Whats the Benefits of face massage Everyday?
Can facial massage damage the skin or exacerbate other skin conditions if done improperly? How rigorous is the technique, and what are the risks for your specific skin type?
Yes, improper facial massage techniques can potentially damage the skin or worsen certain pre-existing skin conditions. The skin on the face is quite delicate, so massage requires a light touch and the proper precautions. If too much pressure is applied during facial massage, vessels under the skin called capillaries can rupture.
Regular face massage disadvantages | Can massage Treatment Actually Damage Your Skin?
A facial massage seems like a relaxing, indulgent spa treatment that can rejuvenate skin. But could this popular anti-aging technique actually worsen certain skin conditions or cause broken capillaries if done improperly?
Before booking your next facial, discover the potential downsides of facial massage. Understanding the risks will help you practice safely for real results, not just relaxation. Don’t be misled by the hype – find out if facial massage is right for your unique skin type and concerns.
The Potential Risks and Downsides of Facial Massage:
1. Increased Risk of Broken Capillaries
One of the most common and visible risks of facial massage is broken capillaries, which are enlarged or burst blood vessels under the skin’s surface. An improper massage technique that is too aggressive or applies too much pressure can cause capillaries to fracture. This damage leads to visible red threads or splotches on the skin that look like permanent blush.
Broken capillaries most frequently occur around the nose and cheeks since these areas are delicate and have high concentrations of blood vessels. People with fair skin or conditions like rosacea are more prone to capillary damage as their vessels are closer to the surface.
While completely preventing broken capillaries may not be possible, you can minimize risk by using light, gentle pressure, and smooth motions during the massage.
2. Potential Redness and Irritation
Facial massage may cause skin redness and irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin. Rubbing and friction from massage movements can trigger inflammation, even without broken capillaries. The skin may look flushed and feel itchy or overheated after an intense massage session.
To prevent irritation, avoid massage techniques that drag or aggressively knead the skin. Light, circular motions are gentler. Always use a lubricant or oil so your hands glide smoothly over the skin as well. Spreading massage pressure evenly instead of targeting one area also helps prevent localized inflammation and tenderness.
Read More: Hibiscus for Skin
3. Can Exacerbate Some Skin Conditions
Facial massage is not risk-free for all skin types. Certain conditions may worsen with improper massage technique or pressure. Common examples include:
- Acne: Excess pressure on existing pimples or cysts can push bacteria deeper into pores, causing more inflammation and potential scarring. Avoid direct massage over active breakouts.
- Rosacea: Any increased blood circulation to the face from massage boosts redness for rosacea-prone individuals. Use light motions and avoid heat from hot towels.
- Eczema: Rubbing dry, flaky eczema patches can increase skin irritation and itching. Avoid direct massage over flared areas.
- Psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis scales may spread with the friction of massage. Focus on gentle motions over unaffected areas only.
When dealing with inflamed or broken skin, always use caution. Discuss massage risks and benefits with your dermatologist. Your technician should also tailor pressure, motions, and tools appropriately.
4. Increased Product Absorption – Potentially Problematic
One benefit often touted with facial massage is increased absorption of skincare products. By boosting blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, massage allows serums, moisturizers, and other topicals to better penetrate the skin. However, this is not universally ideal with all ingredients and formulations.
Many anti-aging products contain potent actives like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C. Deeper absorption of high percentages may irritate, peel, and redness in some individuals. Always opt for lower-strength formulations if combined with massage.
Additionally, research shows our skin absorbs enough product within seconds to minutes after application. Massage does not necessarily enhance efficacy. Take care to avoid over-absorption of active ingredients through lengthy massage.
Read More: Treat Acne At Home
5. Requires Proper Technique to Avoid Problems
As evidenced above, improper massage techniques can exacerbate many of the potential risks like broken capillaries and irritation. Without proper training, it is easy to massage too aggressively and cause harm to facial skin and tissues. Common technique mistakes include:
- Excess pressure – Light touch is key, especially around delicate eye and lip regions.
- Pulling or dragging motions – This stresses and tears at skin in a damaging way.
- Direct pressure on inflamed areas – Avoid actively broken-out areas.
- Insufficient lubrication – Massage without oils or creams creates friction.
- Repeated facial expressions – Making expressions causes muscles to contract and fight the massage.
- Inadequate sanitization – Dirty hands spread bacteria leading to acne.
