Touch is the first form of communication we learn as babies. We understand this language through our skin. Our skin is constantly changing through cell renewal. Here are some quick massage techniques for healthy skin that can easily become a part of your skincare routine. Enjoy luxe wellness at home.
Dry brush body massage
A favorite skincare technique used by holistic massage therapist Tayonon Gbala is dry brushing. To dry brush your body, she recommends using a natural bristle brush without water. “Make circular motions on the arms, legs, and back to exfoliate and release toxins naturally. These parts of the body, while not as outwardly visible as the face and hands need attention,” she says. Dry brushing stimulates blood circulation and improves lymphatic functions. Tayonon likes all-natural brushes from Spa Sister and Earth Therapeutics. To reach your back, select a long handle brush. Hydrate the skin after dry brushing with a body moisturizer. To keep skin well hydrated during her tissue body massages, Tayonon applies YASOU hydrating body cream. “I like the natural, vitamin rich ingredients and quick absorption into the skin,” she says.
Face massage
Face massage can be as simple as applying slight pressure with fingers while washing your face with a cleanser or applying a moisturizer to damp skin. But there are techniques that can help you keep your skin glowing. Many people hold tension in their face muscles. Some are concerned about signs of aging. We asked estheticians Nikki Seagrest and Kimberly Rosendorn at Enhance Lash Studio about facial massage techniques you can do at home between professional facials. “Massage brings more blood flow to the surface and increases collagen production making it a natural anti-ager,” Nikki says. Kimberly describes a motion technique for home massage. “After applying product, use your hands with gentle pressure to glide from the inner portion of your face out and upward to give yourself a natural face lift.” They recommend using a jade roller at home to help serums penetrate deeply into the skin. When kept in the refrigerator, the jade roller can help reduce puffiness and inflammation.
Based on skin type, Nikki uses a carrier oil to massage. “Jojoba is great for oily skin since it is most similar to the skin’s molecular structure. Grapeseed is a non-comedogenic oil that can be used on all skin types while Rosehip oil is suitable for drier, more mature skin. Adding essential oils like frankincense, tea tree or lavender enhance the experience,” she says. Like many people, their clients are looking for non-invasive, natural solutions to keep skin healthy.
Whatever technique you use, first cleanse the face and remove any makeup. Rub skin care products between your clean hands before applying. The warmth from your hands improves absorption. You can also try steaming your face with a home steamer to soften pores.
Breathe
Breath exercises indirectly benefit skin health by providing more oxygen and relieving stress. Tayonon shared this exercise which she uses in her selfcare program. In the morning, to get yourself stimulated start with your tongue at the roof of your mouth and keep mouth slightly open. Rapidly breathe in through the nose three times and exhale through the nose three times for 10 to 15 seconds. Over time try to expand that time to one minute each morning. When you need to relax, inhale four times, hold for seven seconds, then exhale eight times.
Take a few moments each day to get out of your head and into your body. You may discover trigger points, reflexes, over use patterns, where pain originates and pleasure too. The body is good at masking issues but also revealing truths. Use these quick massage techniques and you will become fluent in how touch nourishes healthy skin