Self-massage of the face

Self-massage of the face is an effective technique for maintaining the muscles of the face and neck in good shape. So, with its help it is quite possible to delay age-related manifestations. Let’s talk about some techniques for conducting such a massage.

Benefits of self-massage for the face

Facial massage makes the skin look firm and radiant.

It is worth mentioning right away that self-massage is not a panacea for wrinkles and a decrease in skin turgor, although its rejuvenating effect has been confirmed in practice. In addition, its implementation should be treated very carefully, especially at first. It is important to know exactly with what intensity and in what lines to perform movements so as not to harm the skin.

Doing facial self-massage regularly is a good idea because it:

  • has a lymphatic drainage effect;

  • keeps the skin in good shape;

  • improves the complexion;

  • makes the contours of the face clearer.

Who and when should do self-massage of the face

An indication for massage or self-massage can be considered the age after 25 years, when the first age-related changes begin to appear. Before that, subject to a healthy lifestyle, there is nothing to worry about. The main thing is to remember that any face cream must be applied along the massage lines.

Massage lines for the face and neck

For a quality massage, you need to know well how the massage lines pass.

Let’s start with the fact that all the muscles of the face are divided into two large groups.

  1. Mimic responsible for the expression of feelings and emotions, as well as blinking, articulation, etc.

  2. Chewable regulate the work of the lower jaw. In other words, with their help we chew, open and close our mouths.

Different areas of the face have features. What exactly? Let’s talk about this in more detail right now.

Forehead

The forehead muscles are responsible for the movement of the eyebrows, which means the formation of horizontal lines when we are surprised, and vertical wrinkles when we frown. While massaging, move parallel to the eyebrows from the middle of the forehead to the temples.

Eyes

The orbicularis muscle controls the upper eyelid and, if necessary, closes the eye to protect it from damage. It is in the area around the eyes that small wrinkles, the so-called “crow’s feet”, appear first. Massage lines run along the upper eyelid from the inner corner of the eye to the outer one, along the lower eyelid – in the opposite direction.

Cheeks

The large and small zygomatic muscles raise the corners of the mouth when smiling, which forms nasolabial folds and “smile wrinkles” in the corners of the mouth. The laughter muscle stretches the lips and dimples the cheeks. A muscle that is activated during negative emotions pulls the corners of the mouth down. The circular muscle of the mouth pulls forward and compresses the lips. Due to the increased activity of this muscle, vertical folds around the lips, “smoker’s wrinkles,” form with age. The main direction when massaging the cheeks is from the lips to the ears.

Neck

The habit of keeping your head down while looking at your phone or tablet contributes to the appearance of wrinkles. Watch your posture, and massage the front surface of the neck from the bottom up: from the clavicular fossa to the chin.

Facial self-massage techniques

There are several facial massage techniques.

Self-massage of the face gives excellent results. But only on condition that you follow the massage lines and perform movements with a certain pressure and dosed intensity. If you comply with all the necessary conditions, the result will exceed all expectations.

Today, there are several self-massage techniques at once. Let’s consider some of them.

Sculptural

It is also called plastic self-massage of the face. Special pressure movements with fingertips and palms can increase muscle tone and relax them.

Mimic

The essence of the massage is to relax the muscles around the eyes and mouth. Movements are performed in a strictly defined sequence, including pressure and patting.

Italian

Such a massage affects the deeper layers of the skin using the technique of pinching and kneading. As a result, the contour of the face is tightened, wrinkles are reduced and wrinkles are smoothed out.

Tibetan

Oriental massage techniques are considered one of the most effective and have been tested for thousands of years. There is only one minus – you cannot learn such a massage on your own, you will have to take several lessons from a specialist. The Tibetan massage technique involves stimulating points located on the so-called energy meridians (they correspond to the direction of the massage lines). Tibetan massage strengthens the oval of the face, improves the blood supply to the epidermis, relieves swelling.

Preparation for self-massage

Any facial massage begins with cleansing the skin.

In order for the massage to be not only pleasant, but also an effective procedure, it is necessary to properly prepare for it. We tell you what to consider.

