Most of our skin concerns can be helped or even solved using one simple step: facial massage.
Whether it's as a makeup cleanser or a nighttime moisturizer, you will see multiple benefits from a gentle and frequent face massage using oil.
Why? How?
Plant oils are just marvellous when used on the skin. They can be antiseptic, antimicrobial, healing, retexturizing and brightening.
Facial massages warm up the skin and increase circulation, which will heal irritation and breakouts a lot faster. This increase in circulation will also result in a brighter, smoother, and more youthful appearance. A proper massage routine can definitely reduce stress, wrinkles, blemishes and scars.
My Routine
I remove my makeup daily using the L'OCCITANE Immortelle Oil Makeup Remover, which I massage over my dry face for about a minute to dissolve all traces of eye and face makeup. If I'm not exhausted, I'll massage for 2-3 minutes to relax the facial muscles and reduce any premature wrinkles. Once warm water is added, this oil turns milky and rinses clean, with no redness left behind.(I don't bother with regular oil to remove makeup, since it doesn't rinse off as easily.)
1-4 times a week I'll use an oil as my nighttime moisturizer. After taking off my makeup, I will cleanse with my Clarisonic Mia + Luxe Cashmere head + Froosh Go Deep wash. Then I apply a bit of toner or BHA liquid. (I'm currently loving the Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion.)
Your skin must be completely clean before massaging on your moisturizer. Do not apply oil to dirty skin.
I always start massaging around my eyes, since I don't want to move the salicylic acid from my BHA liquid onto that delicate area. Applying oil right after you wash your face will lock in the moisture to ensure that your skin is plump and radiant in the morning.
When shopping for oils, I'd recommend a 100% pure jojoba oil, grape seed oil, argan oil, or sweet almond oil over many of the expensive facial oils on the market. If you want a fancier blend that can work better at refining the surface of your skin (thanks to the rose hip seed oil), I'd recommend Palmer's Skin Therapy Face Oil - found at most drugstores.
(Feel free to check out my "How to Moisturize with Oil" post for more details.)
Some pricy (but wonderful) options include the Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil, NUDE ProGenius Treatment Oil, or L'OCCITANE's Immortelle Divine Youth Oil.
These oils are generally quite lightweight and will not leave a layer of oil behind, especially if you use only 3-5 drops.
Here is my favourite video tutorial on how to perform a proper face massage:
For a more lengthily video, check out Lisa Eldridge's video on her favourite products and facial massage routine:
Finally, learn how to properly wash and care for your face from Isabelle Bellis, a gorgeous French Epidermologist:
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
Now, pick up a bottle of oil and dedicate a few minutes to a gentle face massage. Soon enough, it'll become routine!
xx
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