What is the best cream for facial massage? Review of the best creams

Facial massage is used for external care as a supplement or replacement for external cosmetics. Massage stimulates blood flow, lymph movement and metabolic processes, improves gas exchange, gives the skin firmness and elasticity, and helps cope with wrinkles. Today there are many techniques that make it possible to rejuvenate the skin, cope with swelling and eliminate other imperfections. The procedure is available in salons; you can also perform self-massage at home.

What are the benefits of cosmetic procedures?

Facial massage in cosmetology is aimed at improving the general functional and aesthetic state of the epidermis, namely:

improves skin color;
stimulates blood flow, which improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients;
activates local metabolic processes;
helps cope with stress, improves mood;
relieves increased muscle tone;
rejuvenates, eliminates wrinkles;
relieves swelling and reduces sagging;
“raises” the oval;
helps cope with skin defects in the form of acne, pimples, pigmentation;
relieves headaches;
eliminates discomfort and eye fatigue;
strengthens the vascular network of the face, neck and décolleté;
reduces body fat;
normalizes the secretory function of the sebaceous glands.

To obtain the desired effect, one procedure is not enough; it is necessary to undergo a course of 10-15 sessions 3-4 times a year.

Users often search for:

Myth 1. Using the same product, people get different results.

This is usually explained by the individual characteristics of the body. This may be true in some cases. However, more often the reason is much simpler - the difference in the methods of applying creams and other products matters. Remember that poor results do not necessarily mean that you are applying the products incorrectly. Many of them are ineffective under any conditions. Others, even when applied correctly, give different results. However, often the ineffectiveness of products is explained by illiterate application. Any product, be it cream

, a gel or lotion intended to be applied to the skin, is a combination of chemical elements. Some of them are active (natural or synthetic, providing the biological effect of the drug), and the rest are passive - the basis and protective environment for the active substance. Therefore, the effectiveness of any product depends, firstly, on whether the nutrient is active, and, secondly, on whether it penetrates the skin to the desired depth in the required quantity. The first depends on the product itself, and the second depends on the method of applying the cream, lotion, etc.

Expert comment:

The positive therapeutic effect of application-applied products depends not only on the ingredient composition, but also largely on the concentration of active substances, the direction of their action and compliance with the aesthetic problems being solved.
You can read about ways to penetrate the active ingredients of the cream into the skin here
.

Indications and contraindications

Cosmetic facial massage is usually prescribed to women over 40 years of age to eliminate signs of skin aging and prevent age-related changes. As well as the treatment of pimples, acne, scars, the procedure can be carried out from the age of 25.

Indications for cosmetic massage (for the face and neck) are:

saggy and dry skin;
wrinkles;
pigmentation;
excess sebum production;
enlarged pores;
age-related transformation of the oval of the face;
swelling;
unhealthy color of the epidermis;
skin defects (scars, pimples).

The cosmetic procedure is not recommended for rashes of allergic and infectious etiology (herpes), which can intensify the manifestations of the disease and worsen the general condition of the patient. Also, a visit to a cosmetologist should be postponed if there are wounds and abrasions on the face or dermatitis.

Massage will not be useful for people with intolerance to the procedure, as well as with increased or decreased intracranial pressure. A strict contraindication is rosacea (vascular network on the face), as well as increased fragility of capillaries.

The procedure will be harmful during the restoration of the epidermis after burns, peelings of varying depths of exposure and dermabrasion (mechanical grinding of the top layer of skin).

It is also not recommended to visit a cosmetologist during the acute course of ENT pathologies, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, which are accompanied by an increase in body temperature, weakness and deterioration of the general condition.

Rejuvenating and health-improving procedures in beauty salons are not recommended for blood diseases that are accompanied by impaired blood clotting, oncology, or during exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Advantages and disadvantages

Facial massage promotes skin renewal, and the right product enhances this effect. Massage creams have benefits such as:

relaxing effect;
skin restoration;
lifting effect;
impact on the deep layers of the epidermis;
compatibility with various skin types;
simplifying the massage.

The disadvantage is the inability to use massage creams on an ongoing basis.

Whatever product you take, they are all quite concentrated, so overuse can lead to oversaturation of the skin.

It is also worth paying attention to the composition, especially for allergy sufferers. Some components may cause an allergic reaction.

Massaging technique

Regardless of the technique of cosmetic massage, it is recommended to follow some recommendations. So, the procedure is carried out in a calm environment in a relaxed state, sitting or lying down.

During the session, you should not strain your facial muscles, laugh, or talk. Before the procedure, the hair is collected under a bandage.

The massage therapist makes all movements smoothly, strictly along the massage lines, without affecting the area of the lymph nodes. Changes in techniques are carried out immediately with minimal pauses and intervals.

