
Facial exercises are primarily aimed at relaxing the muscles of the head, neck and face, which helps smooth out wrinkles.
I will show my favorite techniques from Revitonics and similar systems. First of all, I like exercises for the neck, shoulders and back.
My favorite back exercise is lying on a bolster. I will definitely write about this separately, as it is important.
An excellent exercise for the neck - relieves tension, lengthens the neck and removes the withers over time.
For the face, I really love these techniques:
The forehead instantly smoothes out, the eyes open and the eyebrows become 1-2 centimeters higher. The effect is cool.
Effect on skin
In addition to the fact that facial massage cream physically simplifies the procedure and makes it comfortable, the product has many qualities that have a beneficial effect on the dermis. The use of cosmetics for facial massage solves the following problems:
- Tones muscles.
- Stimulates skin cells.
- Softens and soothes the skin, helps relieve fatigue.
- Affects dermal cells.
- Performs light peeling, exfoliating dead cells.
- Reduces swelling.
- Replenishes reserves of nutrients and activates metabolic processes.
Thanks to the use of massage cream, you can enhance the lifting effect, smooth out wrinkles, and make the touch of the massage therapist’s hands during the session more pleasant and gentle.
Gua Sha petal massage
I wrote here about facial massage with a porcelain Gua Sha petal - Facial slimming massager Litfly Ceramic Massage Tool.
This was my first facial massager and although it is very simple, the effect is amazing.
First of all, it is aimed at eliminating edema. It is ideal to use it in the morning - apply a little oil to your face (2-3 drops) and massage along the massage lines.
Here is a long, detailed video in which a Chinese woman tells and shows how to properly massage with a Gua Sha petal.
I use it mostly in the morning, but I get through the main lines and run to work pretty quickly. But this is enough to remove puffiness and refresh the face.
You can buy a Gua Sha petal at Cult Beauty or there’s another one.
Compound
As a rule, massage creams contain oils that gently envelop the skin.
As a result, movements become smooth and confident. The absorption rate of oils is not fast, so the procedure is comfortable at all stages. Oils are selected according to skin type:
- dry - avocado, olive, grape seeds, argan, peach seeds, apricot, sesame, borage seeds, neroli;
- oily - tea tree, rosemary, almond, coconut, ylang-ylang, lavender, hazelnuts, grape seeds;
- combined - kukui, peach, coconut, jojoba, watermelon, milk thistle, strawberry seeds, sesame;
- normal - lavender, rose, neroli, geranium, jasmine, milk thistle, juniper, jojoba;
- mature and fading - macadamia, argan, blackberry, navel, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, incense;
- sensitive - soy, neroli, rose, chamomile, jasmine, sandalwood, candea, cypress, wheat germ, avocado;
- problematic - tea tree, lavender, camphor, lemon, orange, tamanu, jojoba, black cumin.
Also, massage creams often contain hyaluron, medicinal herbs and extracts, keratins, algae, glycerin, fats and other beneficial components.
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Facialift Massage
This is a relatively new massager in my collection, I've only had it for a year, but I love it dearly. It perfectly tightens the oval, removes the cheeks, and makes the skin more elastic. But it is intended specifically for the lower jaw in the first place.
Here is a visual video of how to properly use the Sarah Chapman Skinesis Facialift massager.
I use it every day, I try it in the morning if I have time. If you don’t have time, then in the late afternoon, you can even sit in front of the TV and massage your face.
This massager can be purchased from Cult Beauty or Lookfantastic
Massage similar to Nurse Jamie
I don’t have the original Nurse Jamie, I have the Chinese equivalent, because I wanted to see if I would use this massager often or throw it in the back drawer.
Well, it's 50/50 for now. Sometimes I take it out and walk over it along my path. This way, all cosmetics are absorbed faster and are better absorbed into the skin, plus the massager eliminates swelling, if any.
You can buy the original here – Cult Beauty
Roller massage The Body Shop
For me, this massager is the best for working out the lower jaw line. And in general, it perfectly relieves swelling, tightens the skin, makes it more elastic, and disperses the blood well. And I also keep it in the refrigerator, then it’s a blast! In the morning I take a cold massager and walk along the massage lines. Very refreshing!
I wrote about this massager - Roller facial massager The Body Shop
NuFace
If I feel like I need a more intense treatment, I take NuFace. I wrote about it in detail here - NuFACE Mini Facial Toning Device.
I like this device. I use it in courses several times a year and so far the performance is normal. The skin really becomes more elastic and dense, the oval is tightened.
You can buy it at Lookfantastic.ru/ Cult Beauty
Gymnastics for the face and face building - my opinion
At the peak of the popularity of Facebook building, I decided to try what it is. I had enough for exactly 2 classes, after which I said Basta.
Now I will never do such exercises in my life, because all the problems on my face come from muscle hypertonicity! All the wrinkles and creases are due to the fact that the facial muscles are overstrained! If you want to get rid of wrinkles, relax your facial muscles. Face building and facial gymnastics obviously won’t help here, but will only make things worse.
Face building is exercises to strengthen the muscles of the face. That is, instead of relaxing muscles and a smooth face, you will get hypertonicity and a tense face with creases in places where they shouldn’t be.
Massage cream
The product is a cosmetic product that is used to moisturize the skin and minimize the risk of damage. Its use allows you to get the desired effect faster. Creams differ from each other in their properties, given by the combination of ingredients that are included in their composition.
There are several types that are used for different types of massage, such as:
- Anti-cellulite massage cream;
- Product high in nutrients;
- Well moisturizing and nourishing the skin;
- Warming cream before the procedure;
- A remedy that relieves pain and inflammation, etc.
It is worth noting that the film formed from the applied cream prevents moisture from leaving the body. This has a rejuvenating effect on the skin.
It is important to know that those products that contain some kind of nut extract can cause allergies in humans. The same side effect can be caused by various kinds of dyes and flavors. Choose a cream with a more natural, hypoallergenic composition.
