Facial massage: secrets of the main beauty procedure of recent years

How is facial massage beneficial and what signs of age can be eliminated or smoothed out using this procedure?

Before answering this question, I would like to talk about age-related changes in the face and neck area, which entail external signs of aging.

Part 1. Why we look worse as we age

• Age-related skin changes are just the tip of the iceberg
• Age-related changes in the skull
• Hypertonicity of the muscles of the face and neck

Part 2. Why massage is useful and basic rules

• Benefits of massage
• At what age can you do facial massage?
• Contraindications to facial massage
• Duration of effect
• How often should you massage your face?
• How long should a massage last?

Part 3. Massage techniques

• Basic facial massage techniques
• More effective techniques
• Individual schemes

Part 4. How to choose a massage therapist for facial massage

• Based on personal recommendations
• Nice man
• Effect after the first procedure
• Try different specialists

Part 5. Myths about massage

• Massage stretches facial skin
• I don’t see any effect from the massage
• Facial massage is a useless procedure
• Massage gives only relaxation and nothing more
• Massage is a panacea for all problems

Answers on questions:

• Facial massage for rosacea and rosacea
• Massage and Botox injections
• Acne after facial massage
• Massage and nasolabial folds

Why do we look worse as we age?

Age-related skin changes are just the tip of the iceberg

Often, noticing wrinkles, folds or a swollen oval face in the mirror, women believe that the skin is to blame. And therefore they begin to intensively care for the skin of the face and neck:

• buy anti-wrinkle creams,
• anti-aging serums,
• make masks
• peelings,
• mesotherapy
• and other home and salon skin care treatments.

Of course, our skin is subject to both chrono- and photoaging, so with age it really requires more and more care. But the signs of aging that we see on the skin of the face and neck are just the tip of the iceberg.

In fact, the appearance of wrinkles, folds or swelling is associated not only with skin aging, but also with age-related changes in the bones of the skull, our muscles and blood vessels. It’s just that these changes are hidden from our eyes, and therefore we often do not give them due importance.

But in order for anti-aging care to be adequate and as effective as possible, you need to know and remember about these changes.

Age-related changes in the skull

First of all, it should be noted that throughout life our skull deforms and decreases in volume, and after this our face changes.

However, while our muscles are young and elastic, they tend to tightly grip the changing skull, and healthy elastic skin follows the muscles. Therefore, at 30 years old, our face no longer looks the same as it did at 20, but, as a rule, there are no obvious signs of aging yet.

But the older we get, the more our bones dry out and the skull decreases in volume, and the facial muscles weaken, lose volume, elasticity and can no longer grip our skull as tightly as before.

And since the facial muscles are woven into the skin at one end, where the facial muscles sag, our skin sag.

Hypertonicity of the muscles of the face and neck

But in addition to the fact that some muscles weaken with age and begin to sag, that is, they are in hypotonicity, other muscles are often in hypertonicity, for example, the muscles of the forehead or neck. Hypertonicity is excessive muscle tension.

Many people now lead a sedentary lifestyle - they work all day at the computer, or spend a lot of time driving, and in the evening they often relax again at the computer, for example, watching videos on YouTube.

All this contributes to hypertonicity of the neck muscles.

And many of you probably know that when the neck muscles are overstrained, they compress the blood vessels, which disrupts the blood supply to the brain:

• headaches appear
• attention decreases
• memory deteriorates,
• sleep is disturbed.

In general, our health and well-being suffers. But perhaps not everyone knows that the beauty of our face largely depends on the condition of the neck muscles.

When blood flow is disrupted, our skin cells receive less nutrients and oxygen, and as a result, the skin ages faster .

In addition, due to muscle hypertonicity, venous outflow and lymph outflow are disrupted, which contributes to the appearance of edema and other problems. The face becomes pasty (that is, puffy, as if wrinkled), the oval floats, and a double chin is formed.

Hypertonicity of certain facial muscles, for example, the forehead muscles, contributes to the appearance of wrinkles and folds in this area.

Benefits of massage and basic rules

Benefits of massage

Fortunately, our muscles are capable of self-rejuvenation. You know very well that if you train skeletal muscles - the muscles of our body, then at almost any age they will become denser and more elastic, and the body will become more toned.

Facial muscles are no exception.

It is no coincidence that massage is called passive gymnastics. With a massage of the face, neck and décolleté, you can relax tense muscles and tone weakened ones. As a result, the oval of the face will be tightened, folds and wrinkles will be smoothed out or reduced.

In addition, during the massage, blood circulation improves - the flow of arterial blood increases and skin cells receive more nutrients and oxygen.

As a result, complexion and skin turgor improve, and the aging process slows down. By improving the outflow of venous blood and lymph, facial massage helps eliminate swelling and has a lifting effect.

And of course, massage affects the nervous system - it relieves emotional tension and other consequences of stress.

Endorphins are produced - hormones of joy, happiness and pleasure. It lifts your mood, improves sleep and overall well-being.

As for me, I can directly say: massage is my favorite salon procedure .

I love both enjoying a good massage myself and giving massages to my clients, learning new massage techniques and incorporating them into various care programs.

That is why I developed my own “Renaissance” facial self-massage technique.

At what age can you do facial massage?

Facial massage can be done at any age. But up to 25 years of age, massage is usually done if indicated. For example, if there is swelling or nervous tension.

At 25-30 years old, massage can be done in a short course to prevent aging. And from the age of 30, it is advisable to regularly include massage in your salon anti-aging care.

Contraindications to facial massage

What are the contraindications to facial massage? Fever, colds. Various skin rashes - exacerbation of acne, herpes, allergic reactions. Any damage to the skin - wounds, abrasions, scratches.

In this case, you just need to wait until the exacerbation passes.

Some diseases of the cardiovascular system, cancer and other serious health problems are also contraindications.

Duration of effect

Here again it would be appropriate to compare massage with fitness classes. If you only went to one workout, then for 3-4 days you will feel muscle tone, but then these sensations will fade away.

If you have been regularly engaged in fitness for some time and have achieved good shape, then even if you stop exercising, your muscles will still be elastic and your figure toned for several months. However, over time, if you don't exercise, you will lose your former shape.

The situation with facial massage is very similar.

If the massage is performed as a one-time procedure, the effect will last about 3-4 days, and then fade away. From a good massage after the first session:

1. Swelling will decrease
2. Improved complexion
3. Eyes will open
4. The oval will tighten

That is, going to a banquet, an important date or a meeting of classmates - the effect will be enough.

But in order to achieve a lasting result, you need to undergo a course of 10-15 procedures, and in the future it is advisable to periodically do maintenance massage sessions. Or repeat the course in a few months.

How often should you massage your face?

On average, it is recommended to undergo an intensive massage course 2 times a year - 10-15 procedures 2-3 times a week. And to maintain the achieved result, it is advisable to do maintenance massage sessions at least 1-2 times a month.

But of course, these are very average and generalized recommendations. In real life there should be an individual trip.

At the age of 25-30 years, if there are no special problems, perhaps half a course of 5-7 procedures will be enough and someday you will visit a cosmetologist for a maintenance session.

And after 40 years, you will most likely need at least 10-15 procedures to achieve maximum effect, and maintenance sessions at this age should be regular.

Well, of course, you need to take into account a person’s lifestyle. For example, someone can visit the salon only once a week on their day off, while others are constantly on the road, and such people need an individual approach.

How long should a massage last?

How long a facial massage should last from a good specialist depends not on the qualifications of the specialist, but on the massage technique.

Because there are techniques, for example, therapeutic massage according to Jacquet, which lasts from 10 to 20 minutes. And there are massages that last from an hour to an hour and a half.

But on average, a massage of the face, neck and décolleté usually lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

That is, 30-40-45 minutes is, in my opinion, the best option. Because if the massage lasts more than an hour, then some people start to get tired of the massage. But if a person likes it and is ready for a 1.5 hour massage, then this is also possible.

Which massage to choose

Basic facial massage techniques

If you are puzzled by this question, you will find on the Internet that there are a huge number of different massage techniques. And perhaps it will become completely unclear what kind of massage you need?

But if you look into beauty salons, you will most often find three types of massage in the list of services:

1. Classical
2. Plastic
3. Therapeutic massage according to Jacquet

The fact is that these three massages are included in the training program in almost all cosmetologist courses in the post-Soviet space. And if you live in Europe or America, then classic massage can be found there under the name Swedish massage.

