Wellness

The science behind facial massages

Whether you’re gliding a gua sha across your jaw or simply using your fingers to relieve some headache tension, facial massages have taken social media by storm. The ancient method has had a modern comeback, so we’re going to take you through everything you need to know about this trending technique.

What is a facial massage?

Facial massages are treatments that can be done by a practitioner or yourself at home. They often involve stimulating pressure points on the face, neck and shoulders, using an oil to prevent the tugging of skin. Tools such as jade rollers can be used, but you can have just as much of an impact by using your fingers.

How can I give myself a facial massage?

It’s important that you start by smoothing a few drops of a facial oil first to prevent dragging or tugging your skin. Our Hero Facial Oil works wonders as a facial massage oil, with its natural ingredients working to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin whilst also allowing you to massage the skin with ease. The best part is that all skin types can benefit from using natural oils, including oily skin. The molecules in plant oils are a close-match for the molecules in our skin, meaning they can easily be absorbed without leaving a greasy feeling or causing blemishes.

There are many different ways to massage your face, and it’s important that you determine the pressure you like and which areas you need to focus on. This may be your temples for headache release, or along your jaw if you get a lot of tension build-up there.

What are the benefits of facial massage?

A good facial massage is all about customising to suit your needs. That means the benefits will alter depending on what you’re trying to target. These benefits can range from reducing puffiness, often helped by using cold tools, to releasing tension within your face and giving a healthy glow.

Want to take that glow to the next level? Try combining facial massages with our Reviver Hydrating Mist and Saviour Moisture Mask, guaranteed to get your skin radiating 24/7.

How does it work?

Facial massages are targeting a region called the lymph nodes, just underneath the ears and on the neck. Build-up of tension in these areas can cause blockage of the lymph nodes, thought to then result in a dull and puffy complexion. When you massage these areas, you remove the blockages to allow for better lymphatic drainage, as well as increasing blood flow to the area.

Getting good blood flow is important for providing your skin with enough oxygen and nutrients which are needed to keep cell turnover occurring and collagen production going.

Can everyone have a facial massage?

The best part about facial massages is that they’re suitable for everyone, provided that you know your skin’s limits and are careful when applying pressure. The main thing to look out for, especially if you have sensitive skin or are pregnant, is the massage oil you apply. Our Hero Facial Oil is pregnancy-safe and suitable for even the most sensitive of skins, meaning you won’t need to worry about this one.

The best part? Whether you have 5 or 50 minutes to spare, you can do a facial massage for as long or as little as you like. Sometimes 5 minutes is all you need to clear your head and breathe.

If you have any questions, head over to our Instagram @bysarahlondon where we share our top tips and tricks for massages on our stories.

By Sarah