When your skin looks dull and tired despite your best efforts with various products, it’s time to elevate your skincare routine. Turn to the incredible benefits and simple techniques of home facial massage. You’ll rejuvenate your complexion, awaken your senses and balance your mind and body. Get ready to bring out your natural beauty…

A game-changer for your skin and stress levels

Hannah’s a big fan of home facial massage.

'We hold an enormous amount of tension in our faces, without even realising it,' Hannah says. 'I love how regular facial massage instantly releases that tension while stimulating the many lymph nodes throughout my face and neck.'

The relaxing effect of home facial massage can boost your mood, reduce stress and even help you get a better night’s sleep. 

Its ability to assist lymphatic drainage helps flush away toxins, reduce puffiness in the face and improve muscle tone.

Plus, massaging your face helps your favourite skincare products sink deeper into your skin, making them work even harder. 

Level up your skincare with these 3 must-try facial massage techniques

Give dry brushing, facial cupping and gua sha a go. You'll experience the different benefits each one has to offer and address a bunch of skin issues while boosting your skin's overall health in a holistic way.

But before starting any facial massage, it's important to do this crucial yet often neglected step:

First, stimulate the lymphatic nodes in your neck and collarbone to allow for better drainage (we love The Facial Cupping Expert's technique for doing this.)

Think of it as opening up the highways for better circulation within your lymphatic system and swifter removal of built-up fluids and toxins. The result is a more effective facial massage and healthier skin too.

With your lymphatic system properly prepped, go ahead and pamper yourself with these amazing home facial massages. And watch the full potential of your skin's natural beauty shine through.

Try dry brushing for a morning time exfoliating sensation

Hannah relaxing with her facial massage brushes

Dry brushing first thing in the morning, 1-2 times/week, can awaken not just your skin, but also your senses. It’s a gentle but invigorating way to prepare yourself for the day ahead. 

Choose dry brushing for:

  • Enhanced Natural Detoxification: Dry brushing your face supports lymphatic drainage and helps remove toxins and pore congestion for clearer, healthier skin.
  • Improved Circulation: Dry brushing stimulates the blood vessels and capillaries just below your skin's surface, helping reduce inflammation and bring out a natural glow. 
  • Invigorating Sensation: The act of dry brushing is a revitalising experience that refreshes the skin and awakens the senses, helping you feel energised as you start your day. 

How to practise dry brushing in 6 easy steps:

1. Choose an ethically-made facial dry brush with soft, natural bristles. Always practise dry brushing on dry skin with a dry brush (just as the name implies). 

2. Begin at your décolletage, using gentle, upward strokes towards your chin.

3. Move on to your neck, brushing from the base towards your jawline.

4. Continue to your face, brushing outwards from your nose in small, circular motions.

5. Finish with your forehead, brushing from the centre outwards. (Don’t forget to enjoy the lovely sensation of gentle exfoliation.)

6. After brushing, cleanse your face and apply moisturiser. Go on to win your day. 

Try facial cupping for nighttime tension release 

Rachel showing how to do facial cupping

Evening facial cupping can soothe not only your skin, but also your mind. It's a calming ritual to practise 2-3 times/week to prepare the skin for nightly cellular turnover.

Choose facial cupping for:

  • Stimulated Collagen and Elastin Production: The suction created by facial cupping encourages the production of these important skin proteins (which dwindle with ageing), helping retain the skin's plumpness and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Sinus Relief: The suction action of facial cupping can provide a natural remedy for sinus swelling and headaches by alleviating pressure and congestion in the sinus cavities.
  • Improved Muscle Tone: Facial cupping can help tone and firm the muscles around the jawline, reduce puffiness and fluid retention, and result in a more sculpted and contoured appearance.

How to practise facial cupping in 6 easy steps:

1. Cleanse your face and apply a facial oil for smooth gliding. (We love organic rosehip oil for this.)

2. Choose small eco-friendly facial cups, specially designed for the delicate skin on your face and neck.

3. Squeeze the cup, place it on your skin, and release to create suction. (Might take a few tries to get the hang of it.)

4. Glide the cup along your face, moving from the centre outwards, then upwards.

5. Start with your cheeks, move to your jawline and neck, and finish with your forehead.

6. Repeat for about 5 minutes, and gently release the suction before removing the cups. Settle in for a blissfully relaxed night of sleep. 

Try gua sha for contouring and pain relief 

Gua sha, a gentle scraping technique you can practise 3-4 times/week, morning or evening, helps revitalise skin, ease musculoskeletal pain and promote harmonious energy. The stone's curved shape is perfect for getting into the contours of the face.  

Choose gua sha for:

  • Energy Balancing: Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, gua sha can help release blocked energy by stimulating specific meridians and acupressure points on the face.
  • Support for TMJ Disorders: Gua sha can help alleviate tension and discomfort associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, such as jaw pain, clicking, or stiffness.
  • Improved Facial Symmetry: Regularly using a gua sha stone can help promote muscle symmetry and relaxation for a more contoured and balanced appearance.

How to perform gua sha in 6 easy steps:

1. Choose a smooth, flat gua sha stone made from natural materials.

2. Cleanse your face, then apply a facial oil or serum.

3. Hold the stone at a 45-degree angle and gently glide it across your face, using upward and outward strokes.

4. Start at your neck, then move to your jawline, cheeks, and finish on your forehead.

5. Use the stone's different edges to target and contour different areas of your face.

6. Repeat each stroke 3-5 times, taking care not to apply too much pressure. Take a deep breath and enjoy the good vibes. 

Hannah with rosehip oil she loves using for facial massage

It's your turn to try facial massage and bring out the best in your skin

Now that we've gone over all these amazing home facial massage techniques – facial dry brushing, facial cupping, and gua sha – it's time for you to give them a try and experience the difference they can make. 

By integrating these techniques into your regular skincare routine, you're not just doing wonders for your complexion, but you're also creating a soothing ritual that helps you chill out and recharge. (Who wouldn’t love that?) 

If you have any questions or want to share your experience with home facial massage, don't hesitate to reach out (info@organico.ie). We'd love to hear from you and chat skincare.