How to properly massage your face to prolong youthful skin?

Over the past 20 years, a huge number of manual and hardware techniques for working with skin have been invented. Classic massage has not lost popularity against the backdrop of new techniques, and has even strengthened its position. Cosmetologists explain its popularity due to its high efficiency and ease of implementation.

Classic facial massage – what is it?

The presented manipulation refers to manual methods of influencing the skin. A brief description of classic facial massage - a set of manual actions that ensure normalization of blood circulation in the tissues and the outflow of lymph from the dermis and hypodermis. Additionally, reflexive and direct development of the superficial muscles occurs, due to which they are slightly strengthened.

Classic facial massage does not involve intense impacts and the use of force, or the occurrence of pain. During the procedure, all movements are soft and sliding, mainly with the fingertips, less often with the palm or its edge. The specialist uses the following techniques:

trituration;
stroking;
vibration;
kneading (light, without stretching the skin or pressure).

Technique according to Akhabadze

This method is popular worldwide. It is successfully used in cosmetology and medicine. Akhabadze A.F., an authoritative expert in massage, offered her own version of the classic technique. She made changes to the general concept of effects on the skin, which increased the effectiveness of the procedure. The program includes the following actions:

Cleansing the face of dirt and cosmetics.
Apply cream/oil to the skin.
Fixing the thumbs of both hands on the bridge of the nose.
The location of the remaining fingers is on the corners of the lower jaw.
Pass five times along the sides of the neck with the arch of the fingers in the center of the chin.
Stroking movements of the middle part of the face so that the line of the lips is outlined by the index and middle finger.
Place one hand on your ear, and with the other make circular movements (direction from left to right), outlining the contour of your lips.
Do similar elements after changing the position of the hands.
Using 2 to 4 fingers, walk from the nasal recesses to the temporal areas (at least 3 times).
massaging the eyebrow line and eyes (direction - outer corner of the organ of vision - inner corner), the middle and index fingers are involved.
Stroking the forehead from the center of the eyebrow space to the boundaries of the scalp.
Using vibrating movements, the palm is passed from the middle of the forehead to the nasal cavities and chin.

Reference! Before you master the technique, you need to carefully study the principles of massage movements. It will also be useful to familiarize yourself with thematic videos.

Why do you need a classic facial massage?

The first techniques for manual work with skin were invented by dermatologists. They were intended to restore tissue after suffering serious illnesses or injuries, and to prevent complications. What a classic facial massage gives depends on the goals and methods of its use. There are 2 options for the manipulation in question:

therapeutic;
cosmetic.

Classic therapeutic massage

This type of procedure is designed to combat diseases and serious skin defects. Classic medical massage is necessary for infectious pathologies, including acne, severe ptosis due to neuritis or trauma, rehabilitation after mechanical, chemical and thermal damage. Thanks to therapeutic manipulations, blood flow and lymphatic drainage are activated, metabolic processes are stimulated, tissues are renewed faster, and scar formation is prevented.

It is important that an experienced specialist with a medical education perform such a classic facial massage; the benefits of trying to work with the skin on your own are minimal. Therapeutic treatments are very different from cosmetic sessions. The master also works with his hands, but additionally uses more intense methods of influence - pinching, stretching and rubbing.

Classic cosmetic facial massage

The described option is suitable for women who want to slightly slow down the aging process and improve the appearance of their skin. Classic facial massage will not be able to smooth out deep wrinkles or eliminate severe ptosis. In the fight against significant age-related changes, only plastic approaches are effective. Classic massage techniques involve evening out the complexion, preventing facial folds, eliminating puffiness and increasing the turgor of the epidermis. A course of 8-10 procedures will leave the skin fresh, rested and well-groomed.

Preparation for the procedure

Under no circumstances should you massage on an uncleaned face. Treat your skin with lotion or tonic, and to remove impurities in the pores, use a scrub or alcohol tincture of medicinal herbs.

To soften the epidermis, use a hot compress. Hold a clean towel over the steam, making sure it will not burn your face, and then place it on your skin for 2-3 minutes. This procedure is especially useful if a nose massage is needed, because a lot of dirt accumulates in the pores in this area.
Make a choice in advance among the natural vegetable oils used when massaging your face. During exposure, the epidermis must absorb the beneficial substances of the squeeze as much as possible. In this case, self-massage of the face will be most effective.

Creams are often used instead of oils. Make your choice depending on which product is more convenient for you to use, but never perform a cosmetic facial massage on dry skin.

Classic facial massage - indications and contraindications

Any manipulation can be harmful, so before planning a manual therapy session, it is advisable to consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist. The facial massage procedure is not harmless stroking. The process involves blood and lymphatic vessels, muscle fibers and even the local immune system. Some people will have to temporarily or completely stop using chiropractic care.

Indications for classic facial massage

The cosmetic type of procedure can even be performed to prevent age-related skin changes. Some women include classic facial massage in a comprehensive care regimen, in courses 1-2 times a year. Indications:

sagging, dullness of the skin;
uneven tone;
formation of facial wrinkles;
dryness, “fatigue” of the epidermis;
swelling;
the presence of a small number of pigment spots.

