How to Give Yourself a Facial Massage

One of the best parts of receiving a facial at a spa, aside from leaving with a fresh-looking complexion, is the gentle facial massage that goes with it. Beautiful skin can be a reflection of how you feel, so don’t wait for your next appointment to reap the benefits of a facial massage. Indulge your skin by giving yourself a facial massage once a week. All you’ll need are two skin care products—a facial cleanser and a facial oil or moisturizer—and your hands. Grab whichever you prefer, then read on to find out how to add facial massage to your weekly skin care routine.

Facial Massage Step #1: Start with a Fresh, Clean Face

Now, you don’t want to be massaging dirt and other impurities into your skin, do you? Of course you don’t! That’s why it’s a must to wash your face (and your hands) before you get started on your massage. Start by getting your hands squeaky clean, then reach for a foaming gel facial cleanser—that’s sure to provide a thorough cleansing—like the L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ All Skin Types Foaming Gel Cleanser. The cleanser’s deeply purifying formula will remove dirt and oil for an incredible clean, while leaving behind no tightness and no residue. To use, wet your hands and face with lukewarm water, then work a small amount of the gel into a foamy lather. Massage it onto your face using gentle, circular motions. Rinse with more lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. After drying off, you’ll have a fresh canvas ready to go for your facial massage.

Editor’s tip: If you were wearing makeup, you made want to consider double cleansing! To give it a try, use a micellar water to wipe off makeup before breaking out your gel facial cleanser.

Facial Massage Step #2: Rub Moisturizer or Facial Oil Between Your Hands

If you’ve ever received a facial massage, you’ll know that the esthetician doesn’t smooth their dry hands over your face. Instead, they’ll massage a moisturizer or facial oil onto your skin. That way, their hands can smoothly glide over your skin without any tugging or pulling. And in case you haven’t guessed, you’ll want to do the same during your DIY facial massage. Rub a dollop of the moisturizer between your hands to warm up the lotion or cream before applying it to your skin. If you prefer, you can choose to do the same with facial oil instead of moisturizer, or mix a few drops of oil into your moisturizer for the best of both worlds. As for which moisturizer to incorporate into your facial massage, have your pick from the following options based on your skin type:

If you have oily skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal/Oily Skin. In normal and oily skin, external factors such as pollution, UV rays, and excessive cleansing can damage skin’s moisture barrier, causing loss of moisture and increase in oil production. As a result, your complexion can end up looking overly shiny. This water-based moisturizer reduces the appearance of excess shine so skin looks mattified and fresh.

If you have dry skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal/Dry Skin. Normal and dry skin faces external factors such as pollution and UV rays that can damage skin’s moisture barrier, increasing loss of moisture and causing it to become drier. As a result, skin surfaces loses its glow, becoming dull. This water-based moisturizer envelops skin with moisture, improving radiance.

If you have extra dry skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Extra Dry Skin. Extra dry skin has a very fragile moisture barrier that can be easily damaged by external factors such as pollution and UV rays. Skin consequently loses moisture, becoming easily dehydrated, feeling tight and uncomfortable. This water-based moisturizer envelops skin with moisture, providing comfort so that skin feels nourished.

If you have dull, mature skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Moisturizer. As skin matures, its ability to renew surface cells slows down by causing a buildup of dead cells on the surface. As a result, the natural pink tone is hidden and complexion becomes dull, losing its natural rosy tone of youth. This intense daily moisturizer is enhanced with rosy pigments to instantly revive skin’s rosy tone. It’s formulated with imperial peony and LHA to help gently exfoliate dull skin and revive skin’s natural pink tone. Immediately, skin is hydrated, feels smoother, and looks rejuvenated, while skin will appear renewed with continued use over time

If you have dry, mature skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition – Golden Balm Face, Neck & Chest. As skin matures, it becomes dry, thin, and less resilient. Skin’s underlying support structure is weakened. Vertical lines and sleep marks on the neck and upper chest can appear. Enriched with calcium and precious oils, this moisturizer nourishes and conditions delicate skin. With micro-fine nutrients, skin is redensified and infused with long-lasting comfort and hydration.

Facial Massage Step #3: Apply Light Pressure in Upward Motions

It’s time to massage! Start at your chin and move up towards your temples, applying light pressure in upward motions as you go. Then, move from above your lips, going up and out towards your temples again.

Facial Massage Step #4: Pay Extra Attention to Your Eye Area

Moving to the area under your eyebrow, place each index finger on either side of your nose, and press and flow with outward strokes towards your temples. Then, place your fingers under your eye. Gently work your fingers from the inner corners of your eyes towards the outer corners. This is especially important because fluids can build up under the eye, causing puffiness. If you have under-eye bags, you may want to spend extra time on your under-eye area.

Facial Massage Step #5: Continue Massaging, Focusing on Your Neck and Jawline Too

A good facial massage doesn’t stop with your face. It should continue downwards, focusing on your jawline, neck, and décolleté.

If the facial massage isn’t the only aspect of a visit to the spa that you wish you could replicate at home, we’ve got you covered. Here’s How to Create a Stress-Free Spa-Inspired Skin Care Routine.