Does facial massage affect your skin? - Silver Surfers

Experts are dealing with the trend, which should delay wrinkles and tighten facial muscles.

Along with the rise of the "skin intellectuals" in recent years, with their carefully curated skincare collections and their never-ending thirst for beauty knowledge. There is a big trend for facial massage techniques at home.

Enthusiasts, who include celebrities like Goop guru Gwyneth Paltrow, model Miranda Kerr and singer Lizzo, say devices like the gua sha (a flat, heart-shaped tool that has its origins in Chinese medicine), the roller jade or Ice Balls The key to radiance is skin and defined contours.

Facialists' stunning before and after videos show how gentle finger touches can soften forehead wrinkles, plump cheeks and sharpen cheekbones.

But does the facial massage help in the long term or is it just a temporary solution?

What are the benefits of a facial massage?

"It absolutely makes a difference, not only for your skin, but also for your collagen functions and your facial muscles," says Inge Theron, founder of FaceGym (facegym.com), the skincare brand with 12 skincare companies in the world. , offers "Workouts". no facials.

The facial massage strengthens the fibroblasts in our skin, the cells responsible for collagen production that need to be energized to function at their optimal level.

"As we age, our fibroblasts lose this tension and their efficiency decreases. With facial massage techniques, you stretch those fibroblasts, effectively waking them up and stimulating them to work on collagen production.

Plus, it can support the skin's natural functions, he says: "It increases blood flow, stimulates the lymphatic system and relieves tension, resulting in tighter, more toned muscles, improved contours and a plump, glowing complexion."

Can wrinkles be removed?

Others are not so convinced that the massage will change their appearance.

"There is little research on whether tools like gua sha can change the shape of the face or remove fine lines and wrinkles," says Salome Dharamshi, dermatologist and founder of the Sky Clinic (skyclinic.co.uk).

"However, these tools have short-term benefits. You can minimize swelling with cooling (ice rolling) and lymphatic drainage, stimulating blood circulation and minimizing pores and swelling.

dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of the Cosmedics Skin Clinics (cosmedics.co.uk), explains that there are both direct and indirect effects: "Relaxation works wonders for the skin. Done properly, a facial massage can boost blood flow and circulation.

But don't expect a few hits of gua sha to make up for long nights and lack of sleep, he continues: "Eat healthily, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, good skin care and exercise will help keep your skin beautiful.

What should you know about homemade facial massages?

"Before using any of these tools, it's a good idea to start with a completely clean face and some serum or moisturizer to make sure your skin is moist," says Perry, who suggests watching a video online and the moves she uses copy. .

Dharamshi recommends using a facial oil: "It's important not to pull on the skin or apply excessive pressure as this can cause easy bruising, bleeding, or even ruptured blood vessels."

You don't have to sit in front of the mirror for hours, Perry adds: "If you have time to incorporate a once-a-week facial massage into your skincare routine, do it." It can be very relaxing.

Theron recommends the small, frequent approach: "Even a few minutes a day can produce big results. If you're a beginner, start by trying hand movements, cheek hooks, and eye lifts.

Once you've mastered the basics, try a gua sha with a moisturizing facial oil.

"It's your all-in-one tool that helps define contours, relieve facial tension, relieve bloating, drain fluid build-up and more," she says.

"My best advice is to keep it in the fridge for extra cooling and soothing."

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