Face Massage Benefits: 5 Reasons to Include It in Your Beauty Routine

Proponents of holistic wellness, from the ancient Chinese and Japanese to modern-day wellness influencers like Sophie Carbonari and other celebrities, are big fans of facial massage. In the past, face massage benefits were based on testimonies from one auntie to another. Today, studies have shown that this relaxing, therapeutic ritual is worth adding to your beauty routine. 

The most popular ways to perform a facial massage are with your hands and using a gua sha or jade roller. What we now know as gua sha is the centuries-old technique of “scraping” the skin to get chi flowing, improving circulation. Meanwhile, jade rollers were popular among the ancient Chinese elite. They used rollers to promote healing and cell renewal. Non-porous stones, such as jade (the "Stone of Heaven"), quartz, and amethyst, don’t harbor bacteria.

It’s an easy and relaxing ritual that can, at the very least, help you unwind at the end of a long day. Here are more face massage benefits that might convince you to give it a try. 

According to a 2018 study published in the National Institutes of Health, practicing a self-care ritual can reduce stress and improve quality of life. The study’s findings suggest that individuals who had a high engagement in self-care activities can experience protection from stress. It only takes a few minutes of facial massage a day to give you this additional boost — why not give it a shot?

The Tokyo Institute of Technology found face massage benefits of improved skin vascular function. This means increased blood flow and removal of waste, which boosts cellular health and renewal. In their 2018 study, five minutes of using a roller improved blood flow by 25% for up to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, daily facial massages of up to five weeks showed an increased reactiveness in facial blood vessels, which means they bring oxygen to the cells more efficiently.

Use POND's Bright Triple Glow Serum to boost face massage benefits. On a clean face, pat on a few drops of serum. Continue to massage your face with the same patting motion, helping your skin absorb the product better. This serum contains Gluta-Boost C technology, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to improve hydration and give your skin a healthy glow.

A facial massage that uses the lymphatic drainage technique can give you a natural facelift. The effect, while temporary, can invigorate you. It also makes you look fresh and more awake. It involves using the pads of your fingers to drain lymphatic fluid. Use quick, upward strokes from the middle of the face to the neck and ears. A study conducted by Osaka University found that impaired lymphatic function is the root of sagging skin. Draining fluid can improve the skin's appearance and firmness.

We know that our skin absorbs serums faster than creams and that we need to wait between applications. While waiting, why not do a quick facial massage to give them a little push? Most skincare product labels would recommend patting the product into the skin instead of slathering it all over. This is where massage comes in. The gentle tapping and pressing motions can help with absorption.

Chronic stress can cause a buildup of tension in facial muscles. It can build up on our foreheads, cheeks, and jawline. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, facial exercises and facial massage can relieve facial tension in over 50 muscles. Use upward, circular motions to release tension. Keep in mind that the face requires a gentle touch. 

Take your self-care ritual up a notch by applying serum. POND'S Bright Miracle Serum Burst Cream contains 1,000 serum droplets in every swipe, giving your skin a good dose of niasorcinol to brighten the skin and fake dark spots. Apply it evenly on your face then use a jade roller — fresh from the fridge is better — to give yourself a relaxing facial massage.

Enjoy face massage benefits after one session and even more benefits if you do it daily. Just make sure to use a light touch to avoid irritation and breakouts. Massage a clean face and always lubricate with your facial oil or serum of choice.