lana Buckley
How to Perform a Massage Using a Facial Massager
Daily Skincare Routine A consistent daily skincare routine is essential for preserving our natural beauty, which is why we are constantly seeking effective cosmetic solutions. Some individuals follow conventional methods, while others embrace contemporary trends, incorporating facial massagers and various beauty devices into their regimen. In a home setting, these tools effectively help to maintain facial tone, reduce puffiness, and enhance the complexion within minutes. Over the past few years, facial massage has re-established itself as one of the most effective methods for maintaining healthy skin, increasing oxygen supply, and eliminating toxins. There is nothing more beneficial than 5 to 10 minutes of daily self-massage, complemented by professional treatments twice a month. As the Japanese wisely observe: “The more frequently you massage, the less likely you will require cosmetic surgery.”
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The most popular and widely accessible options include mechanical massagers such as stone rollers, gua sha tools, and the 3D ReFa massager.
With consistent use, these devices can provide the following benefits:
- Improved microcirculation
- Stimulation of cellular renewal
- Toning of the skin
- Relief of muscle fatigue
- Reduction of emotional tension
- Reduction of puffiness
- Reduction in wrinkle depth
- Facial contour and cheekbone sculpting
- Normalisation of sebum production
- Reduction in pigmentation
- Enhanced skin tone and complexion
- Overall reduction in tension
IMPORTANT RULE
Before using any facial massager, it is essential to thoroughly cleanse the skin. After completing the massage, apply a nourishing mask or cream to the face and neck. Drink a glass of warm water to help eliminate toxins from the body.
Before beginning to use mechanical facial massagers, it is important to consider both indications and contraindications. It is recommended to consult a professional aesthetician to determine your type of age-related changes, skin condition, and to correctly focus the massage techniques.
This approach helps to avoid undesirable side effects. Furthermore, when purchasing a massager, it is crucial to pay attention to its quality. Always choose reputable brands to avoid ending up with an ineffective imitation rather than a genuine natural stone roller.
These beauty gadgets are suitable for anyone wishing to improve their facial skin condition. However, they are contraindicated in cases of active acne flare-ups, wounds, abrasions, dermatitis, colds, enlarged lymph nodes, neoplasms, couperose skin, rosacea, and individual intolerance.
It is also important to always follow the natural massage lines along which the massager should work.
This approach helps to avoid undesirable side effects. Furthermore, when purchasing a massager, it is crucial to pay attention to its quality. Always choose reputable brands to avoid ending up with an ineffective imitation rather than a genuine natural stone roller.
These beauty gadgets are suitable for anyone wishing to improve their facial skin condition. However, they are contraindicated in cases of active acne flare-ups, wounds, abrasions, dermatitis, colds, enlarged lymph nodes, neoplasms, couperose skin, rosacea, and individual intolerance.
It is also important to always follow the natural massage lines along which the massager should work.
Facial Massage Lines:
- From the centre of the chin towards the earlobes
- From the corners of the mouth towards the tragus (the centre of the ear
- From the sides of the nose towards the temples
- From the sides of the nose towards the temples
- From the inner corner of the eye, along the brow, towards the outer corner
- From the outer corner of the eye, along the lower eyelid, towards the inner corner of the eye
- From the centre of the forehead towards the temples
- Across the hairline – from the centre outwards
Neck and Décolleté Massage Lines
- From the centre of the chest towards the collarbone area
- Upwards along the front of the neck
- Downwards along the sides of the neck
Facial Massage: Effects
Smooth, radiant skin, a well-defined facial contour, and a reduction in puffiness and dark circles under the eyes – these are the most commonly noted benefits of facial massage by women. However, the advantages of these modern beauty tools extend far beyond aesthetics, contributing significantly to both health and beauty.
- Muscle Toning and Tension ReliefMost individuals experience significant facial muscle tension. When we are stressed, fatigued, or deeply focused, we tend to tense our forehead and the area around the eyes. Over time, this inevitably leads to the formation of wrinkles. Just a few minutes of facial massage at the end of the day is sufficient to release tension in the facial muscles, promoting relaxation and restoring muscle tone.1
- Toxin RemovalThe excessive use of cosmetic products, exposure to environmental pollutants, and the demands of daily life contribute to the accumulation of toxins in our skin. This build-up can lead to breakouts and puffiness. Lymphatic drainage facial massage improves circulation and stimulates the body’s natural detoxification process, actively eliminating waste and toxins from the skin.2
- Improved CirculationJust as with exercises like jumping or press-ups, facial self-massage encourages blood and oxygen flow to the face. This enhanced circulation helps reduce puffiness, particularly under the eyes, and brightens the complexion. The oxygen delivered to the skin stimulates the production of natural collagen and enhances cellular metabolism, resulting in healthier and more radiant skin.