Always seek massage from a licensed esthetician or trained professional. Ask them to explain their techniques and pressure. Your comfort level should guide session intensity. Proper technique involves gentle gliding motions using lubricant and minimal pressure.
6. Potential to Spread Germs and Bacteria
Rubbing unclean hands over your face transfer dirt and bacteria leading to breakouts and possible skin infections. Any massage practitioner should properly sanitize their hands and equipment before each treatment.
If attempting facial massage at home, thoroughly wash your hands first and keep your nails short and clean. However, it is still very difficult to fully sanitize hands at home. Using dedicated facial massage tools and globes can help minimize transferred bacteria versus using fingertips.
You should also completely cleanse the face before massage to remove makeup, oils, and environmental pollutants that could clog pores and breed bacteria. Starting massage on dirty skin makes breakouts more likely.
7. Provides Only Temporary Effects
The skin-enhancing effects of facial massage are short-lived. Any boost to circulation, lymphatic drainage, skin tone, and muscle contractions are temporary.
Reduced puffiness, smaller-looking pores, brighter complexion, and other massage results typically reverse within 24 to 48 hours. Regular, repeated facial massage is required to maintain these types of complexion improvements long-term. Otherwise, the effects are quite fleeting.
Think of facial massage as giving your face a mini workout. Just like exercise for the body, you cannot expect lasting results from one session. Consistency is key for both circulation and toning benefits.
Cosmetic Procedures:
While relaxing and glowing skin may create the illusion of a facial massage “facelift”, massage cannot replace cosmetic medical treatments for substantial or permanent anti-aging. The effects are far too temporary and superficial to address moderate to severe skin sagging or wrinkles.
For issues like jowls, marionette lines, acne scarring, and deep wrinkles, professional procedures are still the standard of care. Examples include:
- Wrinkle fillers like Juvederm to plump lines
- Ultherapy skin tightening
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Microneedling to stimulate collagen
- Chemical peels for skin renewal
- Botox injections to relax muscles
- Surgical facelifts, neck lifts, and blepharoplasty
A facial massage will not provide comparable rejuvenation or long-term wrinkle reduction. Be realistic about the visible changes possible from massage alone. For anti-aging, make massage one part of your regimen rather than the sole solution.
Other Potential Risk Factors to Keep in Mind
- Allergic Reactions – Massage oils, creams, or tools may trigger allergies or skin sensitization in some people. Always patch-test unfamiliar products.
- Eyelash/Brow Pulling – Take care around the delicate eye area to avoid pulling lashes or brows with massage motions.
- Dislodged Dermal Fillers – Aggressive massage can cause injected wrinkle fillers to shift under the skin or become lumpy.
- Cuts and Scrapes – Sharp facial massage tools used improperly can scratch or cut the skin.
- Adverse Effects of Ill – Facial massage is not wise if you have a cold, flu, or any illness causing congestion.
- Headache Onset – In rare cases, individuals may develop headaches or migraine symptoms from prolonged massage.
- Contraindications for Pregnancy – Certain pressure points are not considered safe during pregnancy. Discuss risks with your prenatal provider.
Final Call:
Benefits Of Face Massage Everyday offers indulgent relaxation paired with some temporary complexion, it also has limitations to consider. To maximize skin rewards and minimize negative outcomes, proper massage techniques and pressure are crucial. Being aware of your sensitivities and conditions will also help determine if facial massage is appropriate and safe.
With reasonable expectations for visible changes and precautions for your unique skin, facial massage can be an enjoyable compliment to your regular skincare regimen. Just be sure to treat your delicate facial skin with care when massaging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Benefits of face massage Everyday
Q1. What are the risks of facial massage for sensitive skin?
Answer: Sensitive skin is more prone to redness, irritation and inflammation from facial massage. Extra care should be taken to use light pressure, plenty of lubricant, and avoid dragging motions.
Q2. Is any Benefits Of Face Massage Everyday for acne ?
Answer: Yes, but certain precautions should be taken. Avoid directly massaging over active breakouts and limit massage time to avoid flushing. Overall gentle motions are key. Discuss risks with your dermatologist.
Q3. Can facial massage tools cause issues?
Answer: Yes, tools like jade rollers can potentially scratch skin if used improperly. They also require thorough cleaning to avoid spreading bacteria. Use caution and light pressure around vulnerable areas near eyes and lips.
Q4. Can face massage reduce wrinkles?
Answer: Yes, facial massage can reduce the wrinkles consistently. But know your skin tone and capacity.