Natural Face Lift Treatments: At-home Face Massage for Firmer Skin

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

When it comes to rejuvenating the face, many people consider face lift treatments like surgery or injectables to reduce sagging skin and wrinkles. While these procedures can provide noticeable results, they can be expensive, invasive, and require downtime.

Why consider natural alternatives to face lift treatments?

Woman lightly massaging her cheeks for firmer skin.

If you prefer non-invasive, natural alternatives, you're in luck! A good face massage, combined with at-home devices and tools, can help firm your skin and enhance your facial contours without the need for surgery. And research backs this up!

L’Oréal, the largest beauty and cosmetics company in the world, studied the benefits of daily facial massage. Their findings were impressive...

Can a face massage lift your skin? Insights from L'Oreal study 

One of the largest beauty and cosmetics company in the world, L’Oreal studied how massaging your face every day can make your skin look better.

A group of beautiful women between 40 and 60 years old.

They looked at 50 women (yes, it was a small study) aged 40 to 60 who did a 3-minute massage using plant-based oil for two weeks. The results showed that their skin improved in several ways, including reduced wrinkles and a brighter, plumper appearance.

Note: The women also said they felt better overall, not just about their skin. This suggests that giving yourself a daily face massage can make your skin and your mood better.

Other larger studies show that massages can strengthen facial muscles and improve blood flow. They can also increase muscle thickness and enhance facial rejuvenation.

A simple 5 -10-minute massage helps relax facial muscles, relieve tension, improve blood circulation, and brings about a nice rosy glow. Any type of face massage technique can help release and relax pulled muscles, whether it's a massaging tool or just your hands. 

So, if you're looking for inexpensive ways to improve your look, it's worth trying them. 😊

Why face lift treatments & massages work 

Woman worried about needing face lift treatment.

Facial treatments help de-stress tension lines and lift facial muscles. Why?

Because when we're stressed, it shows on our face and neck. We tend to scrunch up the face, furrow the brow, and hold our shoulders tightly upward around the neck. 

Try this at home

Put a mirror next to your computer and check out your facial expressions from time to time, when you're working hard or are deep in thought. You'd be surprised how "pinched up" and tight your face looks!

All of this tension pulls the muscles of the face and neck downward and can exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles.

Face massage for wrinkles: My experiment

Before and after picture of eye wrinkles. Improvements after 6 months of daily face lift massages.BEFORE and AFTER

Not only are my wrinkles less deep in the after picture, but my eyes are more open. And the inner eye trough area is filled in, hence less dark circles.

Full Disclose: I've been doing basic facial exercises, which also helped give my eyes a more 'open' appearance. And, results will vary from person to person.

I found that sticking to a consistent massaging routine (along with face exercises) can help reduce the depth and width of some wrinkles.

Then I ran an experiment to see if certain face lift treatments can help reduce the depth and appearance of the big wrinkle/line around my neck.

Before and after neck wrinkle pictures.BEFORE and AFTER

I found that massaging my neck along with face exercises helped to reduce the width and depth of the line across my neck. It also helped improve my skin tone too. It looks smoother with fewer lines in the after picture.

Regarding those lightened brown spots, I applied a home-mixed vitamin C serum on my neck every day.

Lower face and neck massage video

Studies show that face and neck massage enhance the effectiveness of anti-aging skincare products by promoting better penetration and results.

As you can see from my neck pictures, those two brown spots are almost gone thanks to regular application of vitamin C serum used before each massage treatment. To get these results, I added a neck massage called The Brush to my weekly face exercise routine that was developed by Carolyn Cleaves.

Here is the video:

You can get more free face exercise and massage videos here...

Benefits of firming treatments for face and neck

My favorite face lift treatment is a good old fashion face massage. You'd be surprised what a little massaging can do for your skin and facial contours. 

And the best part?

These treatments are inexpensive and can be done at home. A simple face massage, using either your hands or a massaging device, can help:

  • tone a puffy bloated face and jowls
  • relax facial muscles, tension lines and wrinkles
  • increase blood circulation, bringing nutrients to the skin
  • tone crêpey skin
  • amplify the effects of anti-aging creams

Which face lift massage should you try?

There are plenty of YouTube videos and instructions on how to perform a face massage at home. And, most of them look well-designed and will offer some skin enhancing benefits.

But, if you want to take it to the next level, incorporating:

  • muscle toning
  • with skin polishing

The one listed below is a good two-pronged approach to try:

How to do face massage.Example of how to contract facial muscles before doing a massage. This is called the Long O Face.
Step by step facial positions for face lift massage.

Why this massage is good

Note: According to Dr. Rossiter, M.D., facial muscles go through the skin, this allows us to show facial expressions.

So if you contract the facial muscle first and then massage or slide your hands across the skin, you will tone your facial muscles and skin at the same time!

This massage is called the Circle-Up Rub. Its purpose is to firm the face muscles and help reduce fine lines and crinkly skin along the jowls, cheeks, temples and eyes-crow's feet area. This massage is to be done on wet or moisturized skin only and over contracted muscles.

You can learn more and get full instructions on how to do this face lift treatment here at this link.

Facial tools for rejuvenation and lift

When it comes to enhancing your skin’s appearance, several facial tools can elevate your routine. These tools not only improve texture but also promote a healthier, more radiant complexion.

Massage Tools: Facial rollers, gua sha tools, face cups, and the Kansa wand provide a gentle massage that helps relieve tension in the facial muscles. These tools promote lymphatic drainage and improve blood flow, enhancing your skin's firmness and elasticity. 

Microdermabrasion at Home: While primarily known for exfoliating the skin, at-home microdermabrasion tools also stimulate circulation, giving your complexion a fresh, vibrant look. By removing dead skin cells and encouraging new cell turnover, these devices contribute to a smoother texture and a more youthful glow.

Here is list the face massage tools I've tried:

The Kansa Wand: DIY Ayurveda Face Lift Massage Wand

The Kansa wand is a therapeutic massage tool used in Ayurvedic healing.

Gua Sha Massage How To: Easy 4-in-1 Electric Tool for Face & Neck

Amazing facial treatment with this heated, vibrating, micro-current, red-light device. Watch this video...


Facial Cupping Massage Treatments

Get at-home facials and massages. Help reduce puffiness and fine lines. Also helps tone and firm jowls, chin and neck.

What is Gua Sha Facial - Treatment and Benefits

What is Gua Sha? How to use it for anti-aging benefits for younger looking face and skin.



Additional Reading

10 Benefits of an Enzyme Facial

2 Best Home Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation

At-Home Lactic Acid Peels

Roloxin Face Mask

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5383004/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30477852/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12121555/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27878850/

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2666801





Before you go ....

Please tap on the💙in the bottom right corner if you found this page helpful.

Thanks so much!