The Power of Touch: 2 Facial Massage Techniques to Supercharge Your Skincare Ritual
Plus 3 guided practices that bring transformation to your fingertips.
The bathroom vanity has always felt like an altar of devotion to my self-care. The transformative nature of my skincare rituals comes from the small ways I bring magic to an otherwise mundane routine.
When I started envisioning what has become the Slow Wellness philosophy, the practice of self-care (beyond the products) has always been an important tenant of the lifestyle. The time spent cleansing, toning, and moisturizing my skin has always been a pathway to deeper connection, appreciation, and understanding of my inner, outer, and higher Self.
In my early 20s I worked in beauty and as an aesthetician and makeup artist, I highly valued the power of touch. Not only were my fingers an affordable tool that was always on hand (pun intended) but skin-to-skin contact was unavoidable when doing facials and blending pigment. It was an intimate connection between me and my clients that I cherished.
Now, in my role as a somatic practitioner and entrepreneur, touch is a thread that weaves all of my offerings together - from intimate mindfulness experiences to product design. As recent as 2024, research has shown that touch can be a beneficial treatment for anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain. Touch interventions were especially effective in regulating cortisol levels and increasing weight in newborns.
Mindful touch as part of your skincare practice invites you to slow down and meet yourself as you care for your skin. The facial massage techniques I'm sharing below can help create a more grounded and centred start or end to your day. With consistency, you may notice:
Improved circulation and body awareness
Enhanced product absorption and reduces waste
Reduced muscle tension through the head, neck, and shoulders
lowers cortisol
Stimulation of lymphatic drainage
Increased mindfulness and an opportunity to meet yourself
Start here: Your 2 new favourite techniques.
There are two techniques that I use in my practice. I love them because there's no strict order to follow and you can create your unique flow. The key is to listen to your skin and do what feels good. Whether you're a skincare newbie or a seasoned pro, these techniques are easy to incorporate into your existing routine no matter how many steps or products you use.
The Myofascial Release Technique:
This method focuses on the fascia, the connective tissue beneath the skin. Applying moderate and sustained pressure to the skin helps release tension and improve tissue mobility (or glide) beneath the skin. The key to this technique:
Use firm, steady pressure
Move slowly across the face
Focus on areas of tightness or discomfort
Targeting this layer of tissue can help stimulate collagen and release held tension.
The Lymphatic Drainage Technique:
This light-touch technique stimulates movement within the lymphatic system, potentially aiding detoxification and reducing puffiness. The key to this technique:
Use very light, gentle pressure
Perform long, sweeping motions
Always move towards the lymph nodes (near ears and neck)
Integrated Approach
For a comprehensive facial massage, consider combining both techniques. Start with lymphatic drainage, and follow with myofascial release for deeper tissue work.
Slow Moves: The following movements can be used when you apply cleanser, serum, moisturizer, or oil to your face.
Move 1: Jaw Sweep - Release tension in the jaw and cheeks with a gentle lifting and toning movement.
Tool: Thumb and Index finger | Technique: Lymphatic Massage
1 - anchor your thumbs onto your chin making a soft fist with the hand.
2 - lift your right elbow until your index finder (between your 2nd and 3rd knuckle) is touching your face
3 - moving towards the right first, slide your thumb (and maybe your index finger slightly) along the skin from the chin towards your right ear in a sweeping motion with light pressure. You can also lift your elbow slightly upward for a lifting sensation on the skin.
4 - repeat this movement 8-10 times. You can move slightly up the cheek but stay below the cheekbone.
5 - you may finish by sweeping your hands down your neck from the base of your ear toward your collarbone using the palm of your hand and fingertips.
Move 2: Sinus Massage - does double duty to release sinus congestion and release tension.
Tool: pads of index fingers | Technique: Myofascial massage & Lymphatic massage
1 - apply your oils or serum to the skin
2 - using your index or middle finger, apply moderate pressure and massage in small circular motions. Start at the sides of your nostrils working your way up to your medial brow point, and then back down. You also use the lymph technique to sweep your fingers along the sides of your nose.
3 - do this for as long as desired.
Move 3: Eye & Cheek Massage - circulation, de-puff, and de-stress
Tool: 2nd knuckle of index and middle fingers | Technique: Myofascial massage & Lymphatic massage
1 - dampen skin and apply oil or serum to the skin
2 - anchor the 2nd knuckle of your middle finger on your cheekbone right under your eyes and the 2nd knuckle of your index finger on or just below your cheekbone next to your nose.
3 - begin at the center of your face and move outward towards your temples and the top of your ear
4 - Then use your index and middle finger pads to gently massage the cheekbones just under the eyes in small circular motions. You can move out and upwards towards your ears.
5 - you may finish by sweeping your hands down your neck from the base of your ear toward your collarbone using the palm of your hand and fingertips.
Tips for your practice:
Consistency is key: Aim to incorporate these techniques into your daily skincare routine for 3-10 minutes.
Listen to your skin: Adjust pressure and technique based on your skin's needs and sensitivities.
Use appropriate products: A facial oil or serum can provide the right amount of slip for massage.
Just like any mindfulness practice - awareness of breath is a fundamental part of the experience. You can place your awareness on your breath or stretch the breath - breathing in and out slower or in rhythm with your movements.
Keep your hands soft and relaxed. The pressure of your hands should be enough to gently stretch the skin but not feel uncomfortable.
Until next time. Slow the _____ down.
Mel