The therapeutic effects of facial massage are also beneficial for individuals who experience nasal congestion or sinus pressure. Working on these areas with a roller can promote mucus drainage, relieve headaches, and further improve circulation.3 - Reduces Anxiety LevelsFacial massage can also improve mood. It may sound unusual, but studies have shown that for some individuals, this beauty treatment effectively reduces levels of anxiety.4
Quartz and Jade Facial Rollers: How to Use Them
Crafted from natural stones with scientifically recognised bioenergetic properties, these rollers have a positive effect on skin health. The colour of the stone itself is not critical — it can be green, pink or even brown. The pink roller is made from quartz, which always stays cool to the touch, unlike the green jade roller, which naturally warms upon contact with the skin due to its inherent properties.
Rose quartz is particularly renowned for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines. This stone helps to slow the ageing process and visibly evens out skin tone. Green jade, on the other hand, supports the lymphatic system, helping to combat breakouts and redness while also minimising the appearance of pores.
These rollers can be used while lying down, standing or sitting.
They are highly effective at relieving facial muscle tension, promoting lymphatic drainage, and reducing puffiness. The naturally cool sensation of the stone enhances freshness and revitalisation. However, it’s important not to over-chill your roller in the fridge, as excessive cold may exacerbate capillary issues.
Rose quartz is particularly renowned for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines. This stone helps to slow the ageing process and visibly evens out skin tone. Green jade, on the other hand, supports the lymphatic system, helping to combat breakouts and redness while also minimising the appearance of pores.
These rollers can be used while lying down, standing or sitting.
They are highly effective at relieving facial muscle tension, promoting lymphatic drainage, and reducing puffiness. The naturally cool sensation of the stone enhances freshness and revitalisation. However, it’s important not to over-chill your roller in the fridge, as excessive cold may exacerbate capillary issues.
How to Use
(Optional) Apply a cosmetic oil or other massage product to the skin. Gently glide the roller along the massage lines from the centre of the face towards the outer edges, repeating each movement 3-4 times with light pressure. Use a smaller stone roller for the delicate eye area.
To enhance lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness, glide the roller from the bridge of the nose towards the tragus (the small cartilage area near the ear).
To smooth fine lines, move from the outer corner of the eye along the orbital bone towards the inner corner. When performing the massage, it is important not to press too hard on the skin, bearing in mind that lymphatic vessels lie close to the surface.
To enhance lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness, glide the roller from the bridge of the nose towards the tragus (the small cartilage area near the ear).
To smooth fine lines, move from the outer corner of the eye along the orbital bone towards the inner corner. When performing the massage, it is important not to press too hard on the skin, bearing in mind that lymphatic vessels lie close to the surface.
Gua Sha Facial Tool: How to Use
In Chinese, the term "gua sha" translates to "scrape away all the bad." It is an ancient Eastern technique that targets specific reflex zones located on the face and body. According to research, daily massage with gua sha plates or scrapers stimulates collagen production, improves microcirculation, and helps smooth fine lines.
This type of massage is considered one of the most effective and safest methods for combating fluid retention caused by various imbalances. It offers excellent lymphatic drainage benefits, promotes toning, and delivers a natural lifting effect.
This type of massage is considered one of the most effective and safest methods for combating fluid retention caused by various imbalances. It offers excellent lymphatic drainage benefits, promotes toning, and delivers a natural lifting effect.
How to Use
Begin by applying a facial oil or your preferred massage product to the skin. When starting out, it’s best to use the gua sha tool on one side of the face at a time to avoid overstretching the skin. Once you feel comfortable with the technique, you can use two tools simultaneously on both sides of the face for a more symmetrical approach.
Follow the natural massage lines, repeating each movement 6-9 times. Avoid applying excessive pressure, steer clear of lymph nodes and the thyroid area, and use a particularly light touch around the eyes.
Pay special attention to key bioenergetic points located across the forehead, at the inner and outer corners of the brows, under the eyes, at the sides of the nose, in the centre of the cheeks, the corners of the mouth, and below the lower lip. These points are connected by energy lines, known as meridians in many Eastern practices.
Your massage should incorporate these lines, aligning them with the natural flow of the lymphatic system. Use the corner of the gua sha tool to apply gentle circular pressure on specific points, then continue following the massage lines.
Most importantly, listen to your own body. The number of repetitions and the rhythm of movements can and should be adjusted to suit your individual needs. Ideally, this type of massage should be performed daily to maintain optimal results.
Follow the natural massage lines, repeating each movement 6-9 times. Avoid applying excessive pressure, steer clear of lymph nodes and the thyroid area, and use a particularly light touch around the eyes.
Pay special attention to key bioenergetic points located across the forehead, at the inner and outer corners of the brows, under the eyes, at the sides of the nose, in the centre of the cheeks, the corners of the mouth, and below the lower lip. These points are connected by energy lines, known as meridians in many Eastern practices.