To prevent facial injury during the procedure, the cosmetologist must have his nails cut short. To better glide the massage therapist's hands over the skin and nourish the epidermal cells, massage creams, ointments and essential oils or their compositions are applied to the face and neck area. Before using them, a test is carried out for allergic reactions and the skin is cleansed of makeup and dead cells.

Classical

The classical technique is gentle and is used to improve the appearance of the epidermis and eliminate shallow wrinkles, prevent age-related changes and maintain skin tone.

Performed along massage lines in compliance with the following sequence:

from the chin to the ears;
from the corners of the mouth to the ear tragus;
from nose to temples,
from the cheeks and cheekbones in a circular motion towards the temples;
from the bridge of the nose up to the middle of the forehead and to the sides, drawing the letter “T”;
from the outer corner of the eye to the inner corner of the lower eyelid;
from the inner corner of the eye to the outer on the upper eyelid.

The session should begin with stroking, covering all massage lines. Next, rubbing is carried out with the fingertips, without applying pressure and avoiding pain. At the kneading stage, all massage lines are worked out in turn using spiral movements. To relax the skin after toning, the cosmetologist makes rhythmic alternating pats with his fingertips, creating vibration.

All massage techniques are carried out 6-8 times. The duration of one session ranges from 10 to 20 minutes.

It is recommended to visit a specialist 1-3 times a week. The number of procedures is selected individually, based on the condition of the skin, and can reach 20 sessions.

According to Akhabadze

Akhabadze Antonina Fedorovna – Candidate of Medical Sciences, author of improved classical facial massage. Akhabadze is an improved massage technique that anyone can master. When choosing this technique, it is recommended to visit a cosmetologist 2-4 times a week. The total number of sessions ranges from 10 to 20.

Massage according to Akhabadze is performed with light strokes, following the following sequence:

The thumbs should be fixed on the bridge of the nose, the rest should be drawn from the angle of the lower jaw through the nasolabial folds. Such movements are carried out 5-6 times.
From the chest along the side surface, move the fingertips 5 times and close them in the center of the chin.
Run your fingers from the center of the chin and nasolabial fold to the sides towards the ears, with your lips between the index and middle fingers.
Work the area around the mouth clockwise.
To work out the cheekbones, you need to move the pads of the index, middle and ring fingers three times from the wings of the nose through the cheekbones to the temples.
Massage your eyelids with your index and middle fingers in a clockwise direction. Then fix the skin on the temple with one hand, and with the other draw a figure eight around the eyes and change hands.
Work the upper eyelid with the middle and index fingers, passing the eyebrow between them from the outer corner of the eye to the inner, using stroking, which is replaced by vibration.
Walk across the forehead with stroking and vibrating movements, alternately from the center to the temples.

Hopes Kim

Nadezhda Kim is a doctor, founder of a massage school that teaches improved classical techniques. Nadezhda Kim's technique includes a set of techniques that allow you to cope not only with wrinkles and other skin changes, but also eliminate congestion in the lymphatic system.

It is recommended for a woman to visit a massage room twice a week. The disadvantage of this technique is the inability to fully master it on your own. To do this, you need to undergo training in specialized schools.

Massage according to Nadezhda Kim’s method is performed with light stroking movements:

move your palm from the bridge of your nose down to your chin, then to the lymph nodes near your neck and collarbones;
from the middle of the chin, move your palm to the ears;
use the pads of the index and middle fingers to rise from the dimple under the nose to the ears, then go down along the lower jaw to the chin;
work the area from one ear to the other, passing the lower part of the chin and lip area;
from the nose along the zygomatic arch with the palm of the hand to the temples;
to work out the eyelid area, draw glasses and a figure eight around the eyes using the pads of the ring and middle fingers;
massage your forehead from bottom to top.

Plastic

This type of massage is useful for preventing and combating age-related changes, therefore it is prescribed to women over 30 years old. The technique is complex, so it is carried out only by a specialist with a medical education.

The difference between this type is the use of talc instead of oil, which prevents the fingers from slipping excessively on the skin. It is recommended to do this massage every other day, and the total number of sessions can reach 20.

Photo: facial massage with preliminary application of cream

The procedure should begin with relaxation using stroking movements along massage lines, which are gradually replaced by light pressure. Next, kneading is carried out by working out and deeply affecting the muscle fibers.

After working on the face, it is important to massage the neck from the double chin area to the earlobes and from the lower jaw line to the collarbone and décolleté area. For this purpose, stroking and kneading techniques are used.

Pinch

To carry it out, talc is used. The skin is grabbed between the second phalanx of the index finger and the pads of the thumb. All movements should not cause pain or discomfort.

