Facial Massage - Skin Beauty Or Stress Release?

A facial massage is one of the simplest relaxation therapies which can be done by a trained masseur or by oneself with the right guidance on step by step massage techniques. Facial massages are designed to release stress and tension, and yet stimulate the skin. This works as a beauty therapy, perks up blood circulation and revitalizes facial muscles. Facial massage therapy is the preferred choice for stress release and beauty therapy by both men and women worldwide.

Top 7 Benefits of a Facial Massage

• The face shows great improvement in facial skin appearance.
• Improved blood circulation rids the skin of its impurities and gives the face a healthy nourished glow.
• The dead surface cells are cleansed away
• The skin structure shows firmness and it helps the skin to retain moisture.
• Muscle tension relief enables one to de-stress and relax completely especially after a long tiring day.
• Facial massages have not only physical benefits but also positive psychological effects.
• Skin puffiness, laugh lines (wrinkles), sagging areas on the face are reduced and the face gets a toned glow.

The best part of a facial massage is that you can do it anytime, anywhere and it takes no more than a minute of your time or less. You can use any cream, lotion, vegetable oil at home or essential oil blends for added benefits.

How to get a Facial Massage done?

First, mix your own choice of essential oil blends based on your skin type. Wash your face and cleanse it, pat dry. Cover your face with your personal oil blend. Massage oils into your face using upwards and outward movements.

The massage doesn't have any specific proper way of massaging except knowing that you move your hands in upward-outward movements. You can use all parts of your hand though you mainly use the palms and thumbs. You move down on the nose and apply the rule of upward outward motion when you reach the top of the cheekbone (that is, the bottom of your nose). It's important to know and locate the acupressure points, press with your fingers applying constant, firm, steady pressure, follow the curves of your skull, massage your jaw and the base of your skull; moving around the back of the skull. Massage your entire face in small circular movements.

Oil Blends

The general guideline for an essential oil blend is, to mix 1-3 drops of essential oil into 1 teaspoon of base oil or vegetable oil. There are oil blends based on different skin types. You can make your own personal blends depending on your skin complexion.

Word of Caution:

A holistic facial treatment benefits most people. However, there are a few exceptions where facial massage therapies are not desirable. These exceptional conditions includes people prone to pimply skin who tend to break out easily, blood pressure problems, some skin disorders, recent operative procedures on the face or neck, fractures, high fever, sunburn, thrombosis, tumors. Acne prone skin needs to be dealt with care. This means if you take care to massage the general area, avoid the pimple affected skin areas by not pinching, squeezing or bursting them then massage on pimpled skin should be acceptable.

By Pallavi Pinge

Common Home Remedies For Facial Dark Spots - How to Get Rid of Dark Spots Affordably and Quickly

The kitchen is rich with a lot of ingredients that you can use to concoct various home remedies for facial dark spots. There is no need for an expensive trip to your dermatologist if you knew which items in your kitchen can rid of age spots, black circles under the eyes, acne scars, freckles, and other such spots. Moreover, use of these home remedies helps avoid putting harsh chemicals on your face, which is one of the most sensitive parts of your body.

Citrus fruits

Citruses like oranges, lemons, and limes are rich in Vitamin C which is a natural bleaching agent. Of all citrus fruits, however, lemon is considered as one of the most effective home remedies for facial dark spots, especially for freckles and age spots. Simply apply some lemon juice directly on the spot, either with your hands or using a dab of cotton. The citric acid in the juice would work to bleach the spot and clarify your skin.

Various concoctions

Aside from using it as is, lemon juice may also be used as an ingredient for various home remedies for facial dark spots. You can add some lemon or lime juice in various vegetable and fruit masks such as cucumbers and apricots.

Parsley juice that is mixed with lemon, orange and red currant juices may also be applied with your favorite moisturizing cream. This mixture also has a lightening effect that works well with freckles and brown spots.

Milk and honey

Milk and honey also make for good natural remedies for treating dark facial spots. Like lemon, you can use these two as is or with other ingredients. For milk, you can use either sour milk or buttermilk which both contain lactic acid. This acid in milk has a gentle peeling effect which lightens skin without irritating it. Honey, on the other hand, as several skin renewing properties. It may be heated and applied alone or mixed with wheat germ for a more lightening effect.

Milk and honey also make for good natural remedies for treating dark facial spots. Like lemon, you can use these two as is or with other ingredients. For milk, you can use either sour milk or buttermilk which both contain lactic acid. This acid in milk has a gentle peeling effect which lightens skin without irritating it. Honey, on the other hand, as several skin renewing properties. It may be heated and applied alone or mixed with wheat germ for a more lightening effect.
By Ilse Hagen