Facial massage is becoming a must-have treatment for glowing skin. We asked the experts for their tips on how beauty and massage therapists can incorporate it into their services to boost circulation, reduce tension and enhance clients' skin health.
Despite all the gizmos and gadgets available for facial treatments, we all know there’s still nothing quite like a hands-on massage.
The benefits of facial massage in beauty therapy
Facial massage offers a wide range of benefits, from improved skin circulation to stress relief. The human touch in facial massage increases dopamine and serotonin, reduces cortisol and promotes both physical and mental wellbeing.
In addition to immediate effects, like enhanced blood flow and lymph drainage, facial massage can generate a biological response in the skin’s fibroblasts, leading to better long-term skin health.
Abi Oleck, an advanced facialist, owner of Beau Skin London and PB Awards 2025 finalist, explains, “The immediate benefits of a facial massage are an increase in blood and lymph circulation, which leaves the skin looking brighter and tighter.
“The serum and oils used for the massage will give the skin a boost in hydration for a youthful, dewy look while also keeping skin nourished and moisturised. Massage also helps relieve neck tension and tension headaches for the client.”
How consistent facial massage improves skin health
Facial massage doesn’t just offer short-term skin benefits; regular treatments can lead to lasting improvements.
“Any skin regime that you do consistently is going to have an effect; it’s like going to the gym,” says celebrity makeup artist and skin expert Nathalie Eleni. “You might have a facial once and feel great, but if you want to have long-term benefits, you need consistency.”
Anna Tsankova, a world champion in facial massage and a PB Awards 2025 finalist, agrees that accumulative results are crucial.
“Regular massage reduces muscle tension in overused areas, like the forehead and around the mouth, while activating ‘lazy’ muscles to improve facial symmetry and function. This combination improves the underlying structures of the face, leading to a more youthful appearance,” she says.
Long-term benefits of lymphatic drainage in facial massage
Lymphatic drainage is one of the most important techniques in facial massage, promoting a clear, glowing complexion by removing toxins and reducing puffiness.
Oleck emphasises, “By stimulating lymphatic circulation and using a gentle massage technique, you can reduce puffiness, strengthen the immune system, and detoxify the body, all while giving the skin a radiant glow from the inside out.”
How to perform lymphatic drainage in facial massage
Oleck reveals her top tips for lymphatic drainage in facial massage:
- Start with the neck: Always begin by opening the lymphatic system with a gentle butterfly touch, pumping down the neck and across the collarbone to stimulate lymph flow.
- Use light effleurage novements: With soft, full-palm motions, glide upward over the face in an effleurage technique. This is ideal for warming up the skin and improving elasticity.
- Knuckling for deeper muscle stimulation: After the initial warm-up, use your knuckles in upward, circular motions to stimulate deeper layers of skin and muscles.
- Tapotement for a skin glow: Use tapotement (light tapping or slapping motions) with your fingertips to increase circulation. This brings an immediate glow to the skin.
- Pressure points for relaxation: Finish with pressure point techniques on the temples, jawline and forehead to enhance relaxation and relieve muscle tension.
Why facial massage is a celebrity skin secret
Facial massage is a go-to treatment for many celebrities before major events. Its immediate results, combined with minimal downtime, make it a must-have for achieving a radiant complexion.
Oleck shares, “Facial massage is a must-have treatment prior to makeup application. My celebrity clients love combining a lifting facial massage with 0.2mm microneedling, radiofrequency and LED light for maximum results.”
Tsankova also highlights how facial massage can be part of a larger treatment plan: “Red carpet preparation involves a combination of treatments, from sculpting massage and manual lymphatic drainage to using energy devices like radiofrequency and LED therapy.”
Facial massage trends: social media's role in driving popularity
Facial massage has experienced a resurgence thanks to the power of social media.
Eleni says, “Old-school techniques like lymphatic drainage are seeing a resurgence thanks to social media. Before-and-after images, whether performed by professionals or DIY enthusiasts, showcase the visible improvements, making it accessible to a wider audience.”
Tsankova adds, “This visibility has not only educated a wider audience about the practice but also demystified it, making facial massage more accessible to people outside of professional spa and salon settings.
“Social media content often highlights various techniques and tools, encouraging viewers to try facial massage themselves at home and reaching audiences beyond the treatment room.”
Mastering facial massage techniques for professional results
While clients can perform some facial massage techniques at home, professional beauty therapists have the expertise to deliver the best results.
Gua sha stones and jade rollers are popular tools that enhance lymphatic drainage, while manual techniques, such as effleurage, petrissage and tapotement, stimulate circulation and muscle relaxation.
Eleni suggests using oils or a cleansing balm for facial massage, as it enhances the effectiveness of lymphatic drainage and provides a thorough cleanse.
Oleck recommends starting with a hydrating mist followed by an oil-based product for optimal skin hydration and moisture retention. “This water spray and oil technique will help the skin retain moisture and help prevent transepidermal water loss,” she explains.
How to incorporate tools like gua sha and rollers
- Gua sha: Glide the stone in upward motions along the jawline and cheekbones to sculpt the face and improve lymphatic drainage.
- Jade roller: These tools reduce puffiness and promote circulation, especially around the eyes and cheeks. Use them in outward, upward motions for best results.
- Manual techniques: Pair these tools with hands-on techniques such as knuckling, effleurage, and tapotement to maximise the skin’s glow and health.
Facial massage for special events: skin prep tips
When preparing clients for a big event, facial massage is a valuable treatment to include in their skin prep.
If you’re prepping a client for an event, Eleni says it’s usually best to carry out facial massage directly before makeup application.
She adds, “If the client has a sluggish lymphatic system, then a course of treatments leading up to the event would give the best results. If the client tends to go red, then do the massage a few hours before the event.”
This article has been adapted from the original article published in the July 2024 issue of Professional Beauty magazine.
