What is Fascia?

Understanding why facial massages offer anti-aging benefits comes down to the role of fascia. Fascia is a web of tissue composed of elastin and collagen. It holds and supports every muscle, bone, artery, nerve, and organ within your body- and it supports the SKIN too!

There are two main types of fascia in your face— commonly called a superficial layer and a deeper layer. Although there's way more to this that we could dig into (I do that here), in a nutshell, the superficial layer lies just below the dermis, while the deep fascia connects your skin to the muscle and fat below and forms a "girdle" of facial muscles known as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system).[2]

This superficial fascia is a layer of connective tissue under your facial skin, where it's responsible for giving it lift and tone. However, it can also carry tension and muscle adhesions that limit blood flow.

Facial Massages and Your Fascia

Performed correctly, a facial massage will relieve tight fascial layers and reduce facial tension within the jaw and neck. You should experience improvements within one session, although a series of four or more weekly sessions can lead to better long-term results. You want to trigger the chain reaction for the body to begin to regenerate the skin and layers below the skin.

Here's a closer look at other benefits of facial massages:

Increases temporary Blood Flow to the Skin: Massaging the face muscles increases blood and oxygen flow, keeping it nutrient-rich and free of toxins.[3] This can improve its appearance over time.

Relieves tension: It's common to carry stress in our neck and jaw. Regular facial massages are a proven way to work out tight spots in your fascia and relieve this tension so you feel lighter—both physically and mentally.[4]

Reduces temporary swelling: Fascial massage can increase blood flow to the region, loosen up tight tissue, and reduce its appearance over the long run. For those of you with scars, there's also evidence it can relieve the pain and itchiness they cause.[5]

Acts as a natural facelift: By stimulating your facial muscles and drawing oxygen into them, facial massages can increase collagen production. This boosts the elasticity within your skin and helps give you a healthy, natural glow.

Improves product absorption: Massaging your face as you apply products can increase their effectiveness by helping them better absorb into your skin. Gently massage your skin with your fingers as you use moisturizers and serums to help them penetrate deeper.

Encourages lymphatic drainage: Your lymph nodes system is intimately connected with immune system functioning and detoxification. Regular drainage through massage will reduce puffiness and swelling while relieving irritation and even reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Fewer fine lines and wrinkles: Believe it or not, facial massages can have quantifiable anti-aging effects. One study found that patients who used anti-aging cream along with a facial massage experienced more improvements in wrinkles and sagging for less facial aging than those that used the cream alone.[6]

Glowing skin: Regular facial massages can give you a glow—really. Research from 2002 shows that more than half of women who receive one felt rejuvenated and that their skin was brighter, tighter, and more supple after, leading to a boost of confidence.[7]

The overall result? Healthier skin with better elasticity for a more youthful appearance.

Fascial Facial Massages at Home

You don't have to work with an expert to experience the benefits of a fascia massage. Your fingers alone can be effective, but if you want to better target your facial fascia, it's better to use a tool like the FaceBlaster.

Designed by author and fascia specialist Ashley Black, the FaceBlaster is a small tool designed to massage your fascia in delicate areas like your face, neck, feet, hands, knees, and other areas with soft tissue. It's built with three dainty claws that allow for pinpoint precision across your face to temporarily increase blood circulation through these areas.

Use the FaceBlaster regularly on your face, and it will help break up tight fascia spots. This in turn helps lead to detoxification, less puffiness and tension, and can reduce the severity of wrinkles. And even if anti-aging isn't your priority, a facial massage with the FaceBlaster will leave you relaxed. And don’t forget, using the FaceBlaster or the OMGBlaster will palpate into your fascia tissue where the stem cell reservoirs reside. FaceBlasting is a very quick route to the desired result, because it so effectively targets the ECM and connective tissue that feed the skin.

The Bottom Line

Getting older might be inevitable, aging skin doesn't have to be. You can help keep your face at its best by ensuring the facia within it stays supple and healthy. By experiencing regular fascia facial massages, you can provide your face with what it needs to heal and rejuvenate so you can (literally) put your best face forward.