Posted by Neal's Yard Remedies
on October 28, 2025
At Neal’s Yard Remedies, we believe radiance isn’t just about what you put on your skin — it’s also about the small, soothing rituals that help you feel your best. Facial massage is one of those rituals. Whether you’re doing it at home or enjoying one in one of our spas, it’s a gentle way to lift, tone and unwind. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what facial massage is, how it can benefit your skin, the different techniques you can try, and simple ways to make it part of your routine.
Table of Contents
What is a Face Massage?
Facial massage, also simply called face massage, uses gentle pressure and sweeping movements to wake up your skin and relax your muscles. It helps boost circulation, encourages lymphatic flow, and can ease tension around areas like the jaw, temples and sinuses. When paired with your favourite facial oil or serum, it turns into a calming, feel-good moment that’s just as therapeutic as it is enjoyable.
Benefits of a Face Massage
1. Tones Face Muscles
Regular massage gently exercises the small muscles beneath your skin, helping to lift and define your natural contours over time.
2. Boosts Circulation
Improved blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface, enhancing its natural glow and supporting cellular renewal.
3. Anti‑Ageing
By encouraging lymphatic drainage and reducing puffiness, a facial massage can diminish the appearance of fine lines and promote firmer-looking skin.
4. Defines Facial Features
Targeted strokes along the jawline, cheekbones and brow line can help sculpt the face, creating a more lifted and chiselled effect.
5. Reduces Stress
The ritual of facial massage eases tension in the mind and body, triggering a sense of calm through acupressure and the scent of botanicals.
6. Relieves Tension from Headaches and Sinuses
Techniques focused on the temples, jaw and sinus points can alleviate pressure, helping to ease tension‑type headaches and congestion.
Types of Face Massages
1. Manual Lymphatic Drainage
A very light, rhythmic pumping technique that encourages the removal of excess fluid and toxins, helping to de‑puff and brighten the complexion.
2. Gua Sha
Using a smooth-edged tool (often jade or rose quartz), this stroke-based method releases tension in the fascia, sculpts contours and promotes circulation.
3. Acupressure
Targeted fingertip pressure on key meridian points to relieve muscle tightness, boost energy flow, and calm the nervous system.
4. Deep‑Tissue Massage
Firm, slow strokes and light kneading reach deeper muscle layers to ease chronic tension, particularly around the jaw and temples.
5. Stone Therapy
The use of heated or cooled stones applied to the face to relax muscles, stimulate circulation, and enhance the absorption of skincare products.
6. Fascial Facework
Gentle, sustained strokes and holds that target the connective tissue (fascia) beneath the skin, easing restrictions and restoring natural mobility for a lifted, more flexible appearance.
7. Facial Acupuncture
The insertion of ultra‑fine needles into specific facial points to stimulate collagen production, improve muscle tone and promote a radiant, even‑toned complexion.
8. Face Slapping
A rhythmic, light‑tapping technique, popular in some Japanese facial methods, that awakens circulation, stimulates lymphatic drainage and gives an energised, glowing finish.
Who Should Avoid Face Massage?
Most people can enjoy facial massage safely, but it should be avoided if you have active acne lesions, rosacea flare‑ups, open wounds or skin infections. Anyone with recent facial surgery should also wait until fully healed and cleared by a medical professional.
At‑Home vs Professional Treatment
At home, it’s easy to add simple massage techniques into your routine using just your fingertips, a gua sha tool or a gentle roller. These small daily rituals help boost circulation and improve how your products absorb. For something a little more indulgent, a Neal’s Yard spa facial takes things further: our therapists combine expert massage techniques with bespoke aromatherapy blends to deliver both instant calm and longer-term sculpting benefits.
Want to take your routine up a notch? Explore our collection of facial oils, carefully blended to complement your face massage moments.
How to Perform a Simple Face Massage at Home
1. Prep
Start on clean, toned skin. Warm 2–3 drops of Orange Flower Facial Oil in your palms and gently press it into your face. If you have a gua sha stone, you can swap in the tool here, just follow the same upward and outward motions, holding each position for a few seconds to enhance lymphatic drainage and sculpting effects.
2. Jawline & Chin
With your fingertips, sweep from the centre of your chin upwards along the jawline towards each ear. Repeat 5 times per side to ease tension.
3. Cheeks
Place fingers by your nostrils and glide outwards and upwards towards your temples. This encourages lymphatic drainage and adds lift.
4. Under‑Eyes
Use your ring fingers to tap lightly from the inner corner of the eye towards the temple. This helps reduce puffiness without tugging.
5. Forehead & Temples
Sweep fingers upward from between your brows to your hairline, then gently press and hold at the temples for a few seconds to relieve tension.
6. Seal In
Press any remaining oil into your neck and décolletage (the area just above the chest), then follow with your favourite moisturiser, Wild Rose Beauty Balm is a good pick to lock in moisture.
Perform this ritual two to three times a week, morning or evening, to help boost circulation, tone muscles and enhance product absorption. For deeper, long‑lasting benefits, complement your at‑home practice with a Neal’s Yard Remedies professional facial every four to six weeks.
The Results
After a professional facial massage, many people notice their skin feels refreshed, less puffy, and more relaxed. With regular treatments or consistent at-home practice, facial massage can help support muscle tone and leave the complexion looking smoother and more energised.
Visit Neal’s Yard Remedies for Spa‑Level Facials
For a little time out and a lot of care, treat yourself to one of our signature facials. The Frankincense Intensified Facial, designed exclusively for Neal’s Yard Remedies by leading facialist Abigail James, blends grounding breathwork with sculpting massage and lymphatic drainage techniques to help you feel centred and revived, inside and out.
Looking for something a little more glow-giving? The Wild Rose Natural Glow Facial pairs rosehip-rich skincare with a calming neck and shoulder massage, helping your skin feel soft, nourished and radiant.
Both facials are a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and give your skin the attention it deserves.
Learn more about the full range of facials and other treatments we offer.
FAQs
What is the best technique for face massage?
There are many effective techniques for face massage, each offering unique benefits. One particularly effective method combines gentle, upward strokes with circular motions around the jawline, cheeks, and forehead. Using a nourishing oil helps reduce friction and enhances the soothing, skin-boosting effects of each movement.
How often should I massage my face?
Aim for a brief at‑home massage two to three times per week, and consider a professional spa treatment every four to six weeks to maintain optimal circulation and muscle tone.
What are the main benefits of a face massage?
The main benefits of facial massage include improved circulation, muscle toning, tension relief and enhanced lymphatic drainage. This leaves your skin feeling firmer and your mind deeply relaxed.
Can I perform facial massage if I have sensitive or reactive skin?
Yes, you can enjoy facial massage even if your skin is sensitive, provided you choose gentle techniques and soothing products. Opt for light fingertip strokes rather than firm pressure.
Which oils or products work best for an at‑home face massage?
The ideal products are those that provide smooth glide without clogging pores. Our Orange Flower Facial Oil and Wild Rose Glow Facial Oil are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, ensuring your fingertips, and any tools you choose, effortlessly sweep across the skin while delivering nourishing botanicals.
Which Neal’s Yard spa facial is right for my skin concern?
Our Frankincense Intensified Facial is ideal for firming and smoothing the appearance of fine lines, while the Frankincense Lift & Sculpt Facial uses Gua Sha techniques to contour and lift. For a brighter, more even-looking complexion, try the Wild Rose Natural Glow Facial. Your therapist will help you choose the right treatment during your initial consultation.
