Does Facial Massage Actually Work?

Deep tissue, sports, Swedish – a good massage can do wonders for your body and mind. But what about a facial massage? 

Many beauty influencers swear by this practice, which has been around for centuries – not only does #facialmassage have 80k posts on TikTok, but the ancient Greeks and Egyptians were allegedly also fans. But does it actually do anything for your skin? Today we’re delving into the facts, fiction and best practices for this popular technique. 

What is a facial massage?

Quite simply, it’s the practice of massaging your face in an effort to stimulate blood flow and improve the skin’s appearance. Facial massage has been around since ancient times – it’s been a wellness favourite for centuries, from China and India to Greece and Mexico. 

Many beauty therapists offer facial massages, but it’s also growing in popularity as a practice at home – you might have seen your favourite influencer showing you their techniques from their bathroom. Some people use tools, such as a gua sha or sculpting rollers, but many just use their hands to knead and press their face, in the hope of unlocking glowy, plump skin. Then there’s the growing trend for face yoga, a newer evolution of facial massage and exercises that aim to strengthen your muscles and tighten your skin. 

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Does facial massage actually work? 

When it comes to facial massage, it’s all about setting your expectations. If you’re hoping to change your facial structure or fill in any areas that have lost volume, like your cheeks or under eyes, then facial massage won’t give you the results you want. These kinds of changes can only be achieved with in-person cosmetic treatments, such as fillers. 

Likewise, if you want to treat acne, melasma or the early signs of skin-ageing then you’ll need to speak to the professionals. A targeted skincare routine designed by dermatology experts, like the clinicians at Skin + Me, is a much more effective route to the results you want. 

However, if you’re looking to reduce puffiness or boost your glow, then you could be on to a winner. Gently kneading your skin helps to bring blood flow to your face, which might help cells to function better and improve your complexion.

A recent study used CT scans to measure the effects of facial massage, finding that two weeks of facial massage did have tightening effects. Remember that these results are usually temporary, so you’ll need to make it a regular part of your routine if you want a lasting effect. 

Plus, a facial massage can also be a nice way to de-stress, either in the morning or at the end of a day. Take a little time to indulge in some self care – maybe light a candle, make a cup of tea and get into your cosiest dressing gown too. We know that the skin-brain connection is real, so winding down and enjoying some me-time could help boost your mood as well as your skin. 

How to do a facial massage 

A clean, dry face is the perfect canvas for your facial massage. Apply a little oil or some moisturiser – this will help your hands to glide along your skin – and then you’re ready to begin. There’s no one way of doing a facial massage, but we’d recommend working from the centre of your face outwards. Sweep your hands along your cheeks in an upward motion, along your jawline towards your ears and across your temples with as much pressure as you feel comfortable with.

If you want to use a tool designed specifically for facial massage then you can, but your fingers will work just fine. Gua sha is a traditional Chinese tool usually made of jade or rose quartz, which can be a nice way to add some extra pressure to your facial massage and release tension. You might also have seen people using ice rollers or ice globes, which give a nice cooling effect to your massage, and might further reduce puffiness by constricting your blood vessels – make sure they’re not too cold, as this can upset and damage your skin.

Your skin might look a little red after you’ve finished massaging, but it shouldn’t be painful – remember to be gentle and always avoid any irritated or broken skin. 

Final thoughts 

Facial massage is unlikely to completely fix all your skin concerns – however, it can be a lovely way to elevate your routine. So if you enjoy the process then there’s nothing wrong with taking the time to relax while you massage your skin. Aaaaaaand breathe.