There are a few things that you need to do in order to make sure your skin looks its best: proper cleansing, regular exfoliation, and daily sun protection.  But did you know that giving yourself a facial massage can have countless skin care benefits as well?  In order to make sure your skin really looks great adding a facial massage to your skin care routine is a must.  Luckily, not only is facial massage relaxing and enjoyable it is easy as well.

  While there are a few things to keep in mind when performing a facial massage there are so many ways to do the massage that you really can't go wrong.  So let's get started.

The Benefits

Why facial massage?  Well for a few great reasons actually:

• Relaxation - this reason is obvious. Massage releases tension and relieves anxiety and stress.  Even a short massage on a specific area of the body such as the face has a positive effect on the rest of our bodies and on our mood.
• Massage relaxes tense muscles and increases circulation and blood flow to the area being massaged. 
• Sinus pressure and puffiness can relieved with massage. 
• Lymph flow can be stimulated which allows the body to function at its best. 
• And lastly, it just feels good.

The Basics

There is no specific time of the day when you have to do a facial massage.  You could do one as part of your morning skin care routine or make it part of your nighttime routine.  Or you might find it easiest to do in front of the TV while watching your favorite show.

  It doesn't have to be long.  Do as much or as little as you have time for.  Just remember that if you can wash your face first before giving yourself a massage that is a good idea otherwise you run the risk of spreading dirt and grime all over your face when performing your massage.  You can use moisturizer, facial oil, or any other product that gives you a good slip when doing the massage.  You'll need some kind of product on your face that helps your fingers move smoothly over your skin instead of snagging and dragging your skin.  You really just need your fingers in order to perform the massage though there are massage tools that you can use as well.

How To Perform A Facial Massage

There are three main types of massage that you can perform on your face: European, acupressure, and lymphatic drainage. European massage concentrates on long strokes across and up the face and circles around the eyes.  Acupressure massage focuses on stimulating points all over the face including behind the ears and down the neck.  Lymphatic drainage massage works on moving lymph from the top of the face down so it can drain.  This last technique is great for acne and under eye puffiness in particular.

Your massage can incorporate elements and moves from all three types of massage techniques or you can concentrate on one type.  It really is a matter of what feels good to you and what your skin needs since all three techniques benefit your skin.  In my opinion the best way to learn a facial massage technique is to watch a video.  One of my favorite videos that explains the benefits of facial massage and shows you great moves is by make-up artist Lisa Eldridge.  Her video is both straight forward and helpful, and she incorporates several techniques into her personal facial massage.  It's easy to follow as well; I highly recommend it both for beginners and for people looking to change up their already established routine.  This video on Into The Gloss also incorporates a few different massage techniques and is easy to learn.  If videos aren't your thing you can learn several massage moves from this Prevention article or try a Korean facial massage.  If you want in-depth information about acupressure massage you should read the book Your Best Face Now: Look Younger in 20 Days with the Do-It-Yourself Acupressure Facelift by Shellie Goldstein.

In the end, no matter what technique you choose for facial massage you'll be doing yourself and your skin a favor.  Relaxation and beautiful skin await!