6 Expert-Recommended Face Massages for Firmer, Smoother Skin (2024)

We love a solid skincare routine, but sometimes the secret to a healthy, youthful visage goes beyond the lotions and potions. No, we don't mean anything invasive or intense. Actually, all you need for that radiant, glowing complexion are your hands and the knowledge of how to use them. A good face massage might sound like a weekend self-care ritual (and it can be), but certain targeted techniques can help address everything from wrinkles to firmness to circulation to even delivering those sculpted supermodel cheekbones you've been dreaming of. Want in? We spoke to two estheticians and a dermatologist to get the full lowdown on this practice, from the benefits to how to perform it.

Keep reading for six facial massage techniques that will help you to embrace the best version of your skin.

Benefits of Facial Massage

Facial massage may sound like a luxurious experience reserved for spa days, but working the practice into your self-care routine via at-home massage can majorly benefit your skin. Some of the main benefits of regular facial massage include reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helping with lymphatic drainage, and relieving muscle tension, as well as reducing stress and helping you to feel more relaxed overall. Our experts recommend massaging your face daily as part of your regular skincare routine, and incorporating the right facial massage techniques can be the secret not only to improved radiance but to a firmer, smoother complexion.

Kneading the skin improves circulation, which brings "more blood cells to the skin, more oxygen, and better absorption of products," explains esthetician Sonya Dakar. She says that certain methods can also smooth forehead and frown lines and reduce stress and headaches, which, in turn, can minimize signs of aging moving forward with consistent practice. While Morgan Rabach, MD, agrees there are positive benefits to face massage, she notes there isn't any scientific evidence to support that massage techniques can help reduce wrinkles. However, she does add that "it doesn't hurt to try," and try we shall.

Lifting and Firming Facial Massage Technique

The following technique is simple, free, and can be used anytime you cleanse, apply serum, or moisturize:

1. After applying your product of choice, begin by sweeping your fingers down the bridge of the nose, following the shape of your face. Then, in one fluid motion, continue sweeping the fingers under the eyes and outward.
2. Next, bring your fingers over the cheekbones, and sweep outward. Repeat the same motion under the cheekbones.
3. Now you'll move onto the forehead. Use the same lightweight sweeping technique, working from the center of the forehead out and using upward motions from the eyebrows to the hairline. You'll want to use your thumbs to perform vertical strokes and keep the rest of your fingers close together for horizontal strokes.
4. Next, the chin: Use the sides of each pointer finger to sweep from the bottom lip down to the jawline. Move from the center of the chin outward to the ears.
5. After that, use two fingers on each hand to sweep from the center of chin out and up to the ears. One finger should go above the jawline, with the other below.
6. Perform light, quick strokes up your neck to the jawline to help lift the skin, then make small, circular movements with your fingertips from the center of your décolletage outward. This will help smooth wrinkles created from sleeping on your side.

Wrinkle-Smoothing Facial Massage Technique

If you'd like your facial massage to be a little more targeted toward wrinkles, Dakar has a technique that will help address this specifically.

1. First, apply a facial oil that works for your skin type all over a clean face.
2. Then, use your middle finger to apply pressure to the center of your forehead. "This technique can help smooth frown lines across your forehead," Dakar says. "As a bonus, it can also help you get rid of stress and headaches, which stops you from frowning."
3. Apply this pressure for three seconds and repeat for three sets. "To improve the effects of this facial acupressure technique, work your middle finger down until you reach the spot right in between your eyebrows," Dakar suggests.
4. If you're looking to target crow's feet, "use your index fingers to apply pressure on your nose's bridge, right below the inner eyes," Dakar tells us. "Do this for five seconds at a time for a total of three sets." Better yet, this technique can relax your eye muscles so you naturally squint less, and it can also minimize the formation of dark under-eye circles.

Lymphatic Drainage Facial Massage Technique

The circulation-boosting benefits of facial massage can work double duty by helping release sinus congestion and reduce swelling. While paying attention to the major pressure points of the face, Rabach suggests using "the pads of your fingers working from the middle of the face upwards to the side." The below technique employs a jade roller, which does the work for you by offering pressure throughout the face as you roll. "Use gentle movements and a light oil-free moisturizer to help the massage tool or fingers glide easier on the skin," adds Rabach.

1. Apply a lotion or light cream all over the face and neck.
2. Using a jade roller, roll from the center of your face outward, which will naturally stimulate the lymphatic system to drain excess fluid.
3. Gently move in the direction of your face’s contour, finishing with the outer sides of the face.
4. For best results, repeat this process at least once per month.

