Better Than Botox: Facial Massage for Younger Looking Skin

As time marches on, gravity takes a toll on every part of your body, the most visible being your face. If invasive, painful options like surgery or needles aren’t your thing, opt for a gentler, easier, cheaper solution that feels wonderful and leaves your skin plump and glowing.

Ever wonder why your skin is so luminous after a facial? It might have less to do with the products and more to do with the time spent kneading. Facial massage seems like an almost impossibly simple solution to dull, sagging skin. But it works! When facial muscles and connective tissue relaxes, expression lines soften and circulation increases. This has a lifting and firming effect, improving the contour and tone of your face. It can even relieve headaches and neck pain.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to achieve these results. Facial massage is just as effective when done to yourself. Give yourself an extra ten minutes and build it into your daily skincare routine. You should see both immediate and long-term effects.  Here are some general tips to keep in mind:

• Use long, diagonal strokes upward, in line with your cheekbones. For example, from mid jawline up to and along your cheekbone, all the way to the hairline.
• Massage around eye area from the inner to outer ridge of the eye socket, spreading away from the nose. (Don’t get too close, avoid the delicate skin around your eyes).
• Use thumbs to spread forehead from inner to outer with a slight upward stroke.
• If you wake up with puffiness or inflammation, use light patting with fingertips around the area. It will stimulate lymph drainage.
• Don’t massage without lubrication, if your skin is too dry the pulling can be damaging or uncomfortable. Use your favorite facial oil or pick up a simple Jojoba oil for the task.

Have you ever had a great facial massage? How did it make you feel/ look? Share with us in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Want to learn more about your skin’s needs? OKU, your personal skin care coach helps take away the guess work by analyzing your skin below the surface, and giving you an assessment of your skin along with tips on lifestyle, diet and products to help address your concerns. Learn more and pre-order at getoku.com.