The Science Of Facial Massage

Having just submitted a scientific review to the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, I would like to highlight the benefits of facial massage to broader audience.

The Science Of Facial Massage – Benefits Beyond Beauty

It might be a cliche that facial massage leads to relaxation. But how does it work? I have looked into all that is known about the physical and psychological benefits brought about by a structured, deep and long facial massage.

We are getting older and feel the need to stay looking young with the best anti-ageing skincare products and therapies. Touch, as a human need, is vital for our emotional and physical health and the face is the most accessible part of the human body. Regular facial massage is a health affirming, anti-ageing therapy with significant benefits for both skin and our psyche. It is an alternative to Botox, which has been shown to impact negatively on our social communication by changing our emotional experience. By evoking in-the-moment positive emotions, facial massage contributes to our well-being and it is its psychological effect which provides the rationale for the physiological basis underlying mechanical stimulation.

In order to be effective, clinically proven anti-ageing treatments have to stimulate the production of new, non-fragmented and well-organised collagen and/or papillary reconstruction in order to improve the appearance of aged skin. It is well-known that body massage impacts on vital body signs by inducing a state of relaxation and has a positive effect on neurosis, stress, pain, anxiety and depression. Stress has been shown to play a role in the onset of skin ageing and deterioration by compromising the epidermal barrier function and impairing the inflammatory response.

Facial massage is a form of psychological intervention; a relaxation technique with music and focused attention to the massaged area of the face. Research confirms that stress management techniques lead to reduction of skin disease symptoms.

Having done massage treatments on a day-to-day basis, I am able to compare published research to my client’s experiences. For more information about my treatments, please go to www.faceworkshops.com

Facial Massage & Relaxation At Home

• It is a nice feeling to indulge in a relaxing afternoon with a scented candle or calming eye pads but making time for relaxation in our demanding day to day life is essential for our health. Goal setting and stressful, aggressive work environment changes our hormones (adrenaline, testosterone levels are higher) and this can have a negative impact on our skin. As 80 – 90 % of illnesses are stress related, relaxation should be an important part of our life.
• The main benefits of a facial massage are calming effect, increased blood and lymph flow, muscle relaxation and increase in endorphins that make us feel good.
• Start with massaging decollete, shoulders and neck with flat hands. Sweep upwards and outwards in a slow motion, use organic plant oil and remove it with a hot flannel. Invest time into massaging the areas prone to sagging (use your thumbs and index fingers) to increase blood flow and slow down the ageing process. 

Choose the Right Oil

• Use light oil with sensual, smooth feel (not a sticky base) and pleasant aroma that transports you to a far away place.
• Dim your lights, wrap in warm towels, light a scented candle – breathe deeply and listen to relaxing music.

 Inspired by Pure Beauty (October 2011).

 

Mindfulness – Links

 

• Mindfulness Research Update: 2008 by Jeffrey M. Greeson, Ph.D., M.S.
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2679512/?tool=pubmed
• Mindfulness and pain management
• http://www.yourdocmedical.co.uk/wellbeing/160
• Daily Meditations
• http://franticworld.com/free-meditations-from-mindfulness/

 

Relaxation with Mindfulness Meditation

Stress and anxiety make our skin prone to premature ageing, our facial expressions – transient at first – but repeated time and again become ingrained in our face as deep lines and wrinkles. Be it the frown lines that show the strain of a high management role or the exaggerated crows’ feet apparent in people who care for their relatives at home 24/7.

In a search for new ways of helping my clients to relax, I went to the School of Life in London, to listen to Mark Williams, a professor from Oxford University and a leading expert in mindfulness meditation. I always appreciate techniques that combine science with ancient tradition – and mindfulness meditation does just that. It has been proven to calm the mind and improve wellbeing (as well as well as dealing with more serious issues such as depression and anxiety).

Having experienced the relaxing benefit of touch and meditation first hand, I believe these techniques will come to the forefront of anti-ageing healthcare in future.

An interesting link to brain science

 

 

Mavis’s Mother’s Day Makeover Win

A Pocklington grandmother who won a Mother’s Day competition has a new look and a portfolio of photographs.

Mavis Goodwin, 58, was nominated for the competition to reward a deserving Mum with a series of relaxing and anti-ageing facial massages by her daughter, Jayne Bell, who wanted to give her mum some valuable ‘me time’ from her role as a full time carer to Jayne’s father.

Organised by FaceWorkshops in conjunction with Mark Kensett photography, the competition attracted many deserving entries but we were so moved by Jayne’s nomination that we awarded the £600 prize of a three month course of anti-ageing facial massages plus a photo shoot package to Mavis without hesitation. As Mavis reached the end of the course of  facial massages that have helped to energise and tone her skin; she said; “Not only is my skin glowing, but I have benefited in other ways, too.  It has helped to take away stress, and forced me to make time for me and to relax.  It’s been lovely and Mark’s photos are a great reminder of my experience.”

Mavis’s daughter Jayne accompanied her mum to some of the treatments. “My dad had an accident three years ago that left him brain damaged, unable to speak and totally reliant on Mum, so the last three years have been a real drain on her both emotionally and physically.  After each treatment, it was as if a weight had been lifted from mum’s shoulders and a light was shining within her. I said in my nomination that if I could I would give her the world.  I am very proud of her and the way she has looked after my Dad relentlessly and with such patience.  Although winning the competition was not quite ‘the world’, the way that Katerina and Mark made us both feel special is something that we will never forget.  Thank you for making a difference to both of us.”

As I diagnosed and treated Mavis’s face, it became apparent that she is a very strong person with great coping abilities. I have encouraged her to take time to relax, meditate and pamper herself, whenever she can.