In the case of a therapeutic form of manipulation, it should be recommended by a dermatologist. Therapeutic classical massage has the following indications:

restoration of skin after any injury;
prevention of scar formation;
acne and post-acne;
pronounced pigmentation;
consequences of severe infectious diseases;
local ptosis;
disturbances of innervation, facial expressions.

Classic facial massage - contraindications

There are situations when a course of procedures will have to be postponed. Experts advise holding off on using manual techniques in case of acute infectious pathologies, elevated body temperature and the presence of fresh wounds or abrasions on the skin. Absolute contraindications include:

oncological diseases;
arterial hypertension;
bleeding disorders;
the presence of dangerous moles at the treatment site.

Classic facial massage for rosacea and a tendency to form hematomas and spider veins can be performed. This is a gentle type of manual intervention, so the movements of an experienced master’s hands will not lead to the formation of small bruises or breakage of capillaries. This feature makes classic massage universal. It can be performed even by those with thin and sensitive skin.

Contraindications

A gentle effect on the skin is not a reason to ignore precautions during the procedure. The classic version of massage is not suitable for those who have the following health problems:

viral infections (at the development stage and immediately after recovery);
allergic diseases, dermatitis (if the skin is damaged);
intolerance to the procedure due to the individual characteristics of the body;
purulent formations on the face;
oncology;
any inflammation occurring in the acute phase;
increased blood pressure (potential risk of a sharp increase in blood pressure);
rosacea (red spider veins are visible on the face and body);
the presence of large growths on the treated area.

Before going to the salon, you need to consult your doctor about contraindications. Then the massage will definitely not provoke health problems. You can also check with your cosmetologist which oils or creams are appropriate to use for a particular skin type. Properly selected products will enhance the rejuvenating effect.

How to do a classic facial massage?

The easiest way to refresh your appearance and improve the condition of your epidermis is to sign up for a course with a good specialist. The cost of high-quality procedures is high, so many women learn to do a classic facial massage for themselves. The manipulation technique is not very complicated, it can be mastered at home, the main thing is to follow the recommendations of dermatologists.

Facial massage lines

The main idea when performing the procedure is to minimize skin stretching and cell damage. The purpose of the massage is to activate blood microcirculation, establish lymph outflow and stimulate skin renewal processes. For this reason, all movements are made strictly along special lines of least tension in the dermis. Below are the directions along which classic facial massage is performed; the scheme includes not only the face, but also the neck. If you wish, you can work on the neckline, scalp, or add your own lines, but they should go from the center to the periphery:

from the middle of the chin to the earlobes and down to the sides of the neck;
from nostrils to temples;
from the corners of the lips to the bottom of the ears;
from the hairline to the back of the head;
from the hollow between the breasts to the axillary and subclavian lymph nodes.

Classic facial massage - stages

Having dealt with lines and directions, it is important to remember the sequence of actions. Before properly massaging your face, you need to prepare it, and after the procedure, give your skin a “rest.” Stages of manipulation:

makeup remover;
thorough cleansing (of both face and hands, even when working with gloves);
applying non-comedogenic oil;
preparation - stroking the skin so that it becomes warm;
massage;
finishing movements;
removing excess oil;
rest lying down for 10-15 minutes;
applying a caring mask, cream or serum.

Classic facial massage - technique

Having cleansed and prepared the skin, you can begin the procedure itself. It is better to work with gloves to avoid infection, but it is also possible to wipe your hands with an antiseptic. The technique of classical massage is clearly and in detail shown in a huge number of video lessons that are easy to learn. The main thing to remember is the following rules:

Pressure force is moderate. You need to feel the facial muscles with your fingers, but no discomfort or pain should occur.
Move only along the massage lines shown in the pictures above.
The emphasis is on stroking and rubbing. Vibrations and kneading are appropriate when working on areas with thick skin - forehead, chin, neck, décolleté.
It is convenient to manipulate the fingers of both hands, acting synchronously.
The duration of the procedure is selected individually, until you feel a pleasant warmth. The average value is 30-45 minutes, some women perform a classic facial skin massage for 1 hour.
After the manipulation, it is necessary to remove excess oil so that the epidermis can “breathe” and rest for 10-15 minutes.
It is not advisable to apply makeup right away; it is better to plan the procedure for the evening, before going to bed.

How often should you massage your face?

A standard course consists of 10-20 sessions, depending on the needs of the skin. How often you need to do a facial massage is also selected individually. If the epidermis is sensitive, it is recommended to perform procedures 2 times a week. In other cases, manipulation can be carried out every other day. The frequency of courses is 2-3 times a year. In the absence of serious defects and special skin problems, 10-15 procedures every 12 months are considered sufficient.

Classic facial massage - benefits and results

The presented treatment option is a gentle technique, but its effect is noticeable. The above shows how a classic facial massage affects the skin; the result of a correctly completed course includes:

improving the clarity of the oval;
disappearance of swelling;
normalization and evenness of skin tone;
smoothing out small facial wrinkles;
reducing the severity of deep folds;
narrowing of pores;
eliminating dark circles around the eyes;
healthy skin glow;
increasing firmness and elasticity;
lightening pigmentation.