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Facial Massage

When done by experienced hands, a facial massage can help ease tension, soothe, tight muscles and relieve pain. Remember, a facial massage should not be done on an inflamed skin and it should not be done without the use of oils or a light
dusting of talc or baby powder to make the skin more malleable.

Always keep in mind the nature of your skin while choosing the kind of cream for facial massage (Know your skin type). If your skin is normal or oily then you can use an ordinary cold cream or an all-purpose cream. If, on the other hand, your skin is dry then use vanishing cream or vitamin cream. Massage with light pressure of fingers. Bear in mind that the facial massage is done with upward strokes. From inner side to outer side, and from lower to upper parts. Skin around the eyes is extremely sensitive, therefore, the cream should be applied there without putting any pressure.
Facial massage should be done for about ten to fifteen minutes so as to get sufficient time for the cream to penetrate the skin. The surplus cream on the face should be wiped off with cotton wool swab.

What are Basic Movements of Facial Massage?

The basic movement are the relaxing movement, which are slow and soothing. There are the stroking movements and vibrations. Then their are the tonic movements, which are rapid and energetic. These are the kneading, pressing and percussion movements.

Suffering from Wrinkled Skin?

Facial massage is an effective way to remove wrinkles. Facial Massage is a slow process and its results are obvious only when it is continued for a longer period. It is, indeed, not a magic wand to bring a change overnight. One has to be patient with it. There is, however, no doubt that facial massage reduces the unattractive fleshiness, tightens the tissues and muscles and increases blood circulation.

Facial massage is more effective when the skin is clean. After having cleaned the face, press it with light but firm pressure while applying a good cream. Trained fingers can hold the skin dexterously and apply even pressure. With the passage of time, all the visible defects like wrinkles, flabbiness, and dead cells vanish and a fresh and young look is restored.

Facial massage should start from the neck upwards and end at the forehead or temples because all veins and tissues get blood circulation by this process. The skin around eyes is delicate. So it is advisable to apply cream on this part without pressing it. Cream takes fifteen to twenty minutes to get absorbed, so massage for that long. Wipe off extra cream with a cotton wool swab soaked in water.

To protect your hair, tie a cloth or scarf on your head before starting facial massage. Hands should be washed with soap. Remove all traces of makeup, otherwise the pores of skin will be blocked by particles of makeup items. If there are blackheads, they should also be removed. If the skin is oily, remove its oiliness either by applying cleansing-milk or PH acid. Fresh lemon juice is also effective in removing oiliness. A
lemon, sliced half, can be rubbed on the face. If the skin is dry, use a good moisturizer before massage. If the skin is damp, it is advisable to use some astringent lotion. The best time for facial massage is before going to bed.

Methods for Facial Massage

Slow Massage: This kind of a facial massage is done slowly by hitting and vibrating the skin. The skin is pressed lightly with the soft fleshy tips of fingers. The process starts with a slow speed from the neck, the speed increases as it moves upwards. Stroking gives rest to the nerves and vibration is useful in subduing pain caused by massaging. Vibration is produced either by fingers or by an electric gadget, which
is called 'eyebrow massager'.

Massage by Pressure: In this method of facial massage, pressure is applied with the fleshy tips of fingers. This is effective for removing the pouches beneath eyes.

Fast Facial Massage: In this method of facial massage, the front half of both the palms is used to massage with speed. Massage is done with a circular motion upwards. It is a quick way to remove wrinkles.

Facial Massage by Stroking: Chubby cheeks are stroked with the tips of fingers. If the nose is broad, this method is used (strokes are applied) to both sides of the cheeks, from nose to temples.

Facial Massage by Pinching: In this method of facial massage, the skin is held, as in pincers, between the thumb and fingers. It is effective for double chin and wrinkles of jaw.

Facial Massage by Kneading: Hands are folded in a fist form and face is pressed as in kneading the flour. The movement is from the chin to cheeks and upwards. It is good for wrinkles.

How often should I do a facial massage?

You can give yourself a facial massage at least once a month. It is important that you relax and enjoy the total experience ­ the calmer you feel, the better will be the result. The facial massage should last about 10-15 minutes, anything longer will be too tiring.

What to use for a Facial Massage?

Always use a cream or oil suited to your skin type (Know your skin type). Vitamin 'C' cream should be applied before facial massage, but the quantity of this cream should be enough only to give sufficient greasiness to the skin so that hands and fingers move smoothly on the face. If the face is fleshy and fat, use slimming cream instead of Vitamin 'C' cream. An oil-free cream or baby powder is best for those with a oily skin. A few drops of warm almond oil is a treat for dry skins.

Steps of the Facial Massage:

1. Tie your hair back, away from the face.
2. Apply the cream over the face and neck. Use powder for oily skins.
3. With your hands facing inward, start at the base of the neck and run your fingers lightly up, onto and over the face. Let the fingers of one hand follow those of the other, to the center of the face.
4. Using your index and middle fingers only, tap lightly all over the face.
5. With the thumb and index finger, gently knead the chin around the mouth and the fleshy part of the cheeks. Don't pull or pinch at the skin, but keep the movements firm, steady and even.
6. Smooth and soothe the forehead by ironing over the fine lines. Hold the skin firm between the index and the middle fingers of one hand, and using the index finger of the other hand, massage the skin with in and out movements. Do this over the whole forehead.
7. Using the same 2 fingers, massage the cheeks in circular movements.
8. Now for the eyes: With the middle finger of each hand, gently smooth over the brow bone to the outside of the eye, then bring the fingers below the eyes and back to the center. With the little finger, press around the outside of the eye especially where fine lines are present, and release immediately.
9. Repeat all the above steps thrice.
10. Finally close your eyes, and relax for a few minutes.
11. Remove all of the cream.

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