Does Facial Massage Really Work? We Asked the Experts (2025)

When you’re in the mood to treat yourself, a facial is an obvious choice: You get to relax and enjoy beauty benefits. But you don’t always have to head to the spa to get a facial massage—DIY has its perks, too, and that’s why humans have been onto this for a long time. “Massage can be traced back to many ancient cultures,” says Casa Cipriani master aesthetician Samantha Susca. “Gua sha originates from ancient China, marma from ancient India, and many facial massages and beauty rituals are from ancient Egypt. Massage has since evolved into an industry that merges traditional wisdom with modern science—there are so manytypes of massages that range from basic to expert level.”

But how effective is facial massage exactly? We went to the experts to find out—read on to discover how facial massage works, a few different methods to try, and what to expect from both at-home and professional experiences.

What Is Facial Massage?

“Facial massage is a therapeutic skincare technique that involves the gentle manipulation of the face and neck using either the hands or specialized tools,” says Madison Beach Hotel guest services director, Wahied Helmy. “This method helps improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, reduce puffiness, and ease stress, promoting an overall sense of well-being and rejuvenation. Facial massage draws from a rich blend of global traditions, including Ayurvedic practices, European techniques, and modern skincare integration. It also incorporates methods rooted in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese medicine, making it a holistic and time-honored practice.”

There are many different types of facial massage, one of which is lymphatic drainage. “Facial lymphatic drainageis a gentle massage technique to stimulate the lymphatic system in the face, promoting the natural drainage of lymph: a clear fluid that carries toxins and waste products away from the tissues and back into the bloodstream,” says physical therapist Mayara Maciel, who specializes in Brazilian lymphatic drainage. “It is widely used in professional skincare routines and post-facial surgeries to boost blood and lymph flow, relieve tension, and support overall skin health and appearance.”

The Benefits of Facial Massage

“Facial massage can benefit the skin in so many ways due to improved oxygenation through fresh blood circulation and collagen production through manual stimulation,” Susca says. “By releasing tension in the facial muscles, oxygenated blood can reach the surface of the skin, and toxins can be removed via the lymphatic system.Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced, and texture, tone, and skin elasticity are all improved.”Additionally, facial massage can reduce stress, enhance the absorption of skincare products, and support anti-aging efforts by softening fine lines and improving skin elasticity, according to Helmy.

Who Should Avoid Facial Massage?

While facial massage offers many benefits for most people, it is advisable to temporarily avoid it under certain circumstances, such as if you have open wounds or have recently received injectables. “Avoid facial massages at least 24 to 48 hours after injectable treatments like Botox or dermal fillers,” Maciel says. “This is to allow the injected material to settle and prevent migration.”

Hands vs. Tools

“While both [types of DIY facial massage] do have their benefits, I recommend that someone starting use their hands,” Susca says.“Hands are intuitive and better for a beginner who is learning the structures of the face and where they may hold tension.Tools are useful for assisting someone more experienced with their hands, and they’re also great for using with certain products like face masks.”

Susca explains that cold tools work by stimulating vasodilation of the blood vessels and reducing heat and inflammation in the superficial layers of the skin.Meanwhile, gua sha or roller tools work as a medium for movement without pressure to push out the fluid beneath the skin’s surface, which appears as puffiness.

How to DIY a Facial Massage

To DIY a facial massage using your hands, follow these instructions from Maciel:

1. Start standing in front of the mirror, with a clean face and hands.
2. Gently massage the lymph nodes located under your ears and down the sides of your neck, collarbone area (both sides), and behind the angle of your jaw with your fingertips using circular motions.
3. Once you stimulate the lymph nodes, apply a moisturizer or face oil to allow your hands to glide smoothly across the skin.
4. From under your ears, sweep your fingers down towards your throat and back up along your jawline.
5. Place your fingertips in the center of your forehead and gently massage outwards toward your temples, using gentle pressure.
6. Using your fingertips, gently massage the area around your eyes, starting from the inner corner and moving outward toward your temples.
7. Massage your cheeks in upward, circular motions, starting from the center and working your way up to your temples.
8. Place your fingertips in the center of your chin and massage upward along your jawline.
9. Use upward, circular motions to massage your neck, starting from the base and working your way up to your chin.
10. Repeat the movements five to eight times at each point.
11. Remove any remaining oil or product from your face with a gentle cleanser. Follow your regular skincare routine.

If you want to incorporate a tool, Susca suggests using a similar technique with a gua sha stone or jade roller. “Make sure these items are clean and set at a five-to-10-degree angle on the face, and without using much pressure, you can use the tool as an extension of your hands to amplify your massage,” she says.

At Home vs. Professional Treatment

“DIY facials are convenient, cost-effective, and easy to incorporate into your daily routine,” Helmy says. “Professional facials, however, are performed by trained specialists using high-quality products and a wider range of tools. These treatments often deliver faster, longer-lasting results and a more customized experience.”

Although Susca agrees that a professional facial massage can’t be matched at home with the same precision and technique, DIY massages are an excellent way to maintain skin health and reduce tension on a daily basis. “Results from professional treatments tend to be more immediate, intensive, and long-lasting, but daily DIY massage is necessary for the maintenance of these results,” she says.

What to Expect During a Facial Massage

During a professional facial massage, keep in mind that every expert may work differently, using various tools and techniques. Don’t be afraid to discuss your treatment with your facialist ahead of time to learn more about the steps they plan to use, any sensations you might experience, aftercare instructions, and potential benefits.

“Due to varying types of massages, experiences can differ from one expert to the next,” Susca says. “The results that can be expected often go beyond the skin and overall relaxation and can aid in sinus decongestion, headache relief, and overall better immune function of the skin, with faster skin healing due to improved circulation of the tissues.”

The Results

Although the results from an at-home facial massage may not be as powerful as those from a professional treatment, both are still worthy of your time. “With consistent facial massage, you can expect reduced stress, healthier and more radiant skin, decreased puffiness, fewer fine lines and wrinkles, and skin that feels deeply hydrated and evenly moisturized,” Helmy says.Additionally, you’re likely to notice improved skin tone and clarity, improved elasticity, a more sculpted appearance, and a brighter complexion with a reduction in hyperpigmentation, Susca says.

The Final Takeaway

Whether you opt for the professional or DIY route, sticking to a facial massage routine is essential. “Consistency is necessary for seeing benefits,” Susca says. “Everyone has two opportunities a day to utilize massage to improve their skin when they cleanse. Cleansing is a perfect opportunity to incorporate even just one or two minutes of massage into your daily routine.For elevated results with a professional treatment, once a month is ideal.”

If you’re still unsure of how to incorporate facial massage into your routine, ask an esthetician to show you the basics. “I highly recommend seeing a professional facialist who can explain the whys and how-tos for home care and maintenance (something I always show my clients) and even watching [some videos] on social media, where you can get a visual step-by-step guide on proper massage technique at home,” Susca says.