Facial massage increases circulation to facial tissue, so skin becomes brighter and looks younger. Facial massage also helps lift and tighten the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of puffiness and wrinkles. As an added benefit, a good facial massage can reduce stress, leaving you feeling calm and relaxed. Pamper yourself with a massage once a day, either in the morning or at night before bed.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Massage to Brighten Face
Step 1. Start with clean skin
Do a routine to wash your face before doing the massage. Clean your face using a gentle cleanser or oil, rinse with warm water, then dry your face with a towel.
Step 2. Apply a thin layer of facial oil
Using a little oil can help your fingers move smoothly across your face, rather than dragging on the skin. It also makes the face bright and glowing when finished massage. You can use a blend of oils specially formulated for your face, or choose one that suits your skin type. Almond, argan, and jojoba oils can be used as facial massage oils that won't clog pores.
- For very dry skin, choose argan oil or almond oil.
- For normal to oily skin, choose jojoba oil or a mixture of jojoba oil and castor oil.
- If you're worried about using oil on your skin, use your favorite moisturizer.
Step 3. Start by massaging the lymph area
Many believe that toxins travel from the face to the lymph nodes, which are located under the ears on the sides of the neck. Massaging this area can help release toxins and prevent them from building up on the face. Using your fingertips, massage the lymph area in a circular motion for one minute.
- Use wide circular motions, starting under the ears, working toward the throat, and working up along the jawline.
- You need to touch firmly, but don't massage too hard. A facial massage is different from a deep tissue massage (a massage that focuses on muscle tissue, tendons, and the protective layer around muscles, bones, and joints), because the skin on the face is more sensitive.
Step 4. Massage the sides of the face
Using wide circular motions, massage the sides of your jaw, past the corners of your mouth, near your nostrils, and over your cheekbones. Push the skin up, then out; do not push down, because the skin may sag. Continue for one minute.
Step 5. Massage the forehead
Use a wide circular motion to massage both sides of the forehead at the same time. Start near your temples and work your way up to the center of your forehead, then work your way back to the sides of your forehead. Continue for one minute.
Step 6. Massage the eye area
Place your finger on the arch of your brow. Massage around the outer corner of the eye, then gently move it under the eye, ending the massage on the inner corner of the eye. Continue along the sides of the nose and brow line. Repeat the movement for one minute.
- Massaging the eye area can help treat puffy eyes so that the eye area looks brighter and younger.
- Use excess oil if necessary to prevent fingers from dragging the delicate skin around the eyes.
Step 7. Finish by massaging each part of the face one more time
Gently massage each part of the face one more time to end the massage. The skin will look bright, fresh, and young again when finished massage.
Method 2 of 3: Massage to Lift and Tighten Skin
Step 1. Apply a thin layer of facial oil
Facial oils help the fingers move easily over the face, preventing them from dragging and stretching the skin. Facial oils also moisturize the skin and remove lines and wrinkles on the face. Apply a thin layer of one of the following oils:
- For dry skin: head oil or argan oil.
- For normal skin: almond oil or jojoba oil.
- For oily skin: jojoba oil or your favorite moisturizer.
Step 2. Massage near the corners of your mouth
A firming and lifting massage focuses on areas of the skin that tend to sag. Using your fingertips, make tight circular motions over the lines of each side of the mouth. Always use upward pressure to help lift the skin instead of dragging it down. Continue for one minute.
Step 3. Massage the cheek area
Make circular, corkscrew-like motions on the apples of your cheeks to help tighten and lift the skin in these areas. Use gentle pressure as your fingers move toward the inner cheekbones, then toward the edges of your face and back again. Continue for one minute.
Step 4. Massage the eye area
Place your fingers on the arch of your eyebrows, then massage around the outer corners of your eyes. Gently move your fingers under your eyes and finish by massaging the inner corners of your eyes. Continue along the sides of the nose and brow line. Repeat this movement for one minute.
- Massaging the eye area can help lift loose skin and treat wrinkles at the outer corner of the eye.
- Use excess oil if necessary to prevent fingers from dragging the delicate skin around the eyes.
Step 5. Massage the forehead area
If your forehead has horizontal lines that you want to remove, you will need to massage in the opposite direction of the lines, not in the same direction. Position your hands side by side vertically, with your fingers touching your forehead. Make a twisting motion by moving one hand up while the other hand moves down, so that you gently pull the forehead skin up and down. Continue this motion across the forehead for one minute.
Step 6. Massage the wrinkle lines of the forehead
Vertical lines at the top of the nose can be removed if massaged horizontally. Position your fingers horizontally on the wrinkle lines of the forehead. Gently rub back and forth to pull the skin out of its usual line position.
Step 7. Finish by massaging each part of the face one more time
Gently massage each part of the face one more time to end the massage. The skin will feel tight and young when finished massage. Repeat daily for best results.
Method 3 of 3: Massage for Stress
Step 1. Apply a thin layer of facial oil
Facial oils help the fingers move easily over the face, preventing them from dragging and stretching the skin. Scented oils can also improve your mood and increase stress-fighting properties. Apply a thin layer according to the following guidelines:
- For dry skin: use coconut oil or argan oil. Consider adding 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil.
- For normal skin: Almond oil or jojoba oil. Consider adding 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil.
- For oily skin: Jojoba oil or your favorite moisturizer. Consider adding 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil.
Step 2. Massage under the ears and along the jaw
Tension often builds up in the jaw and neck, and massaging these areas will help relax the muscles. Using your fingertips, massage the area in a circular motion for one minute.
- Use wide circular motions, moving from under the ears, toward the throat, and up along the jawline.
- Press harder on the muscles that feel tense.
Step 3. Massage the sides of the face
Using circular motions in equal width, massage along the sides of the jaw, past the corners of the mouth, near the nostrils, and over the cheekbones. Close your eyes and focus on relaxing your hands on your face.
Step 4. Massage your temples and forehead
Tension in this area often causes headaches, so spend extra time in this area. Use a corkscrew-like motion to massage both temples at the same time. Move gradually to the center of the forehead, then back to the sides of the forehead. Continue for one minute.
Step 5. Massage the eye area
Place your fingers on the arch of your eyebrows. Massage in sweeping motions on the outer corner of the eye, gently moving it under the eye, and end the massage on the inner corner of the eye. Continue along the sides of the nose and along the brow line. Repeat this movement for one minute.
- Massaging this area will make you feel more comfortable after a long day of using your eyes.
- Use excess oil if needed so that your fingers don't drag the delicate skin around your eyes.
Step 6. Massage the nose area
If you have sinus tension, massaging your nose will help relieve it. Gently pinch the top of the nose. Move your fingers towards your nostrils. Repeat this movement for one minute.
Step 7. Finish by massaging each part of the face one more time
Gently massage each part of the face again to end the massage. After the massage, you will feel relaxed and calm.
