Effortless Facial Massage Techniques: 3 Tricks for Lifted, Tightened, and Detoxified Skin

Every beauty professional has their essential steps. In our series, “Like a Pro,” we seek advice from experts who share their three most cherished techniques. Get ready to hear from industry insiders about the foolproof tricks they always have up their sleeves. We believe in simplifying your beauty routine whenever possible, and sometimes the best routines are as simple as 1, 2, 3.

Massage techniques have been relied upon by cultures worldwide for thousands of years for their ability to promote overall healing. These techniques involve stimulating lymph flow, improving circulation, aiding detoxification, and more. It’s no wonder these modalities have stood the test of time. While you may choose a gentle at-home facial instead of full-body work, each stroke across your jawline pays homage to ancient healing practices.

Different cultures follow slightly varied steps in their massage techniques. For instance, Ayurveda refers to the art of massage as Abhyanga. Michelle Ranavat, an Ayurvedic beauty expert and founder of Ranavat, will guide you through a lifting, de-puffing, and detoxifying facial routine:

1. Gather the necessary tools.
   • Use beauty & gut collagen+ powder, a powerful daily ritual for glowing skin, strong hair, and nails*.
   • Choose an oil with good slip for the facial massage. It’s crucial to ensure you have enough lubrication to avoid pulling and tugging at the delicate facial skin, which can lead to wrinkles in the future. Ranavat recommends selecting a tri-doshic oil that works well for all skin types. If the blend also includes Ayurvedic extracts like turmeric and amla, it’s an added bonus. Sesame oil is generally a safe option for all doshas and serves as the base for Ranavat’s Brightening Saffron Serum, which incorporates saffron—an Ayurvedic elixir known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
   • If you prefer to use a tool, Ranavat suggests using one made of pure kansa, a sacred and celebrated facial tool in Ayurveda. The kansa wand, derived from Sanskrit, is a combination of copper and tin, often referred to as “bell metal.” This metal is chosen for its purifying and balancing benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties and imparts a calming effect on the skin.
2. Perform the massage. Once you have the tools ready, follow Ranavat’s step-by-step instructions:
   • Apply a few drops of oil to your skin for preparation.
   • Hold the wand (or use your two fingers if you’re not using tools) at the center of your chin. Massage the wand in circular motions, warming the oil as you follow the jawline and end at the bottom of the ear. Repeat this motion 4 to 5 times on each side.
   • Next, hold the wand at the corner of your mouth and massage in circular motions, moving up along the natural lines of your cheekbones. Stop at the center of your ear and repeat 4 to 5 times on each side.
   • Finally, complete the treatment by making gentle figure-eight motions around the temples of your eyes, forehead, and above the eyebrows. Remember not to apply excessive pressure. By using slight pressure with the Kansa Wand, you can achieve effective and gentle treatment, resulting in firmer, sculpted, and detoxified skin.

   If you prefer a visual demonstration, you can refer to Ranavat’s tutorial video.

3. Rinse off the residue. During the massage with pure kansa, you may notice a slight gray residue on your skin. According to Ranavat, this is a positive sign. As the material interacts with the oils on your skin, it draws out inflammation and causes a reaction that can produce a light gray substance. This is similar to how redness may appear when using a gua sha, indicating the “sha” coming to the surface of the skin during scraping.Ranavat adds that the kansa wand will oxidize the oils on your skin as it purifies. The residue can be easily washed off and serves as an indicator of your skin’s balance. Simply rinse your face with a gentle cleanser and cloth after the massage, and always follow up with a nourishing face cream to lock in hydration.

The key takeaway is that regular facial massage is excellent for achieving tighter, firmer, and more lifted skin. By following these ancient Ayurvedic guidelines and incorporating kansa, a sacred material cherished for over 5,000 years for its skin-healing properties, you can further detoxify your complexion. Don’t have a tool? No problem. Check out a full-body abhyanga tutorial using only your fingertips.