More effective techniques

I don't want to say anything bad about these massages, classics are classics. And if you have the opportunity to do only this type of massage, that’s also good.

But massage also does not stand still - it is developing, improving, and now there are new, more effective massage techniques.

Why more effective?

Classic or plastic massage is a set of movements that are repeated one after another. That is, by and large, this is a clear scheme - the same for everyone, regardless of age, type of aging and the severity of any problems.

That is, in this case, massage has a general effect on the lymphatic, circulatory, muscular and nervous systems. But there are techniques that are aimed at working through certain problems.

For example, lymphatic drainage massage, where the emphasis is on the lymphatic system, which makes it possible to more effectively fight swelling, eliminate bags under the eyes and tighten the oval of the face, or muscular-structural massage, where the emphasis is on working with the muscles of the face and neck.

Individual schemes

And there is another important point - our body very quickly adapts to the same type of influence, and after 4-5 procedures a plateau effect may occur - when progress stops.

The plateau effect occurs when playing sports, when losing weight, and massage is no exception.

But there are modern techniques that make it possible to create individual schemes for each client - depending on age, type of aging and the presence of certain problems.

And you can change these patterns from session to session, which allows you to avoid the plateau effect and make each massage session as effective as possible .

For example, my “Renaissance” facial self-massage technique includes 15 techniques. And among them there are both lymphatic drainage techniques and techniques that work the muscles of the face and neck.

This variety of techniques allows you to create individual schemes for specific problems and types of aging.

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.

How to choose a massage therapist for facial massage

Based on personal recommendations

I see two ways. The first way is to use the experience of your friends, and the second is to look for a specialist yourself through trial and error.

Of course, the first way is preferable, so I would advise you to first ask your friends, perhaps some already visit a cosmetologist regularly, get massages, have been to different specialists and they have something to compare with.

And perhaps they will recommend a good massage therapist to you too. And if you don’t have such friends, then you’ll have to look for a specialist yourself. I can only give a few tips on what you should pay attention to when choosing a specialist.

Nice man

First of all, I would like to say that massage is a rather intimate procedure.

Because if during hardware techniques the massage therapist has virtually no contact with you, but only washes you with cotton pads or sponges and touches you with the device, then during the massage the specialist strokes you, your shoulders, face, and the back of your neck.

And if a person is unpleasant to you, then no matter how good a specialist he is, you are unlikely to enjoy the massage.

Therefore, first of all, I would advise you not to sign up with someone blindly, and if you are looking for a person on the Internet, then at least look at the photo - whether this person is pleasant to you or not.

And if you go to the nearest salon, then I would also not make an appointment right away, but would advise you to ask to talk to a cosmetologist for a minute, ask some question.

For example, the same question about rosacea. Say that you would like to know “can I do a massage with my rosacea” and whether a specialist does massage for such a problem.

You will at least see the person, you will be able to understand whether he is pleasant to you, whether he likes you or not.

Effect after the first procedure

Of course, during your first massage you may be a little tense because the procedure is new to you, and you will not be able to completely relax.

But still, after the massage you should feel relaxation, you should get up and feel light. And of course, even after the first session you should see the effect.

The effect will depend on your age and skin condition, and not only on the massage technique and qualifications of the massage therapist. Because if you are over 40-50, and already have some pronounced age-related changes, then of course after the massage the effect may be more noticeable.

And if you are 25-30 years old and you are doing a massage to prevent aging, then you will not have any “wow effect”.

But nevertheless, the complexion and skin turgor should still improve, it should become more elastic, and in general the oval should become clearer.

Try different specialists

Focus on your feelings:

• How comfortable is the massage therapist with you?
• How pleasant is the procedure for you?
• how much effect do you see after this procedure?

If you suddenly doubt that you have found a qualified massage therapist, then I can advise you not to continue the massage course, but maybe try a massage from another, a third specialist.

Then you will compare and be able to determine for yourself what you really like, where you felt a greater effect and are sure that the result will be better and stop with that specialist.

Rules

When performing classical massage techniques, it is important to consider the direction of the massage lines. Ignoring them is fraught with the formation of wrinkles, deepening of nasolabial folds, drooping of the corners of the mouth and upper eyelids. It is not recommended to start a massage with active tapping and pinching.

