Massage for Wrinkles

Wrinkles are typically considered a normal and expected part of aging. Whether they develop around the mouth, at the corners of the eyes or across the forehead, these delicate creases write tales across a person's face. Although anti-wrinkle products are also available, a facial massage for wrinkles can help improve the appearance of these fine lines and even help to prevent them from forming.

Wrinkle Identification

As the body ages, the skin becomes thin and delicate. Over time, the body produces less collagen, elastin, sweat, oil and glycosaminoglycans, all of which help keep the skin supple and healthy. The thick outer layers of the skin also slowly wear away, making the skin less resilient to friction and damage. Underneath this thin outer layer of skin lies a thicker layer known as the dermis. As the production of collagen and elastin decreases, the fibers in this layer become loose, brittle and clumped together. As a result, the skin begins to sag and wrinkle.

Benefits of Massage

Facial massage has a wide range of benefits. It not only stimulates blood circulation to the skin, but also encourages the production of hydrating oils. Combining the massage with gentle facial exercises can also help improve muscle tone in the delicate facial muscles. This improved muscle tone prevents sagging and wrinkles around the chin, eyes, forehead and cheeks. If your wrinkles have already developed, facial massages will never return your skin to its previous condition, but it may improve the texture slightly and may help to prevent the appearance and development of additional wrinkles.

Massage Techniques

When massaging the face to prevent wrinkles, begin at the neck and work your way up toward the scalp. This ascending motion imitates the circulation of blood into the face and head, which helps promote healthy circulation to the skin. Place a small amount of massage oil or cream on your fingertips and dot it onto the face in the middle of the forehead, on the nose, both cheeks and chin. Use your fingertips to lightly massage the skin with small circular motions. When massaging the area around the eyes, work from the temples to the nose to avoid stretching and damaging the skin. After the massage, use a damp cotton swab to gently remove the massage oil. Finish by applying a thin layer of moisturizing cream.

Facial Massage Tips

Before massaging the face, thoroughly cleanse the hands and face. A massage can push dirt, bacteria or cosmetics into the skin, triggering the formation of acne. Additionally, avoid tugging or pulling the skin too roughly. Since the skin and muscles in the face are so delicate, they are easily damaged. This damage can actually cause sagging skin, uneven skin tone and wrinkles.

Considerations

The development of wrinkles is encouraged by a wide variety of factors, not simply aging skin. For example, sun damage, harsh soaps, unhealthy diet, lack of sleep and alcohol- or chemical-based facial products all encourage wrinkle formation. If you've been exposed to these damaging factors, regular massage may not be effective at preventing or treating wrinkles.