Can facial massage make me look younger?

Pat writes:

I have been experimenting with a product by Suqqu, a Japanese cosmetics company.  This Suqqu product is called Musculate Massage Cream and it has received some glowing reviews.  When I had my face made up with Suqqu make up, the sales assistant suggesting the Suqqu Cream and a technique called Gankin massage.

She told me that Gankin massage, and the Suqqu Cream could improve the muscle tone in my face and reduce sagging, thus making me look younger.  Although I was impressed with the Suqqu makeup, I decided to spend my money on the Musculate Massage Cream, even though a 200g jar cost £60, and the lotion used to after the massage was £30.  I reasoned that this was the cost of 2 professional facials, and if the cream did make me look younger it would be money well spent.

I imagined that I would apply the Musculate Massage Cream to my face and simply rub in a swirly motion, but of course it is not that simple. Gankin massage is, according to the Suqqu literature “an all-new massage technique created by exploring the relationship between stiff facial muscles and sagging skin.”

The Suqqu sales assistant gave me a leaflet that explained Gankin massage in words and pictures.  There are 11 steps to the process and I have tried to faithfully follow them.  The massage fits in to the Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise routine immediately after cleansing the face, and before toning.

Confusion set in before I had reached step one!  The Suqqu instructions said “apply a portion of massage cream the size of a walnut”.  I wondered if that meant a walnut in the shell, or a shelled walnut.   At my first attempt I opted for a something in the middle, and had far too much cream!

The next day I searched for a video clip to illustrate the Gankin massage.  Here is a link to the clip that I found – it is not in English.

The Suqqu Cream is an interesting consistency.  It is somewhat sticky, and when I have finished the massage my face is quite rosy.  It says on the instructions that it promotes improved circulation.

I have been using it most nights for about a month, and I think that I can see some improvement to the texture of my skin, but no difference to any sagging.  Sadly I don’t think that I look younger.

However, I do think that facial massage could be beneficial for women who cannot have professional facials, particularly as a means of improving skin tone and possibly to look younger.

My search of YouTube did reveal a wealth of video clips that demonstrate facial massage techniques.  I selected the video shown on this page because it shows how to give yourself (rather than another person) a facial massage.

Gankin Massage is not the only method of facial massage.  Nor is it necessary to use an expensive face product, but I do recommend that you use a massage cream or oil to reduce friction and avoid dragging your skin.

In my opinion, the other benefit of facial massage is that it is relaxing.  It is possible that massaging your face last thing at night may be an aid to gaining a good night’s sleep.

Care for the Skin around your Eyes

You may well have been told by consultants on beauty counters that the skin around your eyes does not absorb the moisturiser designed for your face.  I have certainly heard this advice several times, and wondered whether it is true or just a pitch to get me to buy more products.

Through searching the Internet, I have read that the skin under the eyes is indeed thinner and more delicate.  If you think about it, the skin around your eyes gets more exercise because it moves and stretches every time you open or close your eyes.  A quick study of faces in a crowd will reveal that most people have more wrinkles around their eyes.  My conclusion is that it is worth taking extra time and perhaps buying an extra product or two to take care of the skin around your eyes.

I am a long term fan of Liz Earle products and regularly buy her Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth cleaner.  I use this morning and night and it keeps my skin clean and well balanced.  One of the best things about it (in my opinion) is that it removes all my makeup, even mascara so that I don’t need to use a separate eye makeup remover.

I recently received a complimentary trial-sized eye care kit from Liz Earle.  I had purchased and used all the produces included, so I was delighted to receive this haul of goodies for free!

My experience of all the products included in this eye care product selection includes only one slight “dislike”, and that is the Smoothing Line Serum usually comes in a little pump dispenser that dispenses a tiny bit too much serum – a little goes a long way!

My list of “likes” more than balances out that little niggle.  I like the consistency of the Daily Eye Repair.  Every morning I apply a tiny dot of the Liz Earle’s Daily Eye Repair under each eye and gently pat it into the skin using my ring fingers.  This takes a few seconds, and is absorbed straight away.

The Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion is useful for de-puffing sleepy eyes in the morning.  During the hay fever season, it is helpful to calm sore eyes, so I try to always keep this product in stock.

In my opinion the Liz Earle eye care products are a reasonable price.  For example, the Daily Eye Repair costs £13 for a 10ml tube that lasts several months (in my experience).

If you have a favourite eye care product, do let us know on our Talk Back page.

Skin Care Basics  

The three basic steps to better skin are Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise (CTM).  Carry out these three steps morning and evening, and you will see the quality of your skin improve.  

We do not believe that it is necessary to use expensive products to get good results.  You should try to choose products according to your skin type, as using the wrong type would be less helpful.   

Generally, skin falls into one of four categories:

·      Combination

·      Dry

·      Oily

·      Sensitive  

Combination skin:  Do you have a shiny nose, but do your cheeks sometimes feel dry or tight when you have washed your face?  Then you probably have combination skin. The most common arrangement seems to be an oily forehead, nose and chin, with dry cheeks.    If you use products intended for oily skin, you can dry out parts of your face – use something too rich, and you’ll clog your pours and get spots.

There are many clever products on the market designed specifically for combination skin.  You can also use common sense, and apply more moisturiser on the drier areas of your face.  

Dry Skin:  If your skin feels too tight sometimes, flakes in dry weather, has a tendency to fine lines, and products just sink into your skin, you probably have dry skin.   It is particularly important that you choose the right cleanser and toner to give your skin the care it needs.  

Oily Skin:  Does your face seem always shiny; feel greasy a few hours after washing, and prone to spots?  You probably already know you have oily skin!  There are loads of specialist products available – but avoid the pitfall of treating your skin too harshly.  

Sensitive Skin:  If your skin reacts to any change, gets blotchy for no apparent reason, or becomes easily flushed, you may have sensitive skin.  

A matter of opinion:  Some companies label their products as suitable for ‘mature skin’, or recommend certain products for specified age groups.  Our opinion is that this is more a marketing ploy than an objective classification – particularly as the age bands are often along the lines: teenage, 20s, 30s, 40s and then all in one lump: over 50s.  How can everyone the same age have the same skin?  

We think its better to be guided by your skin – not the hype.  

Are all three steps (Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise) really necessary?  

We think so. Cleanse to loosen and lift off impurities (and grime) plus remove excess oil. Tone to remove that lifted dirt and get rid of any cleanser left on the skin. Moisturise with a cream suited to your skin type to help keep skin elastic and plumped up.  

If you use a cleanser that is rinsed off with water, the water should be tepid, not hot or cold.  Then pat your face dry with a clean towel.  Don’t rub vigorously, as this can damage your skin.  

Is it really necessary to follow the routine in the morning as well as the evening?

Yes – your skin cells renew during the night, and your face will look fresher if you follow the CTM drill.   

If you find it hard to summon the energy to go through all three steps at the end of the evening, try going through the CTM routine a bit earlier, before you are really tired.