Which is it, facial massage or yoga, and why should we incorporate them into our natural skincare routines? We all know we lead busy, crazy, hectic, stressful lives. We manage them as best we can and do whatever we can to make them work for us. So, in that madness, who has the time to learn and add another skill like facial massage? And should we even be doing this rather than just embracing all of our natural beauty products and letting the benefits of natural skincare do wonders for our skin, embracing our age and where we are and loving how we look in each moment?
Before I create too much overwhelm, I want to highlight that the simplest way to incorporate facial massage into your daily natural skincare routine is the press-and-roll movement. I recommend daily, every time we apply natural beauty products, our moisturiser or serums, or touch our face during our skincare routine. This micro-movement stimulates the skin and is an excellent starting point for any facial massage technique. Light pressing helps the facial muscles relax, releasing tension and stress. It also stimulates blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin and ensuring maximum natural skincare benefits. I will go through this in more detail; just hang in there. Facial yoga is more challenging for me to bring into my daily routine, but the jury still needs to arrive.
While artificial cosmetic or medical treatments and artificial enhancements may be appealing, and I support everyone’s choice and preference, there are people like me out there who simply don't want to do it. That leaves facial massage and natural skincare regimes that can support us on our skincare journey, and I am so here for it; I just need to find the time….. Whenever I look at myself in the mirror, all I can think about is that making the time has to be a choice somewhere in my daily schedule. So here goes my renewed commitment to myself and my facial massage and yoga journey, and I am starting by writing a blog all about it.
In the words of Pamela Anderson, the icon we never knew we needed: moisturising is the best anti-ageing trick. She showed the world that you are beautiful at any age without requiring a full armour of makeup, intense cosmetic treatments or artificial enhancements. What Pamela Anderson does have is stunning, nourished and moisturised skin; that is all you need and possibly a few prize facial massage techniques!
It’s challenging to find the actual roots of facial massage. What is well known is that it has a long and illustrious history in ancient civilisations like China, Greece, Persia, India, and Egypt. Each of these cultures contributed to the evolution of facial massage to what it is today. All these cultures recognised that facial or yoga massage contributes to skin health, relaxation, and overall well-being. The famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra is often credited with using facial exercises and masks to maintain her youthful beauty; her wondrous skincare routine is one of my favourite topics. Over time, various techniques and styles have emerged, drawing inspiration from Eastern and Western traditions to become what we know today.
Another valid aspect of these ancient practices that practitioners draw on today is that the face is a phenomenal diagnostic tool that allows them to understand the state of the body and its internal books. The face is like an open book for those who know how to read it. But that is another whole topic to explore.
While these ancient practices laid the foundation, the modern concept of face yoga, as it fills social media platforms today, gained popularity in the late 20th century. The three main face yoga OGs that gained traction are Japanese beauty expert Fumiko Takatsu, who is often credited with popularising face yoga in the West, introducing specific exercises and techniques to target facial muscles and reduce signs of ageing. Then there is Danielle Collins, who has been teaching for over twenty years and has a broad following. Finally, Vibhuti Arora, as yoga originated from India, doesn't it make sense that they are the only authentic OGs? The most important aspect is that we now have face yoga as an option, and for that, I am very grateful; just getting started and staying committed is my challenge.
The benefits of facial massage and yoga have been researched, and with the ever-increasing interest, more research is being conducted. To date, a few studies have shown it to be effective. The main finding of these studies is that facial massage can help improve skin health by increasing blood flow, which can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. It also helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which is crucial in removing waste products and toxins from the body and ultimately has a major impact on the elasticity and tone of the face.
Other benefits not outlined in studies but we all know from our experience with massage therapies are the element of release and relaxation, the simple calming reality of facial massage on our muscles, and how wonderful we feel. Once your face is relaxed and at ease, the ability to absorb the magnificently natural skincare products into your skin is deeply enhanced, and they can penetrate deeper.
We work out our bodies daily or as often as possible, so why not also the facial muscles? Great skin is not just a fact of DNA; we know that our daily habits significantly impact our skin. The reality is that your face has over 30 muscles on each side of the face, making a total of over 60 muscles. These muscles lie below the skin and are connected to the surface of the skin. Working on them makes sense to ensure your skin is in its best condition. Facial Massage is like waking up your face, feeling it in a whole new way, which creates a boost of energy and an overall feeling of harmony and balance.
Then comes the question: once you have created that window where you have loads of time, which do you do first, face yoga or face massage? According to Danielle Collins, you first do a gentle facial massage before starting facial yoga; this just warms up the muscles and makes them more pliable and able to work with; it also brings nutrients to the skin and oxygenates it. However, she has also said that it is a personal preference, and it is best to find your way, listen to your body and choose a comfortable and effective sequence for you. As my starting point, I am sticking to the most uncomplicated facial massage routine I can build into my life.
Before starting a facial massage routine, cleaning the skin is essential. It's so beneficial to start with clean skin devoid of makeup and all the day's debris. Another thing I love doing is making sure my hands are well washed with soap that feels luxurious to touch and smell and then well moisturised. It enhances the whole experience for me and ensures that my choice of oil is sinking wholly into my skin rather than my hands, but firstly, I always make sure my hands are warm, especially in winter; I wash them in warm water, another element that makes the whole experience much more pleasurable.
Choosing the right products is also a big part of the whole process, and for me, natural skincare products are always the best choice. Choosing natural skincare is a whole other matter, and if you want to learn more about why and how to choose the best natural products? Check out our dedicated blog post. I also wrote another blog where I broke down what natural means in the natural skincare arena. AYA Cleansing Balm and AYA Nourishing Oil are our go-to products. These products ensure a gentle glide and that I am not creating friction or pulling on my skin. Choosing to use AYA Cleansing Balm with a double cleanse process, first as a cleanse to remove any makeup (if that's how you roll) and then the second cleanse allows you to use as a massage medium, with a glorious slip leaving the skin replenished and glowing. AYA Nourishing Oil is gentle on the skin and deeply hydrating. It helps lock in moisture while being a magnificent medium for massage techniques.
Now for the grand finale, my two-minute press-and-roll movement. Once I have applied my medium, either AYA cleansing balm or AYA nourishing oil, I start with the two-minute press-and-roll movement. First is the press; gently press your fingertips onto the skin, focusing on areas like the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck. Hold the pressure for a few seconds to allow the benefits to penetrate the skin. As I lift my fingertips, I roll them up to create the effect, gliding them across the skin in a rolling motion. An interesting point to think about is the direction of the roll. Upward strokes lift and firm the skin, while downward strokes help drain lymphatic fluid. One thing is sure: always keep it gentle, maintain gentle pressure throughout the rolling motion, and keep the scrubbing for your kitchen floor. Because the press-and-roll movement takes two minutes, it's simple and quick to bring into your natural skincare routine and is a great starting point to build on. Best of all, it is easy to be consistent with, making it a daily habit.
Incorporating facial massage and yoga into my daily skincare routine can be a game-changer. These ancient practices offer numerous benefits, from reducing stress and tension to improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines. While it may seem daunting initially, starting with a simple press-and-roll technique can be a great way to begin. For me, it is just remembering that consistency is key, and by making small, daily efforts, I can reap the rewards of healthier, more radiant skin.
So, let's embrace the power of natural skincare, facial massage's magic, and facial yoga's transformative potential. After all, as Pamela Anderson wisely said, "Moisturizing is the best anti-aging trick." Let's honour our natural beauty, nurture our skin, and age gracefully, one massage at a time.