Reflexology Facial Massage Technique

Facial reflexology is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that focuses on acupuncture points on your face. "Facial massages have a lot of benefits many people don’t even realize," says licensed esthetician Sarah Kimmel. "Besides feeling amazing, a facial massage helps relieve tension in our facial muscles, reduces inflammation and puffiness, and may sometimes even relieve sinus pressure." Here are three popular ways to incorporate facial reflexology into your everyday routine:

1. Taiyang: Place your middle and index finger at your temples. Then, rub in a circular motion while slowly breathing in and out.
2. Bitong: Place your middle or index finger on both sides of the part of your nasolabial groove that is closest to your nose.
3. Yintang: Lean your head forward and place your middle or index finger in between your eyebrows to support the weight of your head. Rub your finger in a circular motion while breathing in and out.

Gua Sha Facial Massage Technique

Gua sha facial massage is based on an ancient healing technique, first referred to in a classical Chinese medicine text called theShan Han. Using your gua sha tool, you apply a combination of strokes across the face with soft pressure, which helps with lymphatic drainage and can reduce bloating. "Gua sha tools are created specifically to the curvatures of the face," Kimmel notes. "Compared to our fingers, they allow equal pressure to run across our skin and facial structure. Our fingers (while phenomenal tools) may distribute pressure unevenly. Another benefit to a gua sha tool is they can be tossed into the fridge (unlike our fingers) for a cooling effect. A cool gua sha will also help tighten facial muscles (temporarily) and [reduce] puffiness." Here's how to use one:

1. Start by applying a facial oil or moisturizer to your face, neck, and décolletage. A well-lubricated surface is key to help the tool glide across your skin.
2. Beginning with the neck, sweep the wide side of the tool up towards your jawline with light to medium pressure. Repeat the technique on the other side of your neck.
3. Next, swipe the curved side of your tool from your chin along the jawline until you reach your ear. Repeat on the opposite side.
4. For cheeks, place the flat, wide edge of the tool by the side of your mouth. With medium pressure, slowly drag your gua sha up past the cheekbone and stop just before reaching your ear. Repeat on the opposite side.
5. Place your tool below the inner corner of one eye and gently swipe the narrow side across your under-eye area to your hairline. Repeat on the opposite side.
6. Next, start at the middle of your eyebrows and sweep the tool to the side until you reach the hairline. Repeat on the opposite side.
7. Lastly, place your tool at the top of your eyebrow and swipe upwards toward your hairline. Repeat on the opposite side.

TMJ Facial Massage Technique

If you have TMJ dysfunction or otherwise deal with jaw tension and pain, facial massage can be a helpful way to manage your symptoms. "It may help relieve jaw tension/pain by relaxing and massaging the masseter (jaw) muscle and temporalis muscle (near the temples) just like a full body massage," explains Rabach. "This in conjunction with more traditional medical procedures like Botox for jaw tension is super helpful."According to a study, facial massage and other related therapies such as dry needling and low-level laser therapy reduced participants' pain levels by more than half, in addition to increasing mobility and normalizing muscular activity. While that's no guarantee and you'll still want to consult with a professional on your best treatment options if you are experiencing TMJD, here are a few tips on how to massage your masseter muscle:

1. Wash your face, then optionally apply a serum or moisturizer before starting for more slip and an added skincare boost.
2. Locate your masseter muscle, which is under your cheekbone at a mid-distance between your ear and mouth. To do this, feel around the underside of your cheekbone using your thumb until you find a notch.
3. Relax your jaw as well as you can, as the goal of this massage is to help you release tension.
4. Grab your masseter muscle area with your fingers, then gently pull outward, away from the face.
5. Release, then gently move the muscle from side to side.
6. Repeat these motions throughout the area as needed. You can also apply constant pressure or move in small, kneading circles, depending on what feels best.
7. After massaging your first side, pause to open and close your mouth, and take note of the difference between the sides. Repeat the massage on the other side, aiming for as balanced of a result as possible when you finish.

Side Effects of Facial Massage

Facial massages are typically considered safe as you can adjust the pressure and firmness when administering on yourself. Rabach notes that the most common side effects are skin tearing if the movements are too rough, irritation, and temporary redness. Anyone with Botox, fillers, or other facial interventions should consult their practitioner before attempting a face massage at home as the movement can be disruptive. Similarly, those with swelling, scar tissue, bruising, or open wounds on the face should wait for the skin to properly heal before undergoing a facial massage. According to Rabach, massaging open or infected skincan lead to the spread of infection.