How to Give a Facial Massage

Co-authored by Marty Morales

Last Updated: August 16, 2024 References

Many people swear by facial massages, saying they increase the overall health of the skin, improve blood flow, and remove dead skin.^{[1]
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Research source} Giving yourself a facial massage can be relaxing, but you can treat other people by giving them a facial massage as well. It isn't hard. With a little practice, you can be a master at giving facial massages to other people. For maximum relaxation and enjoyment, be sure to prepare both face and the environment to ensure an amazing massage.

Things You Should Know

Have the person you're massaging sit or lie down in a comfortable spot. Play soothing music to help them relax.
Use your fingers to gently massage a lightweight face lotion into their skin.
Massage their forehead, temples, cheekbones, lower cheek, and jaw.^{[2]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Setting Up for the Massage

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Have them remove their makeup. Whomever is getting the massage should remove any makeup that they have on. Makeup clogs the pores and will interfere with restorative massage products that you will be using on their face.
- You might suggest that they wash their face in a shower just prior to the massage. Since you'll be working with them closely, they will want to be as fresh and clean as possible. ^{[3]
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  Research source}This will also help them feel less self-conscious and relaxed. No one wants to be worrying about whether they have body odor while they are getting massaged (and you don't want to be smelling it either!).
Ideally you will have a massage chair or bed, but if not a normal comfortable chair is fine. Just make sure that the surrounding area is neat and tidy. It is best if the area feels empty, with nothing besides you, the other person, and your massage tools.Take care of this in advance or while the person receiving the massage washes.

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Set out any clean pillows or towels that you and the other person may be using (a towel behind the head is customary). Be sure that they are clean and fresh.^{[4]
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Research source}Make sure your milky face lotion, face mask, rinse, toner, and moisturizer are within reach if you will be using them.
Gentle, relaxing music or calm ambient noises are used to set the mood during professional massages.^{[5]
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Research source} Doing the same is very easy. You can also light scented candles or incense to further relax the mind and body. Be sure that the room is at a comfortable temperature.
You will be working on the delicate skin of someone's freshly washed face. The last thing you want is to be spreading germs or bacteria there. Thoroughly wash your hands.

Part 2

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Giving the Massage

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The person receiving the massage should either lie down on the massage bed or sit in their chair. Make sure that they are comfortable. Propping a rolled towel behind their head will usually help. Have them close their eyes and relax.
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Apply facial lotion. Apply a hypoallergenic milky face lotion to their face and gently rub it into the skin.^{[6]
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Research source} Appropriate lotions will be non oily, light, and easily absorbed. As you massage the face, the moisturizer will be absorbed and hydrate the skin as well as reduce friction between the face and your hands.^{[7]
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Research source} Don't apply too much pressure at first.^{[8]
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- Don't apply lotion directly to the face. Apply it to your hands first!^{[9]
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Massage their forehead. Start with fingers, but before long place your palm on the forehead. Move it up and around in a circular motion with even pressure.^{[10]
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Research source} Go back and forth across the forehead several times. This relieves tension and helps to ensure that they person receiving the massage keeps their eyes closed.
- Use circular motions here and elsewhere, circular motions are ideal for the face.^{[11]
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Place one hand on each side of to head, at the temples. Using only your fingertips at first, massage lightly in circles, applying gentle pressure on both sides.^{[12]
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Research source} Repeat 2-3 times or more, as desired. Depending on the person, you can increase the pressure by using your thumbs or more of your hands as necessary.^{[13]
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Move your hands in a little bit, under the cheekbones on each side. Using only fingertips at first, apply light pressure to the skin, then gently rub towards the ears.^{[14]
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Research source} Gentle circling is also fine. Apply only as much pressure as feels comfortable to the face.
Put both your thumbs under the jaw, with your index fingers pointing up to rest against either side of the nose. Then move your whole hands upwards and outwards, so that they slide along the cheeks towards the ears.^{[15]
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Research source} Use the same motions you did on the cheekbones.
Finish with a massage around the ears, if desired.^{[16]
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Research source} Use your fingertips and then escalate pressure as necessary. You can circle the top of the ear and apply pressure on the head and neck as you slide down towards the torso. Massaging the ears themselves is often relaxing as well. ^{[17]
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Part 3

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Providing Aftercare

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Give them a face mask, if desired. Adding a face mask is a nice touch.^{[18]
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Research source}There are a variety of choices for facial masks. You can also make your own natural face mask.
Most face masks need to be left on their face for a while to be effective. While you are waiting for this time to elapse, you can either talk or continue the massage by gently massaging their neck and shoulders.
If you used a mask on them, be sure to rinse it off completely. You can also have them rinse it if that is easier. At this point, apply toner and a light facial moisturizer, if desired.

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Question

How do you do a basic facial massage?

Marty Morales
Professional Massage Therapist
Marty Morales is a Professional Massage Therapist and the Founder and Owner of the Morales Method, a manual therapy and body conditioning business based in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Los Angeles, California. Marty has over 16 years of massage therapist experience and over 13 years of experience educating others on the best practices for massage therapy. Marty has over 10,000 hours of private practice logged and is a Certified Advanced Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner, CMT. He has an MBA in Finance from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles.

Marty Morales

Professional Massage Therapist

Expert Answer

Understand what's happening on your client's face before the massage. It's better and more comfortable to give a facial massage if your client doesn't have makeup on, so have them remove it. If they have something on their face that they're embarrassed about, help them relax about it. Make sure you know whether they have a cut or breakage on their skin so that you can prepare accordingly for everyone's safety.

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