The skin should be massaged gently, the intensity of movements should be increased gradually, decreasing towards the end of the procedure. Intense pressure and rubbing are prohibited. They can lead to increased swelling and the formation of hematomas. After the massage, cream is applied to the face.

As a result of correctly performed actions, the skin is effectively tightened and its color improves.

Myths about massage

Massage stretches facial skin

This myth has no basis, but nevertheless is quite tenacious. Firstly, facial massage is performed along massage lines - the lines of least stretch of the skin. And secondly, our skin is very elastic, and it’s impossible to just stretch it.

Our skin stretches only in one case - when the volume of tissue underneath it increases. For example, if you gain weight, during pregnancy or in case of severe swelling. But as soon as the volume decreases, the skin tends to shrink back under the changed volume.

Of course, over the years, the elasticity of the skin decreases, but even in old age, the skin sags not so much because it has lost elasticity, but because the volume of tissue underneath it has changed significantly - the volume of the skull bones, muscles and subcutaneous fat.

I don’t see any effect from the massage

Sometimes you can hear such reviews. In fact, after a good massage, the effect is felt after the first session.

Anyone who has had the pleasure of enjoying a good massage will certainly confirm this. If there is no effect from the massage, it means either the specialist is weak in the massage technique, or the technique itself is weak and ineffective.

Massage is a procedure where the result very much depends on the qualifications of the specialist, in contrast, for example, to some hardware techniques, where it is relatively easy to master the correct technique for performing the procedure.

For example, some girls now do the same ultrasound peeling (ultrasonic cleaning) at home on their own using a portable ultrasound scrubber and instructions for use.

Facial massage is a useless procedure

This opinion can sometimes be heard from some cosmetologists.

I think, for the most part, this is said by those cosmetologists who either have poor knowledge of massage techniques, or are in poor physical shape and are simply not able to regularly perform such procedures.

After all, massage is hard physical work.

Massage gives only relaxation and nothing more

Even if massage only provided relaxation, for this alone it would become an indispensable procedure these days, when most people suffer from physical and mental stress.

There are even special techniques, for example, neurosedative massage of the face and body, where the effect is aimed primarily at the nervous system.

The purpose of this massage is to eliminate the effects of prolonged stress, because stress has a negative effect on the entire body.

However, as I already said, the effect of massage is not limited to relaxation alone.

Massage is a panacea for all problems

This opinion can sometimes be heard from some massage therapists. In fact, massage is an element of a healthy lifestyle for your face and body, such as exercise.

In other words, this is an important component of care, but not a panacea. There is no panacea at all; to slow down aging and maintain health, an integrated approach is required.

Which is better: oil or cream

Are you going to do a facial massage not on your own, but using the services of a massage therapist? Then ask a specialist which product is better for his technique - cream or oil.

If you plan to perform massage movements yourself, then only by testing the products will you be able to choose the most suitable one. Each of the products has its pros and cons.

For example, oils allow your hands to glide perfectly over your body and provide a pleasant aroma. But without experience it is very difficult to dose them. Some users note an unpleasant feeling of a greasy film on the skin after the procedure.

The creams do not spread due to their thick consistency. Since manufacturers include many components in the active formula of the products, you can expect a complex effect on the skin - moisturizing, cleansing, eliminating wrinkles, toning and antioxidant effects.

So the choice is yours. You need to first try out different options in action.

Answers to questions about facial massage

Facial massage for rosacea and rosacea

If the vessels are located close to the surface, is it possible to massage? They tell me that absolutely not!

Is it possible to do massage with rosacea and how does rosacea differ from rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic disease that is accompanied by persistent redness of the central part of the face and sometimes rashes in the form of rosacea. But there are different types of rosacea, so the picture may be slightly different.

And rosacea, or as it is called in medical language, “Telangiectasia,” is a persistent dilatation of small vessels, which is expressed in the form of spider veins. Couperosis can be a symptom of the same rosacea, chronic venous insufficiency and other diseases.

For rosacea, massage is contraindicated only in the acute stage. Just like with exacerbation of herpes or acne and other skin diseases.

