Facial massage techniques have been evaluated in a few research, and the results imply that massage may increase blood flow and plump the skin. Trusted Source, or subjectively enhance the skin’s look.
Studies on the subject, however, have serious flaws, like a small participant pool and a lack of long-term follow-up. There is therefore no unambiguous scientific evidence that face massage dramatically alters the skin’s obvious indications of aging.
Some providers of facial massage assert that regular sessions could, over time or instantly, lessen the appearance of aging. This claim is supported by some evidence, but it is insufficient.
A 2018 study, for instance, examined the impact of massage rollers on the skin over the course of five weeks. Twelve study participants had their right cheek massaged by researchers. Only the right cheek had increased vasodilation, a measurement of blood flow, after 5 weeks.
This implies that massage therapy may enhance circulation. The supply of beneficial nutrients to the skin, an increase in skin suppleness, or skin healing might all theoretically be facilitated by this. More investigation is required to prove this, though, as the study was somewhat small.
Some providers of facial massage assert that regular sessions could, over time or instantly, lessen the appearance of aging. This claim is supported by some evidence, but it is insufficient.
According to a reliable source, face massage may give the cheeks the appearance of being lifted. Researchers came to the conclusion that massage could aid in improving facial movement, potentially resulting in the skin seeming younger or more lifted, based on CT scans of a corpse and six volunteers.
The CT scanning method employed in Trusted Source by some of the same authors involved five volunteers who massaged their cheeks for two weeks. Researchers discovered that massage helped lift the skin, thinned the skin, and generally enhanced the appearance of the skin.
No single type of face massage is proven to work better than others when it comes to reducing the visible signs of aging. There are various approaches, including:
Swedish: This type uses light, long strokes to ease muscle tension.
Shiatsu: This form of massage originates from Japan and involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. People can also get this type of massage on the face.
Gua sha: This method of facial massage involves using a flat crystal tool to massage the contours of the face. It originates in East Asian medicine.
Lymphatic drainage: This type of massage moves lymph, which is a type of bodily fluid, beneath the skin. Some people use it to reduce puffiness.
People can use their fingers, thumbs, the heel of their hands, or a tool to massage the face. Some tools people may find helpful include:
Face rollers: These devices apply even, gentle pressure to the skin. They come in a range of sizes and materials, including metal, wood, glass, and crystal. Some manufacturers claim that certain types of face rollers, such as jade rollers, offer additional benefits. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Heated massagers: Some companies make face massagers that heat up. This may help soothe aches and pains or help a person feel relaxed.
Chilled massagers: Cold massagers may contain a liquid that keeps the tool cold, or they may require a person to store them in the refrigerator. They provide a refreshing sensation and may temporarily tighten the skin.
Vibrating massagers: Some face massagers also vibrate. Manufacturers claim this gives a more intense massage, although no studies have yet to investigate this.
