Facial massage is often associated with luxury and relaxation, but emerging research suggests that it may play a role in skin health, circulation, and overall well-being. While some evidence points to potential benefits, the challenge for evidence-based massage therapists lies in navigating the varying levels of scientific validation available. Although more research is needed to establish conclusive outcomes, several studies indicate that facial and buccal massage can contribute to therapeutic and aesthetic improvements.
The skin is a dynamic organ that interacts with the circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems. Facial massage has been suggested to enhance these connections by stimulating blood flow, promoting lymphatic drainage, and potentially influencing collagen production. A systematic review by Field (2016) found that facial massage may increase microcirculation, which could allow for better oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin. Some studies propose that this process might support cellular repair and turnover, potentially contributing to a healthier complexion and improved skin resilience over time.
Collagen and elastin play a crucial role in maintaining firm, smooth skin, but their levels naturally decline with age, leading to sagging and fine lines. Research by Caberlotto et al. (2017) in PLOS One explored the effects of mechanical facial massage on dermal protein expression, suggesting that it may stimulate fibroblast activity, which is involved in collagen synthesis. Their findings indicated improvements in skin firmness and wrinkle reduction among participants, though more extensive studies would be needed to confirm long-term benefits and establish massage as a consistent anti-aging strategy.
Stress often manifests physically, particularly in the facial muscles. Tension may accumulate in the forehead, jaw, and around the eyes, potentially contributing to discomfort and premature aging. A systematic review by Kim and Kwon (2023) found that facial massage may play a role in reducing cortisol levels and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which could help decrease muscle tension and improve skin concerns linked to stress. While the research suggests these potential effects, more controlled studies are necessary to determine the extent of the physiological changes.
Buccal massage, which involves intraoral manipulation of the facial muscles, has gained attention for its potential to address deep tissue tension and facial symmetry. Rostkowska et al. (2023), in a study published in MDPI’s Cosmetics Journal, examined buccal massage in individuals experiencing TMJ dysfunction and facial asymmetry. Their findings suggest that this technique may help relieve chronic muscle tightness, improve facial alignment, and enhance lymphatic drainage. While promising, further studies would help clarify how consistently these outcomes occur across different populations and treatment settings.
Lymphatic drainage is another area where facial massage is thought to have an impact. Unlike the circulatory system, which relies on the heart to pump blood, the lymphatic system depends on movement to encourage fluid drainage and detoxification. Sefton (2022), in Massage Therapy Research, discusses how facial massage might activate lymphatic flow, potentially reducing puffiness and aiding in the removal of metabolic waste. While some practitioners and clients report these benefits, additional research is needed to confirm how effectively facial massage influences the lymphatic system over time.
The aesthetic effects of facial massage are often observed through anecdotal experiences and smaller-scale studies. Some research suggests that regular facial massage may reduce puffiness, improve skin radiance, and create a lifting effect by engaging underlying muscles. Additionally, facial massage may enhance the absorption of skincare products, potentially making them more effective. However, as with other proposed benefits, further controlled studies are necessary to fully understand the mechanisms and consistency of these effects.
For evidence-based massage therapists, the growing interest in facial and buccal massage presents an opportunity to explore its potential benefits while remaining mindful of the current limitations in research. While some studies suggest that facial massage may support circulation, stress reduction, collagen production, and lymphatic drainage, further high-quality, large-scale research is needed to establish definitive conclusions. As scientific inquiry continues, practitioners can approach facial massage as a technique with emerging evidence, integrating it thoughtfully into their practice while staying informed about new developments in the field.
References
Field, T. (2016). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24, 19–31. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388116300214
Caberlotto, E., Ruiz, L., Miller, Z., Poletti, M., & Tadlock, L. (2017). Effects of a skin-massaging device on the ex-vivo expression of human dermis proteins and in-vivo facial wrinkles. PLOS One, 12(3), e0172624. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0172624
Kim, T. O., & Kwon, K. H. (2023). A systematic review of the effects of non-invasive care on the body. Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology. https://www.e-ajbc.org/journal/view.php?number=1445
Rostkowska, E., Poleszak, E., Wojciechowska, K., & Ostrowska, B. (2023). Dermatological management of aged skin. Cosmetics, 10(2), 55. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/10/2/55
Sefton, J. E. M. (2022). Massage Therapy Research. Elsevier. https://books.google.com/books?id=VmeYEAAAQBAJ
