Viva Challenge: massage your face weekly

Okay, I’m back with Viva Challenge again and this time, I’ll like to introduce to you the idea of doing your own facial massage once a week. I’ve actually been wanting to write about DIY facial massage that I’ve been doing sometimes but found it difficult to write out the instructions. So I was happy to find this video on anti-aging facial massage which I chanced upon on Skindeco.

Achieve better facial contour
Although you might not achieve the same results as from a professional facial, but you should find your skin flushing with radiance immediately after a facial massage because of the improved blood circulation. In addition, long term massaging will help you lift, contour and firm your facial muscles for a more youthful look. You’ll can even get an instant face lift – something that is not too far off from what you’ll get from a facial.

Start with a 5 mins massage
I usually give myself a facial massage lying down as it is more relaxing and it also helps counter aging caused by gravity.  However, I’ll admit that it can be tiring so my suggestion is to do this gradually. Start with 5 mins of massage first and then gradually lengthen the duration to 10 mins or longer if you wish.

Choose a carrier oil that suits your skin type
You’ll need to first, find an oil that is suitable to your skin type.  For me, I use carrier oils like grapeseed oil or emu oil instead of commercial oils because they work great for my skin and are moisturizing enough for my fingers to glide easily.  And because I don’t rinse out my facial oil after the massage, I don’t use too much but just a few drops that are enough for me to work on my entire face.  I’ve also tried something else this week which is absolutely gorgeous and I’ll share that in a different post under DIY Beauty later.

Practice makes perfect
The video is a bit long, but it gives you a good idea where to start and where to focus on. In fact, I’ll say the best place to start apart from checking out these instructional videos or reading books is to pay attention to how your face is being massaged the next time you go for a facial!  But in any case, the basic is that you should always massage in an upward and outward sweeping manner and avoid pulling or stretching the skin around those delicate areas around your eyes.  It may not come easily initially but you’ll get used to the motion with some practice.   And just have one thought when you’re massaging – the results are worth the effort!

Comments

  1. Soos says:

    The massage she did around the eyes can help relieve sinus pressure and headache.

    If I can find a suitable oil – I may need to use a lotion instead – I will try the facial massage.

  2. hazelnut says:

    hey.. i must try it one day.. but where do I buy the grapeseed oil or carrier oils??

  3. Jyoan says:

    haha, yeah, I always try to imitate my beautician’s facial strokes while applying products on. But still not too confident about this.

  4. BT says:

    I’m faithful believer to facial massage. Have done it everyday upon skin care application, and it didn’t take time actually, just tiny extra effort. My personal experience told me that proper massage keeps my face in shape, not only skin care product will absorb better.

  5. pf1123 says:

    Oh you have found fuzkittie’s vid. Her blog and vids are very informative and helpful.

    The Paul & Joe treatment oil she uses sounds good. But I’m scared that using oils wld be too much for me and I wld get breakouts.

  6. minsin says:

    My beautician taught me the same way to massage the eye zone. If you are staring at PC too much, you can actually feel the sinus around eye area pop up on the eye zone bones.. massage it to relax your eye.

  7. sesame says:

    Lotion tends to absorb into the skin too quickly and may not be as ideal as oil…not sure if using that can last you 5 mins. If you apply more, it maybe too much for your skin though.

  8. sesame says:

    Where are you based? If in Singapore, you can get it from http://www.yoursessentially.com or http://www.whoopeekiddies.com.

  9. sesame says:

    It might not be 100% similar but at least you can reap some benefits doing some of the upward sweeping massage frequently.

  10. sesame says:

    Yes, it does little wonders doesn’t it?

  11. sesame says:

    I’ve never read her blog actually. Must go and check it out soon.

    I guess you haven’t found the right oil for your skin. You have grapeseed oil right? That’s not too heavy actually.

  12. sesame says:

    She focus more on the bottom – I was told there are also pressure points at the eyebrow area which you can press on…

  13. Dee says:

    That’s fuzkittie! She’s awesome, I love her reviews. I’ve been doing this for about a week, and my forehead lines have diminished just slightly.

    Do you know where I can find essential oils in the US online?

  14. stiffedneck says:

    Ooh…seems so relaxing. I just need to go buy the oil. And then do this massage afterward on the days that I exfoliate.

  15. sesame says:

    Hey Dee: You can try Garden of Wisdom and Mountain Rose Herbs. I just ordered some from Garden through a spree.

    gardenofwisdom.com
    mountainroseherbs.com

  16. sesame says:

    Yes, it’s wonderful. But read my new post today too for another variation.

  17. pf1123 says:

    Yup. I have the grapeseed oil. But after its finished, I haven’t repurchased. I’m using the Eucerin whitening serum, mattifying moisturizer and sunblock. So, I’m afraid the grapeseed oil will be too much.

    At night, I’m using the collagen cream. Nowadays my face is quite oily. Used to be able to take the sea buckthorn oil and the collagen cream. But now my face cannot absorb both already.

  18. sesame says:

    Hey, how’s the Eucerin serum? You like it? I was curious about it but I didn’t try. You reckon that can be used for the body as well? I’m now looking for a sunscreen for my hands…

  19. Bee says:

    Do you need to use a massage oil or could I use something like extra virgin olive oil or jojoba oil? And this is a bit off topic but I was wondering whether using a microfibre cloth to wash your face with would give it wrinkles..
    Thanks for the reply!

  20. sesame says:

    EVOO and jojoba oil are fine as long as it suits your skin type. No need for special massage oil. Well, microfibre clothe is okay to use if you don’t rub too hard. But make sure you wash and air the cloth thoroughly so as not to breed bacteria.

  21. hazelnut says:

    ya thanks for the info… im based in singapore =)

  22. miss B says:

    I read from lots of sources that massaging the face can promote wrinkles, because the facial contour is massaged enough by facial expressions. If you want a healthy glow do some exercise such as walking, or the gym.

  23. sesame says:

    Hmm…then what about facials? I’m more of the opinion that it depends on how the face is being massaged. Massaging the wrong way is likely the problem. I would stop at facial exercises for the face though…that to me might promote wrinkling although some who have tried disagree.

  24. Cass says:

    Do we have to wash off the oil after we massage?

  25. sesame says:

    Not necessary. The oil can be left on for moisturizing but that means, don’t apply too much during the massage. Or just wipe the excess off.

  26. Cass says:

    Hi Seasme, thanks. another question, can it be used around the eye area?

  27. sesame says:

    Some oils are possible. Eg. Grapeseed, emu, jojoba or olive. Some others are “richer” and I wouldn’t recommend. Or if you use, wipe them off later.

  28. Astrid says:

    Thanks so much for posting-I just gave myself a facial massage and it feels wonderful after a streesful day!
    I never knew about the pressure opints under the eye-I am so much more relaxed now!

    Thanks again!
    xAstrid

  29. sesame says:

    Very glad that this post has helped you relaxed. It’s very nice to do this once a week. Definitely very soothing and also helps with the facial contours!

  30. sweet says:

    I think it’s relaxing, & oiling the face with some quality products feels beautiful. Don’t pull the skin though, it has to be gentle

  31. sesame says:

    Agree! Oil is definitely better than lotion when it comes to gentle massage.

  32. Joanna says:

    How do you find grape seed oil? I heard that it is good for pimple because of it’s astringent property.. is it true? I’ve never used it (well other than cooking with it)..

  33. sesame says:

    I’m not sure if it’s really good for pimple but it does keep pores smaller. I got it from a DIY ingredient supplier here. You might want to try Garden of Wisdom or Mountain Herbs.

  34. jini says:

    oh i’m too late to find out about this now the video is already deleted ?

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