And during the remission stage, massage can be done. Moreover, there are even special techniques that are aimed at improving venous outflow, and they are indicated for rosacea because they help improve the condition of the skin in people with similar problems.

However, it should be clarified that if you have rosacea or rosacea, even at the initial stage, you should avoid too harsh massage techniques.

Massage and Botox injections

Is it possible to do a massage after biorevitalization and Botox?

Botulinum toxin injections and biorevitalization are not a contraindication to massage, and a month after the procedures you can have a massage, but this is not advisable.

Because massage will increase blood circulation and promote absorption of the drug. But if you are giving injections, you want the drug to last as long as possible and the interval between injections to be as long as possible.

Therefore, if you want to combine both massage and injections in your care, then it would be more correct to first undergo a massage course, and then, as a final step, make injections.

And then, for several months while the effect of the drug lasts, it is better not to do massage. And when the effect of the drug wears off, you can repeat the massage course again, and then do the injections again.

Acne after facial massage

2 years ago I did a course of facial massage, after which I became covered in acne and had to deal with it for several months. It was terrible. Since then I have been very afraid of facial massage. Tell me, please, what is the cause of acne?

I think the cause of acne in this case is the use of massage oil or a very rich, very rich massage cream.

And if you have oily, combination or porous skin prone to clogged pores, then after an oil massage you may experience rashes and pimples.

In this case, this problem is solved by choosing a good massage product, which, on the one hand, provides good glide and the ability to work, but on the other hand does not clog the pores.

And if it is very young, oily skin, then in this case it is advisable to use a massage gel. The gel is water-based, so it will not clog pores.

Cooking at home

There is no need to spend a lot of money on buying a massage cream, because you can easily prepare it at home. Of course, for the product to be truly effective and ensure comfortable gliding of your hands, you will not get by with food from the refrigerator. You will have to go to the pharmacy and buy various oils, fatty bases, essences and vitamins.

As a rule, massage creams are prepared by melting in a water bath. Therefore, it is better to grate all solid ingredients, and simply add liquid ingredients to them after dissolving. The resulting suspensions are stored in the refrigerator.

Recipe based on camphor and rose water

The product has received positive reviews from many users. It allows you to make smooth movements during a massage session. Its active formula improves the functioning of the sebaceous glands, promotes blood flow and the establishment of metabolic processes at the cellular level.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Vaseline;
• 4 parts lanolin;
• 9 parts rose water;
• 4 parts sunflower oil;
• 1 part camphor oil.

Preparation:

1. Combine sunflower oil and camphor oil.
2. They are heated in a water bath to a temperature of 45 degrees.
3. Now gradually add rose water.
4. At the very end, sheep wax (lanolin) and Vaseline are added.
5. The product is stored in the refrigerator.

All-purpose oil with wheat germ

This product will provide excellent replenishment of the skin with vitamins and microelements, and also has a rejuvenating effect.

You will need:

• 10 ml of base oil (olive, jojoba or grape seed);
• 1 tsp. wheat germ oils;
• 1 ampoule of vitamin E;
• 2 drops of tea tree ether.

Preparation:

1. Combine the first two oils and heat them in a water bath.
2. Add vitamin and tea tree ether to the resulting mixture.
3. You can start the massage.

Universal product based on beeswax

This product perfectly nourishes the skin and ensures proper metabolism at the cellular level. In addition, the skin color is evened out and facial wrinkles are eliminated.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. beeswax;
• 2 tsp. olive oil;
• 4 tsp. carrot juice.

Preparation:

1. Take a ceramic bowl and place wax in it.
2. Prepare a water bath and melt the contents of the vessel.
3. Enter olive oil.
4. When the resulting mixture has cooled to room temperature, you can add carrot juice.

If you prepare creams or oils at home, remember that you must strictly follow the proportions, especially when using esters. The shelf life of homemade massage products is a maximum of 6 months when placed in the refrigerator.

Special products for facial massage, selected taking into account your preferences, skin type and desired result, can make the procedure as comfortable as possible. In addition, cosmetics promote the production of your own collagen, improve microcirculation of the skin, cleanse the epidermis and renew it.

The easiest way is to use special creams, oils and essences developed by professional cosmetologists. If you are limited in funds, we recommend preparing your own healing suspension for massage.