Have you ever admired your skin after a facial and thought, “but that glow, though!”. Feels and looks stunning, right?
(whispering) Well, we’re about to let you in on a little secret-- one of the keys to glowing, ageless skin, is a well-executed facial massage.
At Pretty Please, we believe your skin is the entrance to the world, so make your entrance flawlessly. We provide top of the line skincare services to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin while also offering professional tips. Not only are our hands gifted, but our team is well-versed on skincare concerns, conditions and can walk you through a regimen to achieve healthier, youthful skin.
If you can’t make it to us in New York City, this post is just for you. We’re going to give you the tips and tools you’ll need to give yourself a Pretty Please spa-like massage in the comfort of your own home.
What's a Facial Massage?
Founder & Skin Therapist, Jennifer Rasa, of Pretty Please Skincare understands the importance of skin maintenance, but who said maintenance has to be a chore. The art of facial massaging not only reduces tension, which is a contributor to fine lines and wrinkles but also plays a part in de-stressing which increases blood and lymph circulation to rejuvenate the skin.
Combat fine lines and wrinkles the natural way -- Yaaassss!
Benefits of a Facial Massage
Aside from a moment of pampering, skin concerns don’t just affect the surface, but they extend down to the foundation. When we apply targeted pressure to the muscles on the face, we are able to treat conditions in the skin leading to flawless and longer-lasting results.
Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:
Increase Blood Circulation
The short-term result of proper blood flow is an immediate glow, as blood rises to the surface, the skin is infused with radiance, so you’re literally glowing from within.
The long-term result is the reward of youthful-like skin -- more collagen cells are produced and over time, this contributes to healthier skin.
Lift & Plump
We hold tension in our faces, so let this facial massage be the way you de-stress and let your face rest. Perhaps having R.B.F. (resting b*tch face), isn’t such a bad thing. When the muscles under our skin are young and strong, they can bounce back quickly from facial tension. However, Jennifer, knows that these muscles lose tone over time and the foundation begins to slip. As these folds deepen, fine lines and wrinkles develop. Oh hey forehead lines, yes, we’re talking about you!
A facial massage functions like a non-surgical facelift, helping to tone the muscles under the skin. Ever heard of Face Yoga? It’s another way to workout those facial muscles to maintain or create a youthful glow.
Improve Product Absorption
Facial massaging also helps to increase the penetration of the ingredients in your favorite skincare. The warmth of your hands and the activation of facial muscles make the skin more responsive to product absorption. So, instead of your product sitting on your skin, your skin will drink those ingredients in.
How To Do a Facial Massage At Home
Okay, ladies, you know the importance of why facial massages are needed and let us guess, you’re convinced to give it a try!
Follow these simple steps:
1. Clean Hands & Face
The key to gorgeous skin is a clean foundation, so prep your skin by cleansing and removing all makeup. Ensure your hands are clean so you don’t transfer bacteria to your skin and any open pores.
2. Warm-up Product
A successful facial massage requires slip -- you never want to feel like you’re pulling your skin. A small amount of serum, or oil helps your fingers move smoothly across your face - and ensures the actives reach the deepest layers of your skin.
Our pick: Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil.
3. Gentle But Firm
You want to apply enough pressure that you can feel the muscles beneath the skin. However, you don’t want to press too hard on your skin -- use firm pressure, but keep it gentle.
4. Massage the Lymph Area
Using your fingers, massage the lymph nodes under your ears and along the sides of your neck. Sweep from under your ears, down toward your throat and back up along your jawline. This will encourage the build-up that is causing you to feel puffy to keep moving.
5. Circular Motions
Use circular motions to massage the perimeter of your face, the sides of your jaw, and your cheekbones. Push your skin up and out - never down. This will help to lift the skin and prevent it from drooping. Repeat for two to three minutes!
6. Smooth Fine-lines
Press your fingers between your brows and slowly slide them up to your forehead. Massage against the lines, rather than with them, will help to smooth them in the right direction.
7. De-puff the Eyes
Get ready to say, “hello” to brighter eyes! This area is extremely sensitive, so it’s best to be gentle. To massage this area, you want to position your ring finger under your eyes and gently run it across and towards your temples.
8. Caress your Neck and Décolletage
Sexy cleavage is always appreciated, so target both your neck and decolletage. Use light, vertical strokes to massage skin from your chest, up to your neck and to your jawline.
9. Mask On
Enhance lifting, toning, and de-puffing with a contouring mask. Eminence Organics Snow Mushroom & Reishi Masque is formulated to minimize the look of wrinkles and gives skin a tight and firm appearance.
Pro tip: Use this creamy mask in place of your favorite oil or serum to add slip to your facial massage.
Massage tools?
While you can use tools like jade rollers, we prefer you use those pretty fingers of yours. Be hands-on, and get extra personal with your face to truly feel what your skin needs.
The exception: Your eye area. A cool jade roller - or the stainless-steel rollerball of our Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream - can work wonders for puffy, tired eyes. Simply pop it in the fridge before application for a super-soothing eye treatment.
How To Add Massage To Your Skin Care Routine
Gorgeous skin is a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s best to work out your skin regularly. Add to your routine two to three times per week and we suggest before bed to give your skin an extra boost in the repair process while you sleep. Add this to your self-care routine, indulge on stressful days or just when you want to treat yourself to a moment of pampering.
Are you ready to try the facial massage at home? Amazing! You can also amplify your results with a professional facial massage by a licensed esthetician once a month. Book a professional facial with one of our talented team members at Pretty Please NY.