All massage lines are worked through with pinches 4 times. The duration of the procedure is 5-10 minutes, the frequency of sessions is 2 times a week with a total number of procedures no more than 15 times.

Canning

Vacuum massage involves the use of special cans with suction cups. It helps normalize blood and lymph flow, improve the shape of the face and cope with rashes. This massage is recommended to be performed once a week for a course of 2 months.

The procedure should begin from the clavicular area where the cans are installed. The skin is worked from the collarbones towards the chin, from where the skin is massaged with progressive movements to the ear tragus and from the corners of the mouth to the earlobes.

To work on the eyelids, cups are placed under the lower eyelid. Next, the massage therapist directs them to the temples using a pinpoint method.

Lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic drainage massage helps to cope with puffiness, unhealthy complexion and circles under the eyes. It is carried out by a massage therapist with medical education in the direction of lymph movement.

Stimulation of the lines along the lymph flow is carried out by pulsating stroking movements with light pressure and tapping.

Ointment for massage for osteochondrosis

In the fight against osteochondrosis, a complex effect on the lesions is required, including external preparations: creams, ointments or gels. These drugs have different effects, but the essence is the same - symptomatic distraction therapy helps to forget about the pain.

Ointments alone are not enough to cure osteochondrosis, but they relieve inflammation, pain and destruction of cartilage tissue. Before purchasing the product yourself, you need to consult a specialist. All medications are divided into groups:

To relieve pain;
Anti-inflammatory;
Restorative;
Complex drugs;
Homeopathic;
For massage.

Non-steroidal drugs that relieve inflammation, including ointments and gels for the back, help fight against osteochondrosis using complex methods. Pain in the affected area decreases, the inflammatory process subsides. Anti-inflammatory ointments, relieving symptoms, eliminate the causes, suppressing pathological processes. Ointments for spinal osteochondrosis relieve swelling and reduce pain caused by pinched nerve fibers. Ointment for osteochondrosis against inflammation relieves muscle tightness, restoring the patient's activity and performance.

Ointments for the treatment of osteochondrosis with the effect of getting rid of inflammation, which are preferred:

Indomethacin ointment;
Nurofen;
Ibuprofen ointment;
Ketonalu;
Voltaren;
Nise gel;
Finalgel;
Fastum-gel;
Bystrum-gel.

Warming ointments for osteochondrosis improve blood flow in the area of pathology, allow muscles to relax, and nourish tissues. Anesthetic ointments for osteochondrosis improve metabolism in the area of pathology, the skin turns red, the temperature increases, which produces a positive effect.

Doctors recommend using ointment and gel for osteochondrosis in the daytime, their effect has a tonic effect on the nervous system. The drug is applied to the area with superficial circular movements, gradually rubbing the composition, avoiding strong rubbing. Remission of the disease, which brings characteristic aching pain, is well treated by a combination of warming ointments with massage movements.

Effective ointments for osteochondrosis that relieve the disease are those that have been tested by time; doctors give them preference, namely:

Capsicama;
Nicoflux;
Finalgon;
Turpentine ointment;
Apisatronu;
Menovazin.

The best ointment, effective in all respects, allowing you to treat osteochondrosis at home, is Voltaren. The release form and price threshold vary and depend on the state where the product is produced. Analgesics and local anesthetics are used for osteochondrosis of the spine, neck and others. Relieves inflammation and eliminates pain. For the spine it is better to take Menovazine. The product has the property of dilating subcutaneous blood vessels, anesthetizing the area. The patient experiences a slight tingling, coldness and slight burning sensation. The alcohol base of the drug requires careful use so that the product helps heal and not harm the body.

Facial massage by a cosmetologist

To conduct a cosmetic facial massage, it is recommended to contact a cosmetologist who knows various techniques, who will select the one that suits you, based on an analysis of your age, skin condition, the presence of fine and deep wrinkles and other defects.

A cosmetologist-massage therapist is a specialist who has been trained in massage and has knowledge regarding the characteristics of blood and lymph flow and skin. After the course, the cosmetologist will also give advice on facial skin care to prolong the effect.

The price for massage therapist services depends on the equipment and region of residence. As a rule, the price of one procedure varies from 500 to 2000 rubles.

To achieve a noticeable result, along with a massage you should do facial exercises, follow a special diet and use skincare products suitable for your skin type.

Criterias of choice

Often women do not attach much importance to massage cream. The myth that you can simply pat your face with your palms or massage it slightly immediately after washing without using any cosmetics is firmly entrenched in the minds of many. However, a competent massage that will bring benefits is impossible without cream . Any cosmetologist will confirm this fact.

