lana Buckley
How to Perform a Massage Using a Facial Massager
A consistent daily skincare routine is essential for preserving natural beauty, which is why many of us are always on the lookout for effective cosmetic solutions. Some people prefer traditional approaches, while others embrace modern trends, incorporating facial massagers and various beauty devices into their daily care.
At home, these tools can help to maintain facial tone, reduce puffiness, and improve the complexion in just a few minutes. In recent years, facial massage has regained its reputation as one of the most effective ways to support healthy skin by boosting oxygen flow and removing toxins.
Just five to ten minutes of facial self-massage each day, combined with professional treatments twice a month, can be incredibly beneficial. As the Japanese saying goes: “The more frequently you massage, the less likely you will require cosmetic procedures.”
At home, these tools can help to maintain facial tone, reduce puffiness, and improve the complexion in just a few minutes. In recent years, facial massage has regained its reputation as one of the most effective ways to support healthy skin by boosting oxygen flow and removing toxins.
Just five to ten minutes of facial self-massage each day, combined with professional treatments twice a month, can be incredibly beneficial. As the Japanese saying goes: “The more frequently you massage, the less likely you will require cosmetic procedures.”
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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 regular use, these tools can offer the following benefits:
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- Improved microcirculation
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- Stimulation of cellular renewal
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- Toning of the skin
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- Relief of muscle fatigue
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- Reduction in emotional tension
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- Reduced puffiness
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- Decreased wrinkle depth
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- Sculpting of facial contours and cheekbones
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- Normalised sebum production
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- Lightening of pigmentation
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- Improved skin tone and complexion
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- General decrease in tension
IMPORTANT RULE
Before using a facial massager, it is important to thoroughly cleanse your skin. After the massage, apply a nourishing mask or cream to your face and neck. Drinking a glass of warm water afterwards can help the body flush out toxins.
Before starting to use mechanical facial massagers, it’s important to consider both their benefits and any potential contraindications. It is advisable to consult a qualified aesthetician to determine your skin type, condition, and the nature of any age-related changes. This will help ensure that the massage techniques are applied correctly.
This approach helps prevent unwanted side effects. When purchasing a massager, pay close attention to quality. Always opt for reputable brands to avoid low-quality imitations that may not be effective. A genuine natural stone roller, for example, offers better results than a synthetic version.
These tools can be beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their skin’s condition. However, they should not be used if you are experiencing active acne flare-ups, wounds, abrasions, dermatitis, colds, swollen lymph nodes, neoplasms, couperose skin, rosacea, or have individual sensitivities.
Always follow the natural massage lines of the face to ensure safe and effective use of the massager.
This approach helps prevent unwanted side effects. When purchasing a massager, pay close attention to quality. Always opt for reputable brands to avoid low-quality imitations that may not be effective. A genuine natural stone roller, for example, offers better results than a synthetic version.
These tools can be beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their skin’s condition. However, they should not be used if you are experiencing active acne flare-ups, wounds, abrasions, dermatitis, colds, swollen lymph nodes, neoplasms, couperose skin, rosacea, or have individual sensitivities.
Always follow the natural massage lines of the face to ensure safe and effective use of the massager.
Facial Massage Lines:
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- From the centre of the chin towards the earlobes
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- From the corners of the mouth towards the tragus (the central point of the ear)
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- From the sides of the nose outwards towards the temples
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- From the inner corner of the eye, following along the brow, towards the outer corner
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- From the outer corner of the eye, along the lower eyelid, towards the inner corner
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- From the base of the neck upwards towards the jawline in gentle strokes
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- From the centre of the forehead, sweeping outwards to the temples
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- Along the hairline, from the centre moving outwards
Neck and Décolleté Massage Lines
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- From the centre of the chest towards the collarbone area
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- Upwards along the front of the neck
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- 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 your eyes – these are the most commonly noted benefits of facial massage by women. However, the advantages of these modern beauty tools go far beyond aesthetics, contributing significantly to both health and beauty.
- Muscle Toning and Tension ReliefMost people experience noticeable tension in their facial muscles. When we are stressed, tired, or deeply focused, we often tense our forehead and the area around our eyes. Over time, this can contribute to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Just a few minutes of facial massage in the evening can help release this tension, ease facial muscles, and promote relaxation.1
- Toxin RemovalThe daily use of cosmetic products, exposure to pollutants, and everyday stress can lead to a build-up of toxins in your skin. This accumulation can cause puffiness and breakouts. Lymphatic drainage facial massage encourages circulation and supports your skin’s natural detox process, helping to eliminate waste and toxins more effectively.2
- Improved CirculationLike regular exercise, facial massage boosts blood and oxygen flow to your skin. This increase in circulation helps reduce puffiness (especially under the eyes), brightens your complexion, and stimulates natural production of collagen. The result is healthier and radiant-looking skin.
