The Art of Facial Massage

 

Early in my career, clients always booked extra facial massages because they found that not only did the service help them completely relax, but also the benefits lasted longer and resulted in a wonderful, youthful, radiant glow. Truly therapeutic effects can only be achieved when the practitioner has complete scientific knowledge of the skeletal and neuromuscular functions.

History of massage

Massage was practiced by the Chinese 3,000 years ago to help with vitality, and 19th century massage popularity reached its peak as Pehr Henrik Ling (1776–1837) brought it to the United States. Later, Johan Georg Mezger (1838–1909) adapted French names to denote the basic massage strokes used today.
In 1887, Thomas Stretch Dowse, MD, wrote, “Some physicians suggest that stress may be responsible for 75% of all disease in the Western world, including [psoriasis and eczema], high blood pressure, backache, poor eyesight and depression … the solution is to use massage therapy.” How timeless is this statement today, especially in dealing with hard economic times. An anti-stress massage might be what your clients need today more than microdermabrasion. There are, however, some contraindications for massage, such as acne, broken or bruised skin, and clients who have suffered strokes.

Skin foundation

The skin protects a person’s internal organs from injury and infection, and skin elasticity withstands physical pressure and reduces injury. Skin is also an organ of exchange and sensation. Nerve endings in the epidermis respond to heat, cold, touch, pressure, pain and pleasure. So that’s why the correct touch, the right pressure, and the temperature of the cream or lotion that is applied will have an impact on the way the skin reacts. Administration of a successful massage must include the knowledge of muscles, nerves, bones and the lymphatic system, as well as the function and dysfunction of the skin.

Have a flawless face on your wedding day!

Beauty: Skin Care

Having a flawless face on your wedding day begins months before you say "I do." Taking care of your skin is the easiest way to guarantee your face will be radiant at your wedding. The first step to healthy skin is to drink a lot of water. This is a great habit to get into, since it will not only help your skin look clearer, but also help you feel better all over. The earlier you start getting in the habit of drinking lots of water, the better your skin will look on your wedding day.

If you are prone to acne outbreaks, this is the perfect time to see a dermatologist, if you have not already done so. Make sure you meet with your dermatologist well in advance of your wedding date, since most acne treatments can take many weeks or even months to take effect and produce results. You also want to give yourself enough time in case you have a negative reaction to the treatment.

Facials are another great way to put your freshest face forward on your wedding day. This is where I come int.  The soothing nature of these deep cleansings will not only help the look of your skin, but will also help you relax during the stressful task of planning a wedding. I usually performs extractions, however, since this can often cause you to break out, which is the last thing you want right before your wedding. Rather, you can go in for extractions a month or two prior to your big day and then return for a follow-up facial without extractions a few days before the wedding. Ultimately, you will want to discuss your specific skin type with me as I will know what is best for your face.

Probably the hardest, but most essential, part of good skin care is getting plenty of rest. This will prove to be tough, especially in the few days leading up to the wedding since you will have many last minute details to pull together. Try to get as much done as early as you can so that you can focus on keeping yourself well rested and relaxed. Make sure you have at least the day before the wedding to get some rest in order to ensure you show your freshest face on your big day.

Licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist