A massage is a general term for rubbing, kneading, and manipulating your muscles, skin, ligaments, and tendons using your hands. Massages range from light stroking to deep tissue kneading, depending on your needs and tolerance level. Massages are mainly done to the face and body, sometimes the scalp.
Facial Massages
Facial massages are treatments for your face that you can either do on your own or with a massage therapist. These massage techniques involve stimulating pressure points on the neck and face.
Facial massages help promote healthy skin while relaxing your facial muscles with several benefits to them. Generally regarded as part of integrative and complementary medicine, massages are now being offered for medical conditions. Studies have shown that massages are an effective treatment for reducing muscle tension, pain, and stress.
Anti-ageing and reduction in wrinkles are one of the primary advantages of a facial massage as well as soft, glowing skin. Much episodic proof proposes that invigorating your facial muscles can help promote collagen production and assuage tight muscles.
Facial massages can also help soothe pressure in the skin and nerves while improving skin wellbeing.
Giving Yourself A Facial Massage At Home
One of the best benefits of facial massages is that you can give yourself one all in the comfort of your home. It is best to cleanse your face and wash your hands before you begin. Pour a small amount of facial oil, serum, or moisturiser of your choice such that it will be easy for your fingers to move over your skin. The surface of your palm can also be used.
All you need is 10-20 minutes, to settle yourself in front of your mirror and create your own customised facial massage regime. Using gentle but firm pressure, massage a specific area for around 20 to 30 seconds or repeat each stroking a few times. There are many techniques that you can utilise to customise your routine.
One tip is to use a facial roller or a facial massager if massaging your face with your fingers gets too much. You can even look into using a derma roller. There are several benefits to microneedling such as improvement in the appearance of acne scars and pigmentation, reduced wrinkles, rejuvenated skin and product absorption is enhanced.
We would also like to advise that if an individual is facing specific facial concerns such as active acne or severe hyperpigmentation, it would be best to consult a therapist or a doctor for a facial massage.
Cambridge Therapeutics has two facial treatments, Needleless Rejuran and JetPRO Facial that could help if individuals are looking for a professional service. JetPRO offers an array of serums tailored for specific needs and the therapist can also recommend additional treatments for your skin’s needs.
Needleless Rejuran
Rejuran is a skin healing treatment that has surged in popularity in recent years especially in South Korea as well as other Asian countries such as Singapore. It effectively reduces and heals signs of ageing by leaving the skin smoother, refreshed, and more hydrated by reactivating the skin’s healing ability to restore its collagen structure.
The procedure consists of three steps:
Step 1: Lymphatic Drainage
A pleasant and relaxing massage for detoxifying the skin and stimulating micro-circulation.
Step 2: Hydra Dermabrasion
Removal of dead skin cells to prepare the skin to receive nourishment when infusing Rejuran.
Step 3: Needleless Rejuran
Delivers fine misty jet streams of high-velocity Rejuran at subsonic speeds. With powerful jet streams that create microchannels to facilitate deep subdermal delivery of the Rejuran.
JetPRO is the ultimate blend of skin wellbeing and gorgeous confidence utilising advanced skincare jet propulsion technology adapted for aesthetic treatments to warrant the most comfortable, healthy treatments with fast, visible results. JetPRO works deep in the dermis, despite being 100% non-intrusive, employing an extraordinary methodology that is clinically proven and has the same benefits as Needleless Rejuran.
JetPRO even works past the skin, by helping people look and feel healthy, new, and stunning as well as building morale in themselves and their skincare - more than ever. To be used along with the JetPro, Cambridge Therapeutics offers different cocktails for different skin concerns. Our consultants will discuss and recommend the most suitable serum after a detailed skin analysis.
