Is Facial Massage the Key to Taking Your Beauty Ritual to the Next Level? - Elle Canada

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The Benefits


Two words: lymphatic drainage. By massaging the face, you circulate blood and lymph, the latter of which contains toxins and cellular waste. Draining the lymph leads to a reduction in fluid accumulation—which can give your face a puffy appearance— and brightens the complexion immediately. “Massage also helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin—which reduce wrinkles, fine lines and blemishes and accelerate skin regeneration—and it has an incredible relaxing effect,” explains Rose Gwet, founder of Luxcey, a line of beauty treatments inspired by her native Cameroon. “This is essential for radiant, healthy skin, regardless of your age,” says Léa Bégin, founder of Beauties Lab in Montreal. “Plus, it makes your skincare products more effective. It’s like breathing life into your face!”

Where to Start


If you’re new to this, Gwet’s advice is to start with a short, simple massage using your hands. “It’s the magic formula for effective massage while integrating it naturally into your skincare routine,” she says. You can work certain areas of your face by massaging with your fingertips or doing small pinches, but Gwet recommends mostly working with flat hands in sweeping movements, as this approach allows you to feel the structure of your face. Bégin launched the Minéra porcelain massage tool, which is made in Quebec, last November. “The porcelain used isn’t porous and is more resistant than gua shas made of quartz or jade, plus it’s thermal conductive,” she says. “And the matte finish ensures a better grip.”