Face massage - is there any benefit in it?

[MrsJamin]

Something popped up on my social media feed a week ago extolling the benefits of massaging the facial muscles and that it can bring massive changes in how you look re aging, tired, healthy etc. I have followed a YouTube video showing me how to do it but other than massaging coconut oil into my dry skin (which is probably beneficial), do you think there is anything actually happening to your face muscles or "lymph node draining" that would give short or long term benefits? Or is it all codswallop?

Before Covid I used to have facial massages from a therapist and I definitely felt (and saw) the benefit. She was brutal though and the whole process was much more intense and "deep" than the self massage videos.

Yeah this is what I'm thinking it doesn't feel much more than just rubbing in some moisturiser thoroughly or deep cleansing. I wondered if any respected beauty therapists supported it.

I am a soft tissue therapist therapist, yes it works. Teeth clenchers and grinders are a couple of examples as jaw ache is commonly mistaken for earache. In mouth massage is also a thing.
I work with people who have cerebral palsy and downs and their face and scalp massage really helps them. Also, separating the skin from the fascia underneath will make it move more freely and can improve the look of wrinkles.
A beauty therapist typically doesn't know how to do it as they are not anatomy trained.

That's really interesting @Neron, do you have any recommendations for sources of routines to do, on YouTube or somewhere else?

I have been doing it religiously since lock down with a body shop facial roller

I was due a botox top up and then, lockdown hit. So I thought I would try it to see if it helped

And wow. It really really does make a difference. I do it in the shower for about 3 mins a day. my skin just looks glowing and amazing. I highly recommend it I will still be having my botox just as soon as I can though

Has anyone heard about these facial rollers? Are they any good? I was looking at some online but assumed it was all marketing nonsense.....?

@GallopingGreen

Has anyone heard about these facial rollers? Are they any good? I was looking at some online but assumed it was all marketing nonsense.....?

haven't seen that one

My one is like a plastic rod with 2 quite heavy metal roller balls attached to the end. It looks quite rude if you get my meaning haha

Where did you get it from, @ILoveTotoro?

Its from the body shop - not cheap I think its about £20 but honestly worth every penny I promise

Oh interesting! I'll give one a try. Really miss my facials at the moment.

By the way- we love Totoro in this house too

Ah shame, with their bullying of jk Rowling I'd rather not buy from the body shop. I will have a look if there's anything similar at another shop though.

Apologies OP, not off the top of my head but I'll have a look. As a therapist people think I mainly deal with the larger muscles, but it's surprising how much tension we hold in our face when stressed.

@GallopingGreen

By the way- we love Totoro in this house too

Absolutely best film ever

We even named a pet after him

@MrsJamin

Ah shame, with their bullying of jk Rowling I'd rather not buy from the body shop. I will have a look if there's anything similar at another shop though.

Ahh bugger i didnt know that or I'd think twice too

If it wears out I'll go elsewhere for a replacement

I just bought one like the Body shop one from Ebay, its jade, one smooth end one knobby.

@Neron this is interesting! I am terrible fir clenching and grinding my teeth. Would this help?
Where can I find someone like you?

@littlegiant yes I definitely recommend it. A lot of people don't ever seem to relax their tongue either. When I ask what position their tongue is in, especially when feeling stressed, its usually pressed in to the roof of their mouth.

Ideally you'd want to see a level 5 soft tissue therapist, if you look on www.theisrm.com and search for your area it should hopefully bring some up. The only problem is, we are not allowed back to work just yet, still waiting for the green light to open up our clinics again