ATX-NAT: Perfect for ageing skin, sagging skin, dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles
Anti - Ageing Complex 2: Perfect for ageing skin, sagging skin, skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles
Pigmentation & Melasma Complex: Perfect for dull skin, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, melasma, age & sun spots
Rosacea & Sensitive Skin: Perfect for oily skin, acne, rosacea and sensitive skin
Facial massages are an amazing way to give yourself some self-care love as well as allow yourself a few minutes of healing and rejuvenating while treating your skin. It is also important to stay healthy and allow yourself enough time to rest and relax while drinking water, following a nutritious diet, and being active.
Body Massages
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is ideal for new people to massage, are sensitive to touch, and have a lot of tension. Swedish massage helps to release muscle knots, and it is a good option if you want to relax fully during a massage. The massage therapist will use kneading, deep, circular motions, vibration and tapping, long, flowing strokes, and passive joint movement techniques for the massage.
Deep Massage
A deep massage is a good option if you have injuries, soreness, or imbalance, which are commonly known as chronic muscle problems. Deep massage can ease chronic muscle pain, relieve tight muscles, and anxiety. Your massage therapist will use deep finger pressure and slow strokes to alleviate your muscles' deepest layers and connective tissues.
Sports Massage
If you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle or you are prone to injuries, sports massage is an excellent option to consider because it can be used to prevent sports injuries and relieve pain. Furthermore, sports massage can also help to increase performance and flexibility. The massage therapist may focus on specific areas of the body that need the most attention while applying deep pressure and soothing strokes.
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger point massages are most suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes, the trigger points, also known as the tightness areas in the muscle tissues, can cause severe pain in other parts of the body. Trigger point massage uses flowing, broad strokes that are relaxing and gentle together with more profound and stronger pressure.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is most suitable for people who want a more active form of massage while also reducing and relieving stress and pain. The Thai massage can also improve flexibility, blood circulation and energy levels. Thai massage works your entire body using a sequence of movements that are similar to yoga stretching. Your massage therapist will use their fingers and palms to apply firm pressure to your body.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be incorporated into massage sessions for facial and body massages. The incorporation of essential oils into massage is also known as Aromatherapy massage.
Aromatherapy massages are widely used for various reasons, which includes relaxation, mood enhancement, and pain management. Adding essential oils is said to enhance the above benefits.
Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and soothing properties [1] resulting in an effective choice to relieve anxiety and fatigue by sending signals to the brain to release dopamine and serotonin.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint leaves contain several essential oils, including menthol, limonene, and menthone, that can also be incorporated as part of aromatherapy massage. Peppermint oil has been known to help with chronic itching, aid in sleeping, improve energy and concentration, relieve pain, reduces muscle spasms and boosts blood circulation.
Cedarwood Essential oil
Cedarwood oil and its compounds have been used for their potential beauty and health benefits. It offers a wide variety of benefits which include anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties [2] useful for treating stubborn breakouts, reducing the appearance of scars, soothes eczema, and treats minor wounds. It also improves sleep and relieves stress and anxiety.
The Bottom Line
There is no best way to massage your skin, but rather choosing a facial or body massage that is best suited towards your needs. Body massages can involve using instruments and essential oils. Facial massages can involve the use of different kinds of serums, facial oils, and other skin products depending on your skin type and needs.
Needleless Rejuran and JetPRO Facial by Cambridge Therapeutics are two such facial treatments that give you the full benefits of a facial massage, take care of your skin needs and are done by professional therapists.
Massages can be a powerful tool that helps you improve your health and well-being. Do note that not everyone is suitable for massages, and not everyone will benefit from facial or body massages. Do consult with your therapist if you are unsure whether you should go for a massage.
Perna, S., Spadaccini, D., Botteri, L., Girometta, C., Riva, A., Allegrini, P., Petrangolini, G., Infantino, V., & Rondanelli, M. (2019). Efficacy of bergamot: From anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms to clinical applications as preventive agent for cardiovascular morbidity, skin diseases, and mood alterations. Food science & nutrition, 7(2), 369–384. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.903
Zrira, S., & Ghanmi, M. (2016). Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential of Cedrus atlantica (Cedarwood oil). Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 19(5), 1267-1272.
