When it comes to facial massage, there have been some misunderstandings about it for many years. From an early age, we are taught to keep our fingers and hands away from our faces in order to have a nice complexion. That's why we wash off our makeup with washcloths and wash our faces with rotary brushes; we use makeup brushes and sponges instead of simply using our own fingertips for this purpose.

And while indeed, touching your face during the day with dirty hands is not the best idea, in the area of facial care our hands are the most powerful and effective tool we have. That's why so many skin care professionals are advocates of facial massage. Here are a few important facts you should know on the subject.

Why should you get a facial massage regularly?

With a facial massage, tension around the jaw is loosened and tension on the scalp is relaxed. Studies even show that such massage also improves circulation in the face; this helps firm facial tissue by stimulating muscles, smooths fine lines and helps lymph flow. Not to mention that experts suggest that massaging cosmetic products can allow them to penetrate the skin deeper which helps achieve even better results. In this way, we suggest using, for example. Cream with spherical hyaluronic acid

Reflexology explains that the face also has hundreds of pressure points, each corresponding to a specific part of the body. According to acupressure experts, by gently massaging the face, you gain the ability to heal various ailments while helping to restore balance to the body.

How to perform a facial massage yourself?

Facial self-massage is easy to incorporate into your daily or weekly routine - depending on what fits better into your schedule. Here are a few things you should keep in mind before you start:

• Facial massage should be performed with warm hands, gentle to medium pressure, continuous contact and the movements performed should be smooth. Your fingers and hands should never pull or tug on the skin - you should do it gently and sensitively.
• Make sure that both your face and hands are thoroughly washed before starting the massage.
• Moisten your hands and fingertips with the oil or serum of your choice. The chosen oil fights specific skin problems while allowing more glide on the skin.

FACE

Place all 10 fingertips over the eyebrows. Gently and slowly move them up the forehead and root of the hair. Use as much pressure as you feel comfortable with. Repeat this movement five times.

BRWIS

Gently position your thumb and forefinger on the outer edges of the eyebrows. Massage, moving your finger along the eyebrow from the inner to the outer edge. Repeat this motion five times.

EYES

Using your index and middle finger, place your fingertips on your temples. Gently massage for a few seconds, from the corner of the eye up and under the eyebrow to the outer corner and back to the inner corner through the area under the eye. Never pull your fingertips away from the skin. Repeat this motion five times.

SIDES OF THE FACE

When you're done, gently move your fingertips from your temples along the sides of your face toward your neck. This will help with any lymphatic stagnation and help with lymphatic drainage.

JAWLINE

Start under the ears and gently massage the face along the jaw in a circular motion toward the chin using the index and ring finger. Repeat this motion as many times until you notice that the jaw begins to relax.

CHEEKBONES

Place the index finger just above the upper lip/cupid's ear and the middle finger just below the lower lip. Gently draw both fingers outward toward the ear at the same time. Alternate right and left hands, on the right and left side of the face. Repeat five times.

NECK AND NECKLINE

Now place both palms down on your cleavage. Starting with your left hand, gently move your palm up your chest and neck, toward your chin. Perform the movements alternately with your right hand. Repeat five times.

SKALP

When massaging the scalp, don't be afraid to apply deeper pressure than on the face. Pay special attention to the back of the head at the base of the skull and the forehead area, where the hairline begins. If you perform the massage correctly and with the right intensity, you will begin to feel the tension on your scalp relax.

Finally, gently place your hands on your face and take a few deep, relaxing breaths.

Main photo by Dom Aguiar on Unsplash