Your massage should incorporate these lines, aligning them with the natural flow of the lymphatic system. Use the corner of the gua sha tool to apply gentle circular pressure on specific points, then continue following the massage lines.
Most importantly, listen to your own body. The number of repetitions and the rhythm of movements can and should be adjusted to suit your individual needs. Ideally, this type of massage should be performed daily to maintain optimal results.
ReFa Massager
The ReFa massager is one of the most popular and high-end facial massage tools available today. However, its high price tag does not automatically make it the ideal choice for everyone.
When used correctly, this tool can deliver a firming and toning effect by gently stimulating the facial muscles. The ReFa works by gently gripping the skin between its rollers and massaging the tissue. This can cause slight discomfort, which is completely normal, especially if the skin is tense or prone to puffiness.
To avoid overstretching delicate facial ligaments, it’s crucial to understand how to use the device correctly. Equally important is knowing your skin type and how it responds to ageing.
When used appropriately, the ReFa can help define the facial contours, enhance muscle tone in the neck area, and sculpt the cheekbones. For the rest of the face, the tool offers a gentle lymphatic drainage effect, supporting circulation and reducing puffiness.
When used correctly, this tool can deliver a firming and toning effect by gently stimulating the facial muscles. The ReFa works by gently gripping the skin between its rollers and massaging the tissue. This can cause slight discomfort, which is completely normal, especially if the skin is tense or prone to puffiness.
To avoid overstretching delicate facial ligaments, it’s crucial to understand how to use the device correctly. Equally important is knowing your skin type and how it responds to ageing.
When used appropriately, the ReFa can help define the facial contours, enhance muscle tone in the neck area, and sculpt the cheekbones. For the rest of the face, the tool offers a gentle lymphatic drainage effect, supporting circulation and reducing puffiness.
How to Use
Before performing a facial massage with a roller massager, it is not necessary to apply cream or oil, as this would prevent the proper grip on the skin. Always move the roller in a single upward direction, following the natural massage lines. Try to support the skin with your free hand on the opposite side to the direction you are moving.
When massaging the neck, hold the muscle near the collarbone and move the massager along the sternocleidomastoid muscle towards the mastoid process (just behind the ear). When working along the lower jawline, support the skin under the chin. Starting approximately two fingers' width from the corner of the mouth, guide the roller along the jawline towards the earlobe.
Be cautious when working around the lower jaw area, especially if you have inflamed lymph nodes - using a roller massager in this case is not recommended. In the cheekbone area, hold the skin near the corner of the mouth and move the roller upwards along the cheekbone towards the temple. The curve of the roller should pass between the contours of the cheekbone for optimal effect.
When massaging the neck, hold the muscle near the collarbone and move the massager along the sternocleidomastoid muscle towards the mastoid process (just behind the ear). When working along the lower jawline, support the skin under the chin. Starting approximately two fingers' width from the corner of the mouth, guide the roller along the jawline towards the earlobe.
Be cautious when working around the lower jaw area, especially if you have inflamed lymph nodes - using a roller massager in this case is not recommended. In the cheekbone area, hold the skin near the corner of the mouth and move the roller upwards along the cheekbone towards the temple. The curve of the roller should pass between the contours of the cheekbone for optimal effect.
Caring for Stone Facial Massage Tools
Facial massage using gua sha tools and stone rollers typically involves the use of creams or oils. Following each session, cosmetic residue and impurities from the skin remain on the tools. For this reason, it is essential to thoroughly rinse the roller under running water or wipe it with a soft microfibre cloth after every use.
Once a week, a deeper clean is recommended. To do this, submerge a soft cloth into a bowl of warm soapy water and gently wipe your massager. Afterwards, pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or alcohol, as these could damage the stone. If the roller squeaks after being washed with soap, apply a few drops of oil to the base on both sides to lubricate it. Before each use, wipe down the roller to ensure no dust particles are transferred onto the skin.
Having personally tried all three types of massagers, my personal favourite is the jade gua sha tool.
Remember, only when used correctly can mechanical massage tools deliver the desired results. Stay beautiful at any age!
Once a week, a deeper clean is recommended. To do this, submerge a soft cloth into a bowl of warm soapy water and gently wipe your massager. Afterwards, pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or alcohol, as these could damage the stone. If the roller squeaks after being washed with soap, apply a few drops of oil to the base on both sides to lubricate it. Before each use, wipe down the roller to ensure no dust particles are transferred onto the skin.
Having personally tried all three types of massagers, my personal favourite is the jade gua sha tool.
Remember, only when used correctly can mechanical massage tools deliver the desired results. Stay beautiful at any age!
Source: MYHANDBOOK
Author: Lana Buckley
Author: Lana Buckley
