Did you know that we have 43 facial muscles! That is just amazing. You may go to the gym and work your body muscles or you may make time to book in for that much needed full body massage, but do we stop to think about working the muscles of our face?
I always get asked the question 'What is the best thing I can do for my skin?' Alongside my answers of sun protection, drinking your 7 glasses of water daily and making sure you get your 8 hours of sleep a night - although this last one may not be possible with a little one! I always say a good facial massage can do wonders for your complexion.
High-Touch Philosophy
I am invested in the practice of massage, whether I do this within my self-care rituals at home or when completing a facial massage as part of a bespoke facial treatment. I believe that the power of touch can encourage a sense of inner well-being, as well as the never ending positive benefits it can contribute towards good skin health.
Skin Deep Benefits
All muscles retain a memory of movement without conscious thought. This is a result of recurring, persistent and familiar repetitions of that particular muscle action. I do share the belief of Abigail James, Facial Expert and Skin Coach, that muscles retain an emotional memory. Therefore, by incorporating massage into your skincare routine, it can aid in the release of emotions, rebalancing energies within the body. You can go as far as creating a meditative state of mind when you experience a professional facial massage.
Massage works on an array of systems within the body, allowing them to flow at their optimum level. Through facial massage you can work on the Muscular System, helping to lengthen and stretch tired tight muscles, resulting in relaxed and softened facial features. Puffiness can be reduced, leading to redefined and sculpted contours, as a result of working on and respecting the direction of the Lymphatic System. Skin can look rejuvenated and brighter through the stimulation of the Circulatory System, aiding in increased blood flow, transporting nutrients in the blood to feed the skin. Even the Respiratory System can benefit from a facial massage if you indulge in deep breathing exercise techniques.
Elevate your Facial Massage
Why not incorporate a massage facial tool to instantly upgrade your experience at home. If you can't book in for regular facials, this is an alternative way to focus on your self-care rituals that will have a positive effect to your skin and well-being. It will also encourage a mindful practice, allowing you to focus your intention to the results you want to achieve.
Below are a selection of facial massage tools that have specific benefits
The Body Shop - Facial Massager £8.00
A gentle and effective way to increase circulation. Once you have applied your serums and cream of choice, use the massager in long stroking lines across the face and down the neck to help increase absorption of any active ingredients, this in turn will help to boost your complexion leaving it with a radiant glow.
The Body Shop - Oils of Life Twin-Ball Facial Massager £16.00
Stimulates blood flow and can work on the lymphatic system improving puffiness and whilst supporting detoxification to leave skin looking refreshed and glowing. Your skin will feel energised as it performs like a mini workout for the facial muscles. I like to use this over a facial moisturiser or oil - not too much just enough so there is no friction between the massager and the skin.
TK Maxx Rose Quartz Facial Roller - £19.99
Cools and soothes the skin, reducing redness. Great for sensitive skin types that want to gently activate the lymphatic system and help to aid in the drainage of toxins. Even try popping it into your fridge 20 minutes prior to using for an increased cooling sensation on the skin. Use on clean dry skin or layer your facial oils and serums before you use this tool. Another option is if you use sheet masks, you can roll over the top to aid in the absorption of the essences and serums used within the treatment mask.
Wild Source Apothecary - Rose Quartz Gua Sha £18.00
An ancient tool used within the Chinese Healing Techniques of eradicating stale energy from the body, reducing any inflammatory skin concerns and helping to improve skin tone.
By gliding this tool with a moderate pressure over the skins surface will help to improve circulation and respect the lymphatic system. I would recommend using a light facial oil when gliding or scraping this tool against the skin, as to prevent unnecessary dragging or pulling of the skin. Always try to support the skin when using around the delicate eye area.
Stay tuned for more posts related to the benefits of massage and different types of massages that help to treat a variety of skin and body concerns.
Leave a message below if you already use facial massagers or if there are any others you would recommend. It is good to share and inspire one another.
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