So, thanks to a special cream, a number of important problems are solved:

fingers glide better and do not injure the skin;
blood supply to the upper layers of the epidermis improves;
exfoliation of dead cells occurs;
the skin is moisturized;
swelling goes away;
there is a fight against fine wrinkles;
traces of fatigue and negative environmental influences disappear;
metabolism in the skin improves.

Agree, a lot depends on the cream and its correct choice. Therefore, you should not neglect this important element of a competent massage.

Before purchasing, you will have to carefully study the packaging of many products. Here's what you need to pay attention to first:

purpose of the procedure. Massage can be classic daily, anti-aging and therapeutic . For the first, you can choose a cream with a good ratio of moisturizing and nutritional components. For an anti-wrinkle massage, you need an anti-aging agent, and for a therapeutic effect, cosmetics are selected by a specialist (to carry out such a procedure, it is better to contact a professional);
skin type. For example, for dry skin you need to buy a product that contains seaweed extract, natural oils (avocado, olive), hyaluronic acid, vitamins E. Cosmetics for oily skin should include chamomile and calendula extracts, fruit acids, tea tree oil, retinol, caffeine. An anti-aging cream must contain panthenol and proteins, hyaluronic acid and collagen, amino acids and vitamins;
the presence of components that cause allergic reactions . This point applies to women prone to all kinds of dermatitis. Thus, you should be wary of a cream that contains honey and its derivatives, extracts of citrus fruits, cocoa beans, some berries (strawberries, raspberries), as well as parabens and mineral oils;
The facial massage product should not contain alcohol . Especially when it comes to carrying out the procedure on sensitive skin. This component inflames the delicate top layer of the epidermis. The skin may turn red, and the risk of drying it out is huge;
texture. The cream should not be too liquid or too thick . The ideal massage product is moderately thick and oily. It does not leave a film on the surface of the face, it is well absorbed, but not instantly (you need to take into account the time for the procedure).

Important! Often women thoroughly study the composition, but do not pay any attention to the expiration date of the product. This is not recommended.

Any cosmetics work great if they are fresh and made recently (the “reserve” of permissible shelf life is large). The effect is reduced if the cream was made long ago, but it is not spoiled (this happens when the expiration date approaches). Finally, you can do a lot of harm if you use expired cosmetics (the consequences of the procedure in this case will need to be treated with professional medications).

Video tutorials for self-massage at home

Facial massage can be done independently to prevent age-related changes and combat skin defects. To learn how to self-massage your face, just watch video tutorials.

It is impossible to get the same effect after a course of massage as from a cosmetologist. This is due to the inability to relax during the procedure, as well as the unfavorable positioning of the hands, which narrows the range of techniques.

At home, it is possible to perform a classic massage, as well as carry out the procedure using massagers or special devices.

Magic effect on the skin

You don’t need to think that using a facial massage cream is a waste of precious time and money. In fact, it is he who enhances the effectiveness of the procedure.

As an experiment, you can conduct one session with it, another without it. You will immediately feel the difference and be able to appreciate the magical effect that this product has on the skin. Applied immediately before the massage, it successfully (provided it is of high quality) copes with several tasks simultaneously:

softens the face, making movements smoother and more gentle;
stimulates and tones the skin;
the penetrating ability during such a procedure increases several times, so that the active substances included in the massage product can penetrate into the deeper layers of the dermis and have the desired effect at the cellular level;
reduces swelling;
exfoliates dead cells;
smoothes wrinkles;
removes signs of fatigue;
relaxes;
activates many cellular processes;
has a lifting effect.

Since the success of the entire procedure depends on the massage cream, its choice must be approached with all responsibility. There are brands from economy to premium class that offer such products with a wide range of effects. In order to purchase or prepare the highest quality, effective product, you need to at least have a schematic idea of what should be included in its composition.

Paradox. Scientists and cosmetologists are still unraveling the secret of the unusual effect of massage on the skin of the face. On the one hand, maximum toning occurs, but at the same time the person feels pleasant relaxation. These are two opposite sensations that can be achieved at the same time only through a massage procedure.

Technology training: courses in Moscow and St. Petersburg

You can undergo training and receive a certificate as a massage therapist at massage schools under the supervision of experienced doctors and massage therapists. You can learn Nadezhda Kim’s original methodology only at her school at the address: St. Petersburg, Moskovsky pr., 59.

The cost of lessons depends on the massage technique and duration of training. At Nadezhda Kim's signature school, tuition fees range from 2.4 to 13 thousand rubles.

Cosmetic facial massage helps to cope with the signs of aging, improve the condition of the skin, and normalize blood and lymph flow. This is a pleasant procedure that can be used instead of or in conjunction with facial skin care cosmetics.