Anti-aging face massage is a popular offering in many salons and spas. Advocates of the technique say it temporarily plumps the skin or that it can produce long-term changes in appearance.
A small number of studies have tested facial massage techniques and suggest that massage might improve blood flow, plump the skinTrusted Source, or subjectively improve the appearance of the skin.
However, studies on the topic have significant shortcomings, such as a low number of participants and no long-term follow-up. As a result, there is no conclusive scientific proof that facial massage works to significantly change the visible signs of aging on the skin.
Read on to learn more about anti-aging face massage, including types and techniques.
Can face massages reduce the signs of aging?
Some facial massage practitioners claim that massage may help reduce the signs of aging, either immediately or over time, with regular treatments. There is some evidence to support this claim, but it is weak.
For example, a 2018 study assessed the effects of massage rollers on the skin over 5 weeks. Researchers performed massage on the right cheek of 12 study participants. At the end of 5 weeks, there was greater vasodilation — a measure of blood flow — in only the right cheek.
This suggests that massage might help improve circulation. This could, in theory, promote the delivery of healthy nutrients to the skin, improve skin plumpness, or promote skin healing. However, the study was very small, so more research is necessary to confirm this.
A 2021 pilot studyTrusted Source suggests that facial massage might offer the appearance of lifting in the cheeks. Drawing on CT scans of a cadaver and six volunteers, researchers concluded that massage could help improve facial mobility, potentially making the skin look younger or more lifted.
A 2022 studyTrusted Source by some of the same authors used a similar CT scanning technique in five volunteers, who massaged their cheeks for 2 weeks. Researchers found that massage thinned the skin, helped lift the skin, and subjectively improved the skin’s appearance. Again, though, this was a very small study.
A 2017 studyTrusted Source that used skin samples in a laboratory setting found that skin massage increased the expression of the decorin, fibrillin, tropoelastin, and procollagen-1 in the skin. These substances give skin structure and elasticity.
In the same study, researchers also tested an anti-aging cream along with massage on the skin of 20 white women aged 65–75 years. They also tested the cream alone in a similar group of 22 others.
After 8 weeks, an evaluator who did not know which treatment each person had received rated their skin on various measures of aging and elasticity. The group that used the massage and cream had better results.
Types of facial massage
No single type of face massage is proven to work better than others when it comes to reducing the visible signs of aging. There are various approaches, including:
Swedish: This type uses light, long strokes to ease muscle tension.
Shiatsu: This form of massage originates from Japan and involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. People can also get this type of massage on the face.
Gua sha: This method of facial massage involves using a flat crystal tool to massage the contours of the face. It originates in East Asian medicine.
Lymphatic drainage: This type of massage moves lymph, which is a type of bodily fluid, beneath the skin. Some people use it to reduce puffiness.
Tools and equipment for facial massage
The only vital tools for a facial massage are a person’s hands and a lotion or oil to reduce friction on the skin.
It is a good idea to choose oils that suit a person’s skin type. For example, people who are concerned about acne can opt for noncomedogenic oils, such as jojoba oil. These are less likely to block pores.
People can use their fingers, thumbs, the heel of their hands, or a tool to massage the face. Some tools people may find helpful include:
Face rollers: These devices apply even, gentle pressure to the skin. They come in a range of sizes and materials, including metal, wood, glass, and crystal. Some manufacturers claim that certain types of face rollers, such as jade rollers, offer additional benefits. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Heated massagers: Some companies make face massagers that heat up. This may help soothe aches and pains or help a person feel relaxed.
Chilled massagers: Cold massagers may contain a liquid that keeps the tool cold, or they may require a person to store them in the refrigerator. They provide a refreshing sensation and may temporarily tighten the skin.
Vibrating massagers: Some face massagers also vibrate. Manufacturers claim this gives a more intense massage, although no studies have yet to investigate this.
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