Skin Care at home- Part 3

Massaging your Skin

Massaging your face is another essential practice for healthy skin and can also be really relaxing! While being an effective way to counteract wrinkles, massaging is a slow process and its results are obvious only if it is practiced regularly for an extended period of time. That said, there is no doubt that massage is highly beneficial for tightening facial tissues, increasing blood flow, stimulating nerves and thus, boosting collagen production.

Massage is most effective if the skin is thoroughly cleansed first. Do not forget to remove all traces of makeup, otherwise, particles of dirt will end up blocking the pores of the skin. If the skin is oily, then remove oiliness by applying cleansing milk or some astringent lotion. Fresh lemon juice is also very effective in removing excess oiliness. If the skin is dry, use a good moisturizer before massaging it. Finally, apply Vitamin E cream using only enough to give sufficient greasiness to the skin so that the hands and fingers move smoothly on the face.

After having cleaned the skin, press it with light but firm fingers, putting a little pressure while applying a good moisturizer. Make sure to hold the skin firmly and apply even pressure. The massage should start from the neck and move upwards ending at the forehead or temples. Veins and tissues get an increased flow of oxygen/ blood supply by this process. The skin around the eyes is delicate so it is advisable to apply the cream on this part without pressing it in too deeply. The cream takes 15 to 20 minutes to get absorbed by the skin, so massage should continue that long. Gently wipe off excess cream when finished.

The Art of Massaging

• Slow Massage – This is the most common method of massage and the most relaxing. The secret is to massage slowly while patting the skin. Using the fleshy part of your fingertips, press the skin lightly with a slow, stroking motion. The process starts at the base of the neck at a slow speed. Stroking gives rest to the nerves and the vibration is useful in subduing pain that might be caused over more sensitive areas.
• Fast Massage – The front half of both the palms are used to massage at speed, taking care to make a circular motion upwards
• Pressure Massage – This is a method when slow, deep pressure is applied by the fingertips and is very effective for removing pouches beneath the eyes.
• Stroking Massage – Cheeks are stroked with the tips of fingers and strokes are applied from the nose to the temples on both sides
• Pinching Massage – Effective for a sagging chin or wrinkles on the jawline, the skin is held, as in pinchers, between the thumb and fingers and gently massaged.
• Friction Massage – This massage requires pressure on the skin while it is being moved over the underlying bone and muscle structures. Fingers or palms are usually best for this type of massage and hard movements are usually employed on the scalp while light movements are used on the face and neck.
• Piano Playing Movements – This exercise develops facial muscles and makes them firm. It should be done with the fingers on the entire face, especially the cheek area.

So there you have it! By following these simple techniques, you can easily take good care of your skin at home!