Purification

Any effect on the skin is preceded by cleansing. This is especially true when it comes to massage. To eliminate the risk of skin infection, it is important not only to clean your face, but also to wash your hands thoroughly.

Applying a cosmetic

Tuck your hair under the bandage and apply a cosmetic oil or fat cream that suits your skin type so that your hands glide better over your face and neck.

Comfortable posture

It is most convenient to carry out self-massage while sitting in front of a mirror. Find a comfortable position, put a mirror in front of you and get started!

Cosmetic self-massage: step by step instructions

Classical cosmetic massage consists of patting, pressing, tapping. Movements should replace each other every 2-3 minutes. Recall an important point – the fingers move along the massage lines.

Chin and neck

Move from the middle of the chin to the earlobes. The movement from the clavicles up the neck is accompanied by pops in the chin area.

Mouth

Direction – from the middle of the upper lip to the tragus of the ear and from the corners of the mouth to the ears.

Cheeks

Move from the wings of the nose to the temples. Closer to the temples, where “crow’s feet” usually form, 20-30 taps can be made.

Eyes

Any eye remedy is applied along the upper eyelid from the inner corner of the eye to the outer; on the bottom – vice versa.

Forehead

From the bridge of the nose we move parallel to the eyebrows towards the temples, while pinching the eyebrows.

A set of massage movements for the neck

To perform self-massage of the neck area, you must take a comfortable sitting position. The back is straight.

Back of the neck

  1. Place both hands behind your head and press your palms firmly against the back of your neck. Stroking and pressing movements knead the skin in the direction from the hairline to the shoulders. It should take about two minutes to complete the exercise.

  2. Press the fingertips of both hands to the base of the occiput and with kneading movements move from the base of the occiput to the shoulder blades. Perform 5 times. Repeat strokes.

  3. Press your fingers to your ears and in a circular motion move along the line of the occipital bone, bringing your hands together towards each other. Finish with stroking to relax the muscles.

Front of the neck

  1. Start by stroking the skin from the jaw to the chest. Movements should be smooth and soft.

  2. With circular movements of both hands, rub from the edge of the jaw to the clavicular fossa. The right hand rubs the left side of the neck, and the left hand rubs the right.

  3. The neck massage ends with the application of a tonic and then a cream or serum. Against the background of improved blood circulation and general skin tone, cosmetic products can be expected to be most effective.

We will discuss in more detail about which products can be used in this case in the next chapter.

Facial care products after massage

The effect of self-massage is many times higher if cosmetic products are used after the procedure to moisturize and nourish the skin.

So, what can be useful to the skin immediately after the massage? Here is a sample list.

Face cream Revitalift lifting care, face, contours, neck, L’Oréal Paris

A special Vitafibrin complex in the cream strengthens elastin and helps restore skin tone. Proretinol A stimulates the natural processes of cell renewal. Elasticity returns to the skin, wrinkles are reduced.

Hyaluronic concentrate for the skin of the face and neck in ampoules “Revitalift filler” [+Hyaluronic acid], L’Oréal Paris

Ampoules saturated with low- and high-molecular hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamin B5, contribute to high-quality skin hydration and its transformation in just 1 course – 7 days of daily use.

Emollience Moisture Repair, SkinCeuticals

Contains a selection of botanical extracts, oils and soothing ingredients for a comprehensive solution to dry skin.

Botanic face cream “Rose Water” for dry and sensitive skin, Garnier

The cream is enriched with rose water, which has softening and soothing properties. Restores softness and comfort to the skin.

Intensive care cream to protect very dry skin Nutrilogie 2, Vichy

Contains a sphingolipid derivative that promotes the synthesis of its own lipids. Cream care has a delicate texture, moisturizes the skin for 24 hours and eliminates the feeling of tightness.

Aqua cream with calendula concentrate Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream, Kiehl’s

A special water-based marigold concentrate contains micronized flower petals. Immediately after application, a pleasant feeling of freshness and a feeling of comfort appear.

Safety measures

There are a number of contraindications for cosmetic self-massage. You should not do it if you have:

  • wounds and damage to the skin;

  • acne (so as not to spread the infection throughout the face);

  • couperose;

  • herpetic eruptions.

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