Explore the mental and physical benefits of lymphatic drainage.
If you’ve ever dozed off when an esthetician does a facial massage, you already know part of the magic. While it feels great, you might also wonder what they're doing to benefit your skin — besides the obvious relaxing effects.
As Equinox’s Area Spa Manager for Orange County, California, and a former esthetician, I’ll walk you through the physical and mental benefits of facial massage, plus what to expect during your treatment and how to do it on your own in between appointments.
Facial Massage, Explained
A facial massage is precisely what it sounds like: An esthetician gently manipulates the skin using their hands or specific tools like a cryo globe. Sometimes facial oils are used to allow hands to easily glide over the skin while hydrating the skin at the same time. There are several different types of facial massage techniques — from ancient healing systems like Ayurvedic to European effleurage that involve circular, stroking movements.
At Equinox Spas, each location features estheticians who bring their own unique facial massage methodologies, but ultimately, the goal is to massage skin toward lymphatic drainage. This encourages blood flow, which increases oxygen flow and skin cell turnover that helps achieve healthy, glowing skin. The process of lymphatic drainage massage reduces the appearance of fine lines, swelling, and puffiness in the face and is a relaxing, restorative experience for both body and mind.
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What to Expect During a Professional Facial Massage
All of Equinox’s Spa services start with a consultation to ask about skin type, goals, and concerns so that they are customized to each member. Anyone can get a facial massage as part of their facial treatment. However, if someone is recovering from a laser treatment or has received filler, it’s best to consult your physician. Also, if you have active acne, avoiding a facial massage is best because it could potentially spread bacteria.
During your consultation, you and your esthetician will discuss the products you currently use at home and your lifestyle to ensure any recommendations they make for you are a good fit. Facials are divided into three major components: exfoliation, relaxation, and hydration, depending on the client's focus. Facials will always start with a good cleanse — possibly a double cleanse to get any invisible dirt and oil off your skin. Your esthetician may use a hot towel to relax the facial muscles and help soften your skin.
After covering your eyes, they’ll use a magnification lamp to see what your skin has to say — whether that’s dehydration, rosacea, or sensitivities. It’s important to exfoliate the skin to remove dead, dull skin cells, and that will sometimes follow up with steam and extractions (if it’s a good fit for the client). Then, depending on the amount of time dedicated to the other parts of the facial, your facial massage will last anywhere from five to about 12 minutes — there aren’t really any physical benefits to a facial massage longer than that.
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How to Care for Your Skin After a Facial Massage
You’ll walk away from a facial massage looking instantly less puffy and more refreshed. There’s nothing different you need to do post-facial massage in terms of lifestyle, and you can continue with your existing products (or new, appropriate recommendations from your esthetician). Make sure to hydrate afterward to continue flushing out toxins from your system. Always use SPF to protect your skin.
In between your facial appointments at the Spa, treat yourself to a facial massage at home. Think of it as maintenance between your pro-level sessions.
Start at your lymph nodes and use your hands in upward sweeping motions. Then, move to your mouth area and your cheekbones, sweeping up and away from the center of your face to lift the areas weighed down by gravity. Continue towards your temples, forehead, and brows.
Once you get to the eye area, where puffiness accumulates, lightly massage with your ring finger in circular motions around the eye, massaging toward your nose and back toward your temples. Lastly, from your forehead following your hairline, massage back down towards the lymph nodes in your neck to drain fluid away from your face. It’s important to use light pressure the entire time and not to be too aggressive at pulling or tugging at your skin. When in doubt, book an appointment at your Spa for a feel-good, expert-backed massage. Promise, you won’t have to lift a finger.