Facial Massage
Facial massage is a broad term for hands-on work with the skin and soft tissue of the face. It isn’t one standardized technique. Pressure, direction, products, and the areas included can vary.
Scope of facial massage
The basic scope includes stroking, pressing, or gently moving the facial skin and nearby soft tissue. Some services include the neck and décolleté or use cream or oil.
Related esthetic terms
Facial meridian massage uses language drawn from traditional East Asian medicine. Contour care focuses on the visible facial outline. Gua sha uses a tool rather than hands alone. Facial massage is the broader term and doesn’t specify any of these methods by itself.
Limits of the term
A person may feel relaxed or notice a temporary change in appearance after a massage. That does not mean facial bones moved or fat was removed. Facial massage should not be described as permanent face reduction or treatment for a medical condition.
Related terms
- Facial meridian massage: An esthetic service named after the traditional meridian concept.
- Contour care: An industry term focused on the visible facial outline.
- Gua sha: A method that uses a smooth-edged tool on the skin.
