Many of the same techniques for massaging the back, shoulders and other parts of the body can be applied to the face to soothe your stress, relieve facial muscle tension and improve circulation. Because of the contours and sensitive areas of your face, however, many traditional massage tools are inappropriate for facial massages. Smaller, gentler and more specialized tools are generally preferable for facial massages.
Small Vibrating Wands
According to Tanushree Podder's guide, "The Magic of Massage," most massage therapists perform facial massages with just the fingertips. For more casual, at-home massages, however, you can find a variety of electric or battery-operated massaging wands. Some of these can be quite large and are designed for reaching behind the back to aggressively massage deep lumbar tissue, but many small and gentle tools are appropriate for the face and neck. The vibrating components of these wands tend to be very precise, enabling users to focus the massaging sensation wherever there is tension. They may also be appropriate for helping to relieve acute headache pain or soothing aggravated sinuses.
Massage Stones
Flat, smooth stones are common in massage therapy. Their polished exteriors do not chafe or irritate your skin, and their rigidity makes them excellent tools for applying precise pressure when massaging deeper tissue, according to Anne Williams's "Spa Bodywork: A Guide for Massage Therapists." Stones also absorb and retain hot and cold temperatures very well. Hot stone massage and cold stone massage both employ light strokes along facial lines for a soothing and relaxing sensation. A massage therapist may leave a single heated stone on the forehead during other bodywork.
Massage Oils
Not all types of massage require the use of oil, but as a lubricant, oil helps the fingers to slip off the skin without chafing and allows for more fluid strokes, according to Podder. Practitioners often use massage oils for facial massages, but they should make special considerations when selecting an appropriate oil or oil blend for facial skin. Many massage oil blends contain fragrance oils, because these add an aromatherapy element to the massage experience. Since facial massage involves working so close to the nose, however, practitioners should be careful to dilute these oils sufficiently so as not to overwhelm the senses. The massage information website Massage Therapy 101 also advises practitioners to select their base oils with consideration to the skin types of their clients. Those with dry skin will benefit from pure vegetable oils because these thicker oils rich in saturated fats absorb more slowly into the skin and create longer-lasting moisturizing effects. For oily skin, thinner oils that contain polyunsaturated fats may be more appropriate. Those with very oily skin may not require any massage oil.
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