BEAUTY
Facials have stepped up their game in a major way. It’s no longer just about having a Hydrafacial or some steam and extractions. Treatments now come with high-tech add-ons like laser, LED, and microcurrent as standard. And considering most of us already have bathroom cabinets overflowing with serums and masks, if we’re going to hike across the city and spend hard earned bank for a treatment, we want noticeable results a la Lindsay Lohan—and fast. But here’s the thing: with all the high-tech treatments in the city, are we really making the most of our products at home?
Enter: facial massage. More than just a fancy extra in a spa facial, techniques like lymphatic drainage, gua sha, and face yoga all help lift, sculpt, and de-puff while boosting circulation and enhancing product absorption. China is often credited with developing some of the first facial massage techniques with gua sha and facial massage integrated into traditional Chinese medicine to release blocked energy and improve blood flow. But other countries including Greece, Persia, Japan, and Sweden have also played an influence throughout history in shaping what we know as facial massage today. Facial massage is the ultimate way to level up your skincare game, no lasers required. Here’s everything you need to know about facial massage and why it deserves a prime spot in your skincare routine.
How Does Facial Massage Actually Work?
Facial massage isn’t just about feeling fancy, it has real skin benefits, and it all starts with your lymphatic system. The key areas to focus on? The lymph nodes under your ears and along your neck. When these get sluggish, fluid builds up, leaving your complexion looking puffy and dull. Gentle massage helps drain toxins, bringing back that fresh, sculpted look. Think of it as a mini detox for your face.
But that’s not all. Massaging your skin boosts circulation, which means more oxygen and nutrients reach your skin cells. Better blood flow wakes up your fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production, helping to keep skin plump and firm.
And let’s not forget the tension release. With all the jaw clenching, screen squinting, and stress-holding we do daily, facial muscles can get seriously tight. When you work out those knots (especially around the jaw and temples), your face instantly looks more lifted, relaxed, and refreshed.
A little facial massage can go a long way, no needles required. Here's everything we love about the benefits.
De-Puffing & Contouring – Helps drain excess fluid and define facial structure.
Boosts Circulation – Increases blood flow, leaving your skin glowing and radiant.
Promotes Lymphatic Drainage – Detoxifies the skin and reduces water retention.
Eases Tension – Relieves jaw, forehead, and neck tightness (hello, screen fatigue).
Stimulates Collagen Production – Over time, it can help with elasticity and firmness.
Our Top Facial Massage Methods
Lymphatic Drainage: The Secret to a Sculpted Face
If you wake up with a puffy face (thanks, late-night salty snacks), lymphatic drainage is your new best friend. This gentle massage technique helps remove excess fluid, reducing puffiness and defining facial contours.
How to Do It:
Start with a hydrating facial oil or serum for slip (never massage on dry skin).
Use light pressure and sweep your fingers or a gua sha tool in upward and outward motions—starting from the center of your face and moving toward the ears and neck.
Always drain down the neck to encourage lymphatic flow.
Our Tip: We love this over a sheet mask for a double results effect.
Gua Sha: The Ultimate Sculpting Tool
Gua sha has been around for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and for good reason. This jade or rose quartz stone is designed to lift, sculpt, and boost circulation, leaving your skin looking firm and defined but you can also use a metal gua sha if you prefer (or are clumsy like us).
How to Use It:
Apply a facial oil, then hold the gua sha tool at a 15-degree angle.
Start from the center of your face and sweep the tool outward in long, firm strokes.
Work in sections—jawline, cheekbones, under eyes, forehead, and neck.
Our Tip: Keep your gua sha in the fridge for an extra cooling, de-puffing effect.
Face Yoga: The Natural Facelift
Face yoga is like Pilates for your face. We love to combine face yoga moves with in clinic treatments for an all round result. By strengthening the muscles beneath your skin, it can help lift, firm, and prevent sagging over time.
Easy Face Yoga Moves to Try:
Jaw Definer: Tilt your head back slightly, pucker your lips, and hold for 10 seconds to tone the jawline.
Cheek Lifter: Smile wide while pressing down on your cheeks with your fingertips. Hold for 10 seconds, repeat.
Eye Brightener: Place your fingers under your eyebrows and gently lift while squinting to tighten the skin around your eyes.
Our Tip: Consistency is key. Just like the gym, results come with time and repetition.
How to Incorporate Facial Massage into Your Routine
Not sure when to fit facial massage into your day? Here’s how to make it a habit:
Morning Routine: Perfect for de-puffing and getting a glow before makeup.
Evening Wind-Down: Helps relieve the days tension and stress before bed.
While Applying Skincare: Take the time to massage your face as you apply serums and creams.
During TV Time: Grab your gua sha while watching Netflix for effortless skincare.
The Best Products to Boost Your Facial Massage
Facial Oils: Slip is key for a smooth, tug-free massage. Try Vintner’s Daughter or Sunday Riley’s Juno Oil.
Gua Sha Tools: Opt for a high-quality jade or rose quartz tool. Mount Lai and Wildling Beauty have great options.
Ice Rollers: For the ultimate de-puffing effect, use an ice roller before or after your massage.
Is It Worth the Hype?
100% YES. Facial massages aren’t just another beauty trend, they’re a game-changer for your skin and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to sculpt, de-puff, or just sneak in a moment of self-care, these techniques are an easy and effective to add to your routine.