We’ve definitely come a long way since the matte craze of the early 2000s. Back when Britney ruled the pop charts and Razer phones buzzed in the pockets of our Juicy Couture tracksuits, any hint of moisture on your face was a total no-go. Luckily, times have changed, and now we’re all about embracing fresh, dewy complexions.
But where does that glowing skin come from? Well, to start, you have to properly moisturize and maintain a healthy balance of sebum (AKA natural oil.) You don’t want so much oil that your skin feels greasy, but just enough to keep that radiant glow. And here’s the thing: the right skincare products and routine make all the difference! You probably already have The Skinny Confidential De-Puffing Face Oil, Caffeinated Moisturizer, and a reliable toner on your vanity. But, one often overlooked step? Facial massages.
Using the right facial massage techniques is seriously game-changing. When done properly, facial massages can promote lymphatic drainage and boost collagen production, sculpting your face and softening fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, it helps balance sebum production to give you that perfect, glowy complexion. If you’re new to the idea of sebum or facial massages, don’t worry—we’re here to break it all down.
Does Facial Massage Have an Effect on Sebum Production?
In this post, we’ll explain all about how facial massage can have a positive effect on oil production and balance! With so many benefits already attributed to facial massage, this is just the cherry on top. Let’s explore how facial massage can help your skin look and feel amazing:
How Does Facial Massage Cause Sebum Production?
Promotes Blood Circulation
Massaging the facial muscles can do more than just feel good—it can actually stimulate blood flow. That improved circulation helps deliver fresh oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s tissues, particularly to the sebaceous glands. So, what happens when your sebaceous glands are getting a little extra love? They’re able to function properly, helping your skin to strike that balance between too oily and too dry.
Activates the Nervous System
Facial massage also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is also known as the “rest and digest system.” Basically, it counteracts the body’s fight-or-flight response to stress to keep you calm, cool, and collected. But what does that have to do with oil production?
Well, this system plays a big role in hormone balance. When you’re stressed, your body produces more androgens (male sex hormones) that boost oil output. By calming your nervous system and reducing stress via facial massage, you can keep your sebum balance in check, too.
Stimulates Sebaceous Glands
Sