The plainest beauty tricks are usually the best, but they tend to be obvious and overlooked. Facial massage is all of these: easy, intuitive and mostly absent from skin-care routines even though it can be a great alternative to invasive treatments like Botox.
This type of massage has long been a secret weapon of aestheticians (think of all that stroking and swirling during a facial). By relaxing muscles and connective tissue, massaging the face softens expression-induced lines around your eyes, lips and brows, helps expel acne-causing toxins and de-puffs and brightens the eye area. It also increases circulation, oxygenating the blood and encouraging the presence of fresh, healing red blood cells.
Treat your skin to your very own facial and watch how it glows.
To do it at home, follow these directions based on Malvina Fraser’s technique (expert facialist with clients including Madonna), while applying your daily cleanser or moisturizer. For an especially hydrating treatment, try it in the bath using an organic face oil.
Step 1: The Brow Tap
From the brown bone to the hair line, using your fore finger and the index finger, tap 5 times upwards to your hairline. Repeat six times
What this is for: This technique improves circulation moving and helps with frown lines.
Step 2: The Five Finger Brow Smooth
From the centre of your brow, using the length of your fingers, smooth and press across the forehead towards your temples in a flowing movement. When you get to the temple hold for 6 seconds. Repeat 4 times
What this is for: This is great for releasing tension and getting the blood flowing.
Step 3: The Brow Hold and Release
Using both thumbs on each side of the bridge of the nose, hold and release. Repeat this 6 times.
What this is for: This helps you to relax and calm and can alleviate tension and headaches.
Step 4: The Brow Bone Pinch
Following your eyebrows, gently pinch along the bone towards your outer eye. Repeat 4 times.
What this is for: This helps to increase blood circulation.
Step 5: The Lower Eye Socket Tap
Using your ring finger (your lightest finger), starting from the lower eye socket, at the bridge of the nose, gently tap outwards towards the hair line along the eye bag. Do not reverse and always sweep outwards. Repeat 6 times
What this is for: This technique helps to stimulate the lymph glands.
Step 6: The Nasolabial Pinch
Gently pinch your Nasolabial (smile lines), starting at the corner of the mouth, pinch upwards. . Pinch upwards five times. Repeat 5 times.
What this is for: This will increase blood flow to this area as this is one of the most prominent problem areas in the aging process.
Step 7: The Chin and Jawline Pinch
Gently pinch under the chin and up around the jawline towards the hairline. Repeat this twice.
What this is for: This is to help elasticate the skin and increase blood flow to the jowl.
Step 8: The Cheek Bone Squeeze
Starting from either side of the nostril, gently pinch towards your hairline, along the cheek bone in 5 squeezes. Repeat this twice
What this is for: To increase blood flow to your cheeks and give them a healthy glow.
Step 9: The Ear Massage
Massage the top of your ears by putting a little pressure in the form of a squeeze, as this is where your lymph glands are. Continue down towards your earlobe, pulling down gently when you reach the lobe. Repeat this twice
What this is for: Ears drop with age and dehydration so it is important to pay attention to them and moisturize every night.
Plz tell me how many times this massage should be done in a week?
@Saba,
I do this routine everyday.. It really helps.
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