Unveiling the Unforeseen: Side Effects of Daily Face Massage
A common cosmetic procedure that has been used for ages is facial massage. Facial massage has been used by everyone from current beauty experts to ancient Egyptian queens to encourage relaxation, improve skin tone, and lessen tension. But what are the pros and cons of daily face massage? Is it safe to do every day, or can it have negative side effects? This post will go through the advantages and hazards of daily facial massage, show you exactly how to perform it, and suggest some alternatives.
Benefits of Daily Face Massage
Promotes Relaxation
Peaceful and calming experience of face massage may help ease stress and tension in the facial muscles. This may result in a more at ease and revived look.
Enhances Skin Tone
Regular facial massage can help stimulate blood flow to the skin, which can promote a brighter and more youthful complexion. It can also help improve lymphatic drainage, which can reduce puffiness and under-eye circles.
Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Facial massage can help stimulate collagen production, which can improve the elasticity of the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Helps Skin Care Products Absorb Better
Facial massage is effective in maximizing the absorption of skincare products into the skin by increasing blood flow and stimulating the skin.
Side Effects of Daily Face Massage
Irritation or Allergic Reactions
Some massage methods or materials might irritate or trigger an allergic response if you have sensitive skin. Before using any new products on your face, be sure you patch test them.
Acne Flare-Ups
If you have acne-prone skin, aggressive facial massage or using comedogenic oils or creams can cause breakouts and exacerbate acne symptoms.
Bruising or Swelling
Some facial massage techniques, such as deep tissue or lymphatic drainage massages, can be intense and may cause bruising or swelling.
Nerve Damage
You run the risk of injuring or damaging the nerves if you put too much pressure on specific facial features, such as the region around the lips or the eyes.
How to Massage Your Face Every Day
If you want to try daily face massage, here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Before starting a facial massage, remember to cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove any makeup, dirt, or oil buildup. Use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
Step 2: Choose Your Massage Technique
There are many different facial massage techniques to choose from, such as Swedish massage, Shiatsu massage, and acupressure. Do some research and find a technique that resonates with you.
Step 3: Apply a Massage Oil or Cream
To help lubricate the skin and promote relaxation, apply a small amount of massage oil or cream to your face before starting the massage. Be sure to choose a product that is appropriate for your skin type.
Step 4: Start Massaging
Using your hands or a tool, start massaging your face in gentle, circular motions. Use light pressure and avoid any areas that feel tender or painful. You can focus on specific areas, such as the forehead, cheeks, or under-eye area, or do a full-face massage.
Step 5: Finish with a Moisturizer
After the massage, apply a moisturizer to your face to lock in hydration and nourish your skin. Choose a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type and won’t clog your pores.
Tips for Safe and Effective Face Massage
To get the most out of your daily face massage while minimizing the risk of negative side effects, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Always start with clean hands and a clean face.
Choose a gentle massage technique that suits your skin type and concerns.
Use light pressure and avoid any areas that feel tender or painful.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure around the eyes, mouth, or jawline.
Patch test any new products before applying them to your face.
Avoid aggressive or deep tissue massages if you have sensitive skin or are prone to bruising.
If you experience any discomfort or irritation during the massage, stop immediately.
The Best Facial Massage Tools
Jade Roller
Jade rollers are made from smooth jade stone and are designed to help reduce puffiness, improve circulation, and enhance skin tone. They can be used on the face and neck and are available in different shapes and sizes.
Face Roller
A face roller, which is a portable device containing one or more rolling balls that may be used to massage and stimulate the skin. They are available in a variety of materials, including quartz and stainless steel.
Gua Sha Tool
A gua sha tool is typically made of smooth, flat stone or crystal and is designed to scrape the skin gently in order to promote lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
Alternatives to Daily Face Massage
Here are a few alternatives to explore if daily face massage isn’t for you or if you’re trying to switch up your skincare regimen:
Facial Exercises
Facial exercises involve making different facial expressions and movements to help tone and strengthen the muscles in your face. They can be done anywhere, at any time, and don’t require any special products or tools.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine that includes scraping the skin with a tool in order to encourage lymphatic drainage, lessen inflammation, and enhance circulation. It may be applied on the body or the face.
Face Masks
Using a face mask is a terrific method to give your skin an antioxidant, nutritional, and moisture boost. Face masks come in a wide variety of varieties, including sheet masks, clay masks, and sleep masks.
Conclusion
Daily facial massage may be a soothing and revitalizing addition to your skincare regimen, but before getting started, it’s crucial to be informed of the possible hazards and advantages. It is advisable to speak with a medical expert before attempting facial massage if you have sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or other medical disorders that impact your face muscles or nerves. Yet, regular facial massage could be something to think about if you’re seeking for a natural solution to even out your skin tone, relieve stress, and improve your complexion.
FAQs
Is it safe to do a daily face massage? While facial massage can be safe for most people, there are some risks to consider, such as irritation, acne flare-ups, bruising, and nerve damage.
Can facial massage cause acne? If done improperly or with comedogenic oils or creams, facial massage can cause acne flare-ups.
What is the best tool for facial massage? Some popular tools for facial massage include jade rollers, face rollers, and gua sha tools.
How often should you do a facial massage? The frequency of facial massage depends on your skin type and concerns. Some people may benefit from daily massage while others may only need it once a week.
25 BEST GIFTS FOR NEW MOMS
The birth of a baby is a special time that brings happiness and excitement, but it also requires a lot of adjustments. New moms are like superheroes starting a wonderful, but often tired, journey. To show your love and support, a well-chosen gift can make their experience easier and more enjoyable. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to pick the right present. Don’t worry! This list has 25 great gift ideas for new moms, suited to different needs and budgets.
BEST GIFTS FOR NEW MOMS
NURSING ENTERTAINMENT
When it comes to gifts for moms-to-be, nursing entertainment options can be a thoughtful and practical choice. New moms often spend long hours breastfeeding their babies, and having something to keep them entertained during those moments can make a big difference. Consider giving a subscription to audiobooks, podcasts, or streaming services so that they can enjoy their favorite shows or listen to engaging stories while caring for their little one. These gifts not only provide entertainment but also help moms relax and make nursing sessions more enjoyable.
ESARORA ICE ROLLER
The Esarora Ice Roller is a fantastic choice for new moms. This handy device offers a refreshing and soothing experience, especially during those hectic early days of motherhood. The ice roller can help reduce puffiness, soothe tired eyes, and relieve headaches, providing much-needed relief for sleep-deprived moms. Its compact size and ease of use make it convenient for quick self-care sessions whenever they need a little pick-me-up. The Esarora Ice Roller is a budget-friendly gift for women under $25 that can make a significant impact on a new mom’s well-being and self-care routine.
A HEALING BALM
Among the top gifts for women in 2022, the Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream stands out as a perfect choice for new parents. With the constant need for handwashing due to diaper changes, spit-up, and the delicate immune systems of newborns, parenthood brings a whole new level of importance to maintaining supple skin. This intensively moisturizing cream has long been a favorite of Wirecutter staff and is considered a classic in the beauty world. It combines powerful moisturizers like lanolin, beeswax, sweet almond, and sunflower seed oils to prevent water loss, along with soothing botanicals such as chamomile, viola tricolor, and calendula.
LOULOU LOLLIPOP NEW YORK CITY DELUXE MUSLIN SWADDLE BLANKET
A classic receiving blanket, like the incredibly soft muslin one from Loulou Lollipop, is a versatile gift that can serve multiple purposes for new moms. Aside from being an excellent swaddle for the baby, it can also be used as a nursing shawl, a cover for the car seat, and a burp cloth. With its New York-themed design, it adds a touch of style and charm to any baby ensemble. This multipurpose blanket is not only practical but also a lovely and thoughtful gift for new moms.
LOW-EFFORT DINNER
Low-effort is also on the list of best gifts for new mothers. Adjusting to life with a newborn can be overwhelming, leaving little time and energy to prepare meals. That’s why gifting a meal delivery service or a selection of pre-made frozen meals can be a thoughtful and practical choice. With these options, new mothers can enjoy delicious and nutritious dinners without the hassle of cooking. It gives them the convenience and comfort they need during this busy time, allowing them to focus on taking care of their little ones.
MOBILE PHOTO PRINTER
A mobile photo printer can be a great gift for new moms. It’s a simple device that allows them to print photos directly from their smartphones. With this handy gadget, new moms can easily capture and print precious moments with their little ones. Whether it’s a cute smile or a milestone achievement, they can instantly have physical copies of these special memories. The mobile photo printer is portable and easy to use, making it convenient for on-the-go printing.
A ONE-HANDED WATER BOTTLE
An essential item for new moms on the go is a one-handed water bottle. This cleverly designed water bottle allows them to stay hydrated with ease, even while juggling the demands of taking care of their little one. With its innovative design, moms can open and close the bottle using just one hand, leaving their other hand free for holding the baby, pushing a stroller, or attending to other tasks. The spill-proof feature ensures that they can take a sip whenever they need it, without worrying about leaks or messes.
BABY FOOTPRINT KIT & HANDPRINT KIT
This delightful kit is a perfect gift for new moms who want to capture and cherish those precious early memories. The setting clay allows them to create a beautiful keepsake of their baby’s tiny hands and feet, preserving them in a unique and sentimental way. With the included alphabet stamps, they can personalize the frame by adding their child’s name and birth date, making it a truly special memento that they can treasure for years to come.
TINY GOLD HOOPS
When babies begin to grab things, wearing large jewelry becomes impractical. That’s where Automic Gold’s Mini Seamless Huggie Hoops come to the rescue. These timeless and ungraspable earrings are made in New York from 14-karat yellow, white, or rose gold, which is upcycled from old electronics and jewelry. The hoops feature an invisible lock that clasps securely, requiring just a fingertip to locate the open edge for opening and closing them. Their seamless construction ensures comfort, making them suitable for wearing even during sleep, which is especially convenient for new moms who catch some much-needed rest whenever they can.
BABY’S FRIEND
If you ask any experienced parent, they’ll emphasize one important item: Sophie the giraffe. This adorable teether in the shape of a giraffe is renowned for providing comfort to babies, and it’s crafted from 100 percent natural rubber. It’s a universal favorite among babies, including both of my own daughters. There’s something about its design that makes it ideal for tiny hands and mouths. We never left home without it, as it quickly became an essential companion for our little ones.
SOOTHING NURSING PILLOWS
Soothing nursing pillows are a wonderful gift for new moms. These pillows provide comfort and support during breastfeeding sessions, making the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. They are specially designed to help moms find a comfortable position while feeding their baby, reducing strain on their back, neck, and arms. The softness and cushioning of the pillows provide a cozy nest for the baby, promoting a secure and close bond between mom and child. With soothing nursing pillows, new moms can have a more comfortable and nurturing breastfeeding experience, making it a thoughtful and practical gift choice.
A BOX OF SURPRISE
This special box is filled with a variety of surprises and treats to bring joy and pampering to the new mom. It may include self-care items like bath bombs, scented candles, face masks, or relaxing teas. It could also contain small gifts for the baby, such as cute onesies or soft toys. The element of surprise adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for the new mom, making it a truly memorable and heartwarming gift. This box of surprises is a wonderful way to show love and support to the new mom during this important and transformative time in her life.
SILICONE BREAST PUMP
This type of breast pump is made from soft and flexible silicone material, which makes it comfortable to use. It works by creating a gentle suction that helps draw out breast milk. Silicone breast pumps are compact, portable, and easy to clean, making them convenient for on-the-go use. They are especially handy for collecting milk during breastfeeding sessions or when experiencing let-down on the opposite breast. With a silicone breast pump, new moms can easily and discreetly collect breast milk, providing them with an efficient and convenient option for breastfeeding and milk storage.
BABY’S BACKPACK
If you’re seeking a practical and unexpected gift for a new mom, consider a fantastic hiking backpack that can be used for outdoor adventures or even everyday outings. This hiking baby carrier boasts padded shoulder straps and a spacious hip belt, ensuring the utmost comfort. It features convenient pockets in the hip belt for easy access to phones and wallets, as well as ample storage space for all the essential items in a diaper bag. The little one will relish the elevated and secure padded seat, the removable napping pillow, the optional sunshade, and the opportunity to view the wonders of the great outdoors. This hiking backpack is a thoughtful and versatile gift that will prove invaluable throughout the coming year.
BABY BOUNCER
These versatile and entertaining items provide a safe and comfortable place for babies to play and relax. The gentle bouncing motion can soothe and entertain little ones, giving moms a much-needed break. Some baby bouncers come with additional features like music, vibrations, and toys to stimulate the baby’s senses. They are portable and easy to move around the house, allowing moms to keep an eye on their little one while attending to other tasks.
SELF-WATERING POTS
With a self-watering pot, new moms don’t have to worry about constantly monitoring and watering their plants. The built-in reservoir system ensures that the plants receive the right amount of water without the risk of overwatering or underwatering. This feature is especially beneficial for moms who may have limited time or experience in plant care. Self-watering pots not only bring beauty and greenery to the home but also offer a convenient and low-maintenance solution for nurturing plants.
