#SkinSchool: How to perform a facial massage, by Ada Ooi - harpersbazaar.com

[massage]

Facial massage has long been lauded for its myriad benefits: from smoothing puffiness to revealing chiselled cheekbones, there are so many reasons to get on board.

While the skilled hands of a facialist are indeed a force to be reckoned with, there are a few simple moves you can master on yourself, from the comfort of your own bathroom. A few minutes spent massaging your face is not only a welcome meditative process, but may just lead to brighter skin and sharper, more defined facial contours, too.

In this new episode of #Skinschool, red-carpet facialist and acupuncturist Ada Ooi talks us through the basics, and reveals her tips and tricks for performing a satisfying massage at home.

The benefits


The benefits of facial massage are manifold. Firstly, there's the boost it provides to the lymphatic system: massaging along the jawline and down the sides of the neck can help to move sluggish lymph fluid which, left untouched, can lead to puffiness in the face and even breakouts.

As Ooi demonstrates, applying pressure to the meridian (or 'acupressure') points on the face can be especially beneficial. These specific points on the face are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help release energy – holding light pressure over them can even ease a tension headache.

And finally, the mind-soothing appeal of a good facial massage should not be underestimated. A few minutes spent working a tight jawline feels truly restorative, especially to anyone prone to stress-induced clenching.

The tools


From the traditional carved gemstones to cryotherapy-inspired rollers, there are now so many brilliant tools out there to choose from. Opt for Ooi's own Cryopress for extra de-puffing benefits, or master the art of gua sha with a cooling stone.



CRYOpress Ice Facial Massager

001 Skincare London currentbody.com
US$70.00


This chunkier than most facial roller is designed to maintain a chilly temperature of between -8 and -25 degrees celcius, meaning it'll enhance circulation (and wake you up in the morning).



Gua Sha Tool

Skin Regimen lookfantastic.com
£18.00


Bian stones are the most traditional face-massage tool, and this one is a great choice.



Gua Sha Blue Sodalite

Odacité spacenk.com.uk
£40.00


Not just a pretty choice, this cooling blue sodalite gua-sha is perfectly shaped to fit into every facial contour.



MicroSculptor™ 3A Massage Kit (Worth £140)

001 Skincare London wolfandbadger.com
£112.00


This easy kit contains both Ooi's own Microsculptor bian stone and a bottle of her traditionally formulated firming face oil, which contains essential oils and plant extracts that nourish all skin types.

The oils


To perform a facial massage without dragging the skin, it's important to apply a slipping agent first: a rich serum or oil is your best choice. What's more, as the massage boosts circulation and blood flow, anything you apply to the surface of the skin is likely to be absorbed more efficaciously.



Vit-A Repair & Regrow Concentrate

001 Skincare London 001skincare.com
£75.00


Designed for dry and mature skin, this warming blend contains nourishing berry extracts rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, including cherry and juniper.



Vit-F Sebum Detox Concentrate

001 Skincare London 001skincare.com
£75.00


Better suited to oily or congestion-prone skin, this cooling blend combats inflammation with watermelon and pine extracts.



Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil

Pai lookfantastic.com
£16.80


Pai's gentle face oil is completely free from essential (or 'fragranced') oils, meaning it's suitable for the most sensitive of complexions.



Cell Repair Night Oil

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare lookfantastic.com
£62.00


This fatty acid-rich face oil provides the perfect 'slip' for a gua-sha massage, and smells heavenly too.


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