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Facial massage can soften nasolabial folds by improving circulation, releasing fascia, and reducing lymphatic congestion.
Microcurrent devices enhance lifting and toning when combined with massage techniques.
Consistency is key! Regular facial massage can make a significant difference in the long-term appearance and health of your skin.
Hi everyone, Christine Byer here, your trusted licensed esthetician of over 24 years of experience! Today, I want to dive into a topic that most of us face as we get older: those pesky nasolabial folds—you know, those lines that form from the corners of your nose down to the corners of your mouth. They tend to be more noticeable as we hit our 40s and 50s, but don't worry! I’ve got some great tips to help soften their appearance with simple facial massage techniques. Let’s get into it!
Nasolabial folds, those creases on either side of our mouths, form due to the natural aging process. As we age, the fat pads in our face start to migrate downward, causing the skin to sag. The once-plump cheeks we had in our 20s begin to lose their volume, and the folds below become more pronounced. While this is a completely natural part of aging, there are things we can do to soften their appearance and give our skin a more lifted look.
One of the most effective ways to address nasolabial folds is through facial massage. The good news? It’s easy to incorporate into your skincare routine, and the results are worth it!
Facial massage targets the fascia, the layer of connective tissue beneath our skin. Over time, this fascia can become tight, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and yes, those nasolabial folds. By gently releasing this fascia, we can improve circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage, and give our skin a natural lift.
Here’s an example: after just one week of treatments (3 sessions in the studio), my mother-in-law saw remarkable improvements in her skin. Her before-and-after photos clearly show how facial massage can soften nasolabial folds and rejuvenate the skin.
I’ve seen such incredible results—not only on myself but also on my clients. Many notice their nasolabial folds are less pronounced, and their skin looks more youthful and radiant with regular massage.
1. Fascia Release Around the Cheekbones
Start by gently hugging the underside of your cheekbones with your fingers or an Anma Gua Sha tool. This area tends to be tight on many people, so you may feel a bit of tenderness. That’s okay! It just means there’s tension to release. Using your fingers, apply a small amount of pressure (about a nickel’s worth) and gently wiggle your fingers as you work under the cheekbones.
If you have sinus issues like I do (hello, seasonal allergies!), this can feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but hang in there. The more you do it, the better it will feel, and it can really help alleviate that tightness in the sinuses too!
2. Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Nasolabial folds often hold onto excess lymphatic fluid, making the area look puffy and exaggerated. To combat this, I like to place my fingers between the corners of the mouth and the nose, and do a gentle “wiggle wiggle” motion, working to loosen up the area. Start lightly, and as you feel more comfortable, you can increase the pressure slightly to help encourage the lymph to drain.
The goal here is to get things moving! When there’s congestion in these areas, your skin can look dull, pores may appear larger, and you may even notice some redness. But with regular massage, this area will start to brighten up as you improve circulation.
3. Microcurrent for Lifting
Once you’ve done your massage and loosened everything up, now’s the time to bring out your microcurrent device (if you have one). The Foreo or Clareblend Mini are my favorite tools for lifting and toning the skin. I like to place the device under the cheekbones and gently glide upwards, following the natural contours of the face.
By focusing on lifting the cheek area, you’ll also shorten the distance between the corners of the nose and the corners of the mouth, which will help soften the appearance of the folds. You can do this for about 5 minutes on each side.
Facial massage isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good too! Here are some benefits you can expect when you add this into your skincare routine:
Q: How Often Should I Perform Facial Massage to See Results?
A: I recommend doing a facial massage about 3 to 4 times a week. However, even once a week can make a noticeable difference over time!
Q: What Should I use for 'Slip and Glide' While Doing My Massage?
A: Using a serum, gel or cleanser can make your massage smoother and more enjoyable, while also helping your skin absorb the product more deeply.
My top choices are:
Each of these products provides the ideal texture for smooth, effective massages while delivering powerful skincare benefits.
Q: Will Facial Massage Work on Deeper Wrinkles?
A: Yes, facial massage can help even with deeper folds, but it’s important to be consistent. If your folds are more pronounced, adding in modalities like microcurrent and radiofrequency can further enhance your results.
Remember, you don't need to spend hours on this—just a few minutes of massage and microcurrent can make a world of difference. If you’re looking for even more of a boost, you can incorporate other technologies like those found in the Time Master Pro to further tighten and lift the skin.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this inspires you to give facial massage a try! It’s such a simple yet powerful way to keep your skin looking its best. Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried it, and don’t forget to share your results!
Until next time, take care!
Christine Byer
What makes K-beauty really special is in the formulation and ingredients. I've noticed that many Korean skincare products are cruelty-free, rarely have added fragrances, and often use natural ingredients that aren't well-known in the Western world. Keep reading to learn more about these special ingredients, as well as where to find them in my go-to skincare products.
