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Facial massage can be performed by a massage therapist, a cosmetologist, an esthetician, or done at home. The most comfortable position for most clients is on a massage table or chair, but any flat surface will work.
Always use massage oil made especially for the face. This product is available through many skin care companies. This oil moisturizes the skin and helps facilitate movement over the delicate facial areas.
Start with cleansing the face first. An exfoliant or masque may also be used prior to the massage. The exfoliant is good for increasing the blood flow and sloughing off any dead skin cells. This leaves the face clean and ready for a moisturizing massage.
Begin the massage by setting the mood. Make sure the surroundings are quiet, lights are dim, and add relaxing music if desired. Apply massage oil on the fingertips and face. This oil will provide lubrication, or slip, for massage movements.
A very gentle, gliding movement, or effleurage, with soft strokes is best for facial massage. The face is sensitive and highly vascular. If the pressure is too deep, facial skin may bruise or swell. Use the index, middle and ring fingers for the lightest pressure. Massage strokes should be an upward motion, which gives the facial muscles lift and counteracts gravity.
A facial massage involves the entire face - including the forehead, nose, eyes, mouth, chin, cheeks, temples, neck, dcolletage, ears, and sometimes scalp. Use caution around the eyes because the skin in this region is extremely delicate and thinner than other areas of the face. The oil is removed after completion of the massage, leaving the face cleansed and relaxed.
As a precaution, facial massage should not be performed with the following conditions: open cuts, sores, or boils, skin inflammation, severe acne, psoriasis, or eczema. Skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema may be further irritated by a facial massage. Contact lens wearers should remove lens prior to starting the massage.
The benefits of facial massage include improvement of facial tone, relaxation of muscles, relief from headaches, stress, and anxiety, and overall relaxation. Always use massage oil made especially for the face. Regular massages of the face can lead to healthy, younger looking skin along with mental and physical relaxation.