Facial massage can also support nasal drainage, making it helpful for those dealing with sinus pressure or congestion. It may even help to relieve headaches and improve breathing comfort.3 - Reduces Anxiety LevelsFacial massage can also improve your mood. While it might sound surprising, research shows that for many people, this simple ritual can significantly lower levels of anxiety.4
Quartz and Jade Facial Rollers: How to Use Them
Crafted from natural stones with scientifically recognised bioenergetic properties, facial rollers can have a positive effect on your skin. The specific colour of the stone is not what matters – it may be green, pink, or brown. The pink roller is typically made from quartz, which naturally stays cool to the touch. In contrast, the green jade roller tends to warm slightly on contact due to its natural properties.
Rose quartz is especially known for helping reduce the visibility of fine lines. It supports a more even skin tone and helps slow visible signs of ageing. Green jade, meanwhile, is particularly effective for supporting lymphatic flow and addressing redness or breakouts, all while refining the look of pores. These tools can be used whether you’re lying down, seated, or standing.
They are excellent for easing facial muscle tension, encouraging lymphatic drainage, and reducing puffiness. The naturally cool sensation of the stone refreshes your skin and helps you feel more awake. That said, it’s best not to store the roller in the fridge, as overly cold temperatures may worsen capillary sensitivity.
Rose quartz is especially known for helping reduce the visibility of fine lines. It supports a more even skin tone and helps slow visible signs of ageing. Green jade, meanwhile, is particularly effective for supporting lymphatic flow and addressing redness or breakouts, all while refining the look of pores. These tools can be used whether you’re lying down, seated, or standing.
They are excellent for easing facial muscle tension, encouraging lymphatic drainage, and reducing puffiness. The naturally cool sensation of the stone refreshes your skin and helps you feel more awake. That said, it’s best not to store the roller in the fridge, as overly cold temperatures may worsen capillary sensitivity.
How to Use
(Optional) Apply a cosmetic oil or other suitable massage product to your skin. Gently glide the roller along the massage lines, starting from the centre of your face and moving outwards. Repeat each stroke 3–4 times with light pressure. For the eye area, opt for a smaller stone roller.
To encourage lymphatic drainage and help reduce puffiness, gently move the roller from the bridge of your nose towards the tragus (the small cartilage just in front of your ear).
To target fine lines, move from the outer corner of the eye along the orbital bone towards the inner corner. When carrying out the massage, take care not to apply excessive pressure, as the lymphatic vessels lie just beneath the skin’s surface.
To encourage lymphatic drainage and help reduce puffiness, gently move the roller from the bridge of your nose towards the tragus (the small cartilage just in front of your ear).
To target fine lines, move from the outer corner of the eye along the orbital bone towards the inner corner. When carrying out the massage, take care not to apply excessive pressure, as the lymphatic vessels lie just beneath the skin’s surface.
Gua Sha Facial Tool: How to Use
The term "gua sha" originates from Chinese and translates roughly as "scraping away the bad." This ancient Eastern practice targets specific reflex points on the face and body. Research suggests that daily use of gua sha tools can stimulate collagen production, enhance microcirculation, and help refine the appearance of fine lines.
This method is widely regarded as one of the most effective and gentle ways to manage fluid retention and promote facial vitality. It supports lymphatic flow, encourages a lifted appearance, and leaves the skin feeling toned, refreshed, and more radiant.
This method is widely regarded as one of the most effective and gentle ways to manage fluid retention and promote facial vitality. It supports lymphatic flow, encourages a lifted appearance, and leaves the skin feeling toned, refreshed, and more radiant.
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 at ease with the technique, you can begin using two tools simultaneously for a more balanced, symmetrical approach.
Follow the natural massage lines, repeating each movement 6 to 9 times. Avoid applying too much pressure, steer clear of lymph nodes and the thyroid area, and be especially gentle around the eye area.
Pay particular 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 beneath the lower lip. These points are linked by energy pathways, often referred to as meridians in many Eastern traditions.
Your massage should follow these lines, working with the natural direction of the lymphatic system. Use the edge or corner of the gua sha tool to apply gentle, circular pressure to the relevant points, then continue gliding along the massage lines.
Above all, listen to your own body. The number of repetitions and the rhythm of the movements can and should be adjusted to suit your personal needs. Ideally, this type of massage should become a regular part of your skincare routine to maintain consistent, visible results.
Follow the natural massage lines, repeating each movement 6 to 9 times. Avoid applying too much pressure, steer clear of lymph nodes and the thyroid area, and be especially gentle around the eye area.
Pay particular 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 beneath the lower lip. These points are linked by energy pathways, often referred to as meridians in many Eastern traditions.
Your massage should follow these lines, working with the natural direction of the lymphatic system. Use the edge or corner of the gua sha tool to apply gentle, circular pressure to the relevant points, then continue gliding along the massage lines.
Above all, listen to your own body. The number of repetitions and the rhythm of the movements can and should be adjusted to suit your personal needs. Ideally, this type of massage should become a regular part of your skincare routine to maintain consistent, visible results.
ReFa Massager
The ReFa massager is one of the most popular and premium facial massage tools available today. However, its high price does not necessarily make it the right choice for everyone.
When used correctly, this tool can provide a firming and toning effect by gently stimulating the facial muscles. The ReFa grips the skin lightly between its rollers while massaging the tissue. This may cause mild discomfort, which is quite normal, particularly if the skin is tight or prone to puffiness. To avoid overstretching delicate facial ligaments, it is essential to understand how to use the device properly. Equally important is being aware of your skin type and how it responds to ageing.
When applied appropriately, the ReFa can help define the contours of the face, improve muscle tone in the neck area, and enhance the cheekbones. For the rest of the face, the device promotes lymphatic drainage, encouraging better circulation and helping to reduce puffiness.
When used correctly, this tool can provide a firming and toning effect by gently stimulating the facial muscles. The ReFa grips the skin lightly between its rollers while massaging the tissue. This may cause mild discomfort, which is quite normal, particularly if the skin is tight or prone to puffiness. To avoid overstretching delicate facial ligaments, it is essential to understand how to use the device properly. Equally important is being aware of your skin type and how it responds to ageing.
When applied appropriately, the ReFa can help define the contours of the face, improve muscle tone in the neck area, and enhance the cheekbones. For the rest of the face, the device promotes lymphatic drainage, encouraging better circulation and helping to reduce puffiness.
How to Use
Before beginning a facial massage with a roller massager, it is not necessary to apply cream or oil, as this may interfere with the tool's ability to grip the skin effectively. Always move the roller in a single upward direction, following the natural massage lines. Use your free hand to support the skin on the opposite side of the direction in which you are moving.
When massaging the neck, place your hand on the muscle near the collarbone and glide the roller along the sternocleidomastoid muscle towards the mastoid process (just behind the ear). When working along the lower jawline, support the skin beneath the chin. Starting around two fingers width from the corner of the mouth, guide the roller along the jawline towards the earlobe.
Take extra care when working around the lower jaw area, particularly if you have inflamed lymph nodes, as using a roller in this case is not advisable. In the cheekbone area, support the skin near the corner of the mouth and roll upwards along the cheekbone towards the temple. The roller should follow the natural contour between the cheekbone ridges for best results.
When massaging the neck, place your hand on the muscle near the collarbone and glide the roller along the sternocleidomastoid muscle towards the mastoid process (just behind the ear). When working along the lower jawline, support the skin beneath the chin. Starting around two fingers width from the corner of the mouth, guide the roller along the jawline towards the earlobe.
Take extra care when working around the lower jaw area, particularly if you have inflamed lymph nodes, as using a roller in this case is not advisable. In the cheekbone area, support the skin near the corner of the mouth and roll upwards along the cheekbone towards the temple. The roller should follow the natural contour between the cheekbone ridges for best results.
Caring for Stone Facial Massage Tools
Facial massage using gua sha tools and stone rollers typically involves the use of creams or oils. After each session, cosmetic residue and impurities may remain on the tools. For this reason, it is important to rinse the roller thoroughly under running water or wipe it with a soft microfibre cloth after every use.
A deeper clean is recommended once a week. To do this, soak a soft cloth in 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 may damage the stone. If the roller squeaks after being washed with soap, apply a small amount of oil to the base on both sides to lubricate it. Before each use, wipe down the roller to ensure that no dust particles are transferred onto the skin.
Having 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 radiant at any age!
A deeper clean is recommended once a week. To do this, soak a soft cloth in 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 may damage the stone. If the roller squeaks after being washed with soap, apply a small amount of oil to the base on both sides to lubricate it. Before each use, wipe down the roller to ensure that no dust particles are transferred onto the skin.
Having 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 radiant at any age!
Source: MYHANDBOOK
Author: Lana Buckley
Author: Lana Buckley