SKINCARE GIFT
She’s probably stocked up on everything the baby needs, but it’s important to consider her own well-being too. This clean skin care set is a thoughtful gift that includes three essential items (nipple balm, body cream, and face wash) specially curated for new moms. These products are fragrance-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, ensuring gentle and safe care for her skin during this special time.
A PERSONALIZED NECKLACE
If you’re looking for a timeless piece to last long after the days of swaddles and sleep regressions, we suggest the 14k Gold Asymmetrical Initial Necklace from Los Angeles–based jeweler Zoe Lev. Each necklace is forged from recycled yellow, white, or rose gold. It’s likely to become the kind of piece she never takes off. The sideways initial in a sans serif font has a modern appeal that’s classic enough to fit a range of styles. Zoe Lev also offers repairs and alterations—such as adding another initial down the road—for a nominal fee.
MIRACLE BABY MIRACLE BLANKET
If you’re seeking a reliable and tried-and-true swaddle option, Laura Izumikawa, a blogger, author, and mom of two, highly recommends the Miracle Blanket. This traditional-style swaddle has proven to be foolproof in her experience. According to Laura, swaddling her girls in this specific wrap brought them increased contentment and longer sleep durations.
RECORD SPECIAL MOMENTS
The early years fly by in no time! Capture all the wonderful moments with this charming baby book. The Memory Book is a 48-page keepsake designed thoughtfully for busy parents. It features simple prompts to record key milestones and provides convenient spaces to attach photos, making it effortless to document and cherish those precious memories.
SWEET READS
Attempting to encapsulate the multifaceted journey of motherhood in a single sentence, paragraph, or book is an immense task. However, Grace Farris, a doctor, mother, and author, bravely takes on this challenge in her illustrated manual, Mom Milestones. Born from her popular Instagram account, this book showcases heartwarming and insightful sketches that delve into her own humbling experiences of parenthood. From the early stages of being a Newborn Mom to navigating the world of Elementary School Mom, Farris traces the evolution of a mother with poignant reflections like “Notes I Would Send Myself” and “Tricks That Don’t Work.” Particularly for new moms, this affirming read serves as a literary road map, offering guidance through the challenging yet immensely rewarding path that lies ahead.
GIFT CARD
Takeout-delivery gift cards are always great for new parents, but there’s something to be said for having a stash of wholesome, ready-to-go frozen meals on hand when they’re feeling peckish. Ipsa, which several Strategist staffers and I swear by, allows folks to order high-end, actually delicious dishes like lasagne ai funghi and green-chicken enchilada bake à la carte.
TOTE
It’s important not to underestimate the amount of items a new mom needs to carry around. This lovely bag will become her trusted companion during errand runs, trips to the park, doctor’s appointments, and beyond. Additionally, it comes in a versatile black color that helps conceal any spills or messes that may occur along the way. With this bag, new moms can stay organized and stylish while effortlessly managing all their essential belongings.
BAD-HAIR DAYS, BEGONE
Hair claws are having a renaissance, and no demographic is better suited to embracing the trend than newly anointed moms. The Emi Jay Big Effing Clip is mom and senior editor Catherine Kast’s favorite clip for a few reasons: It’s huge, sturdy, and crack resistant, and it comes in a ton of fun shades and finishes. And it’s versatile enough for every stage of new-momhood, from the stage where the new mom doesn’t wash her hair to the stage where the little one pulls out her hair to the stage where she finally ventures out on her first, much-needed date night.
ORGANIC MIXED FRUIT
This thoughtful and nutritious gift provides a variety of delicious fruits that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring a healthier option for both the mom and her family. Organic mixed fruit gifts often include a selection of seasonal fruits, such as apples, oranges, berries, and tropical fruits, providing a vibrant and flavorful assortment. These fruits are not only packed with vitamins and minerals but also offer natural sweetness and refreshing flavors. Offering an organic mixed fruit gift to a new mom is a delightful way to promote her well-being and provide a nourishing treat during this special time.
CONCLUSION
The 25 best gifts for new moms encompass a wide range of thoughtful and practical options that cater to their needs and celebrate this transformative journey. From luxurious self-care items to functional baby gear, these gifts aim to support and uplift new moms during this extraordinary chapter of their lives. With the best gifts for new moms, we can show our appreciation and help them navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood with love, care, and a touch of indulgence.
