Face Massage - by Editor

There are numerous benefits to a face massage. If you have easy access to an inexpensive parlour, get a regular facial done. Alternatively, here's how you can give yourself a great face massage at home.

Glowing skin

Healthy and glowing skin is one of the most important beauty assets. It doesn't matter how light your skin if it looks sallow and pale. You will only look drawn, tired out and sickly. Most of us concentrate on trying to get our complexions pimple-free, or on lightening our skin. However, just a light, pimple-free complexion does not ensure good looks. Enhancing features with make-up does help, but nothing looks as good as healthy, glowing skin.

Puffiness

Some women have a tendency to develop puffiness on their faces. One of the best ways to counter puffiness is to massage your face regularly.

Wrinkles

Massage stimulates circulation and brings more oxygen to the face. It also stimulates the production of collagen and tightens the skin. It also delays the onset of wrinkles. In addition, wrinkles on the forehead are often caused due to involuntary tightening of the muscles. Massage relaxes the muscles, and delays the formation of forehead wrinkles.

Double chin

Do you have a tendency to get a double chin Even some extremely thin people develop double chins. Regular face massage tightens the loose flesh under the chin so it doesn't hang down.

Massage Technique

You will need face cream, and a bowl of cold water. Remove your top so you can massage your neck as well, without getting cream all over your clothes. Wash your hands and cleanse your face. Sit back on a chair, and apply a generous amount of cream on your face and neck. Massage it gently into your skin. Take some cold water from the bowl, and apply it to your face as well. You could start from the neck. Lift your chin up and massage your neck using upward strokes. Then massage the area just under your skin. Use firm strokes. Start from the center, move your hands under your jaw, outwards to the ear. Do this around 20 times or more, depending on how much time you have, and then using small upward strokes, work the entire under-chin area from side to side. Massage the rest of your face, using upward and outward strokes, and circular motions. Keep reapplying water and cream on your face. Circle your eyes, pressing down on the temples. Similarly, use upward and outward strokes on your forehead. Make a V with two fingers of one hand and put it on your face. Using the index finger of the other hand, massage the skin inside the V area. Move this 'V' all around your face. Use quick, sharp slapping strokes on your cheeks. 'Slap' yourself for at least 2-3 minutes. Remember that your entire massage session should consist of upward and outward strokes. Never massage the skin on your face in a downward direction, because your constant endeavour is to fight gravity. In addition to a face massage, make sure you exercise regularly and drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. Some people may develop pimples after a massage. If you develop a few pimples, wait until the pimples go, and use another cream the next time. Wash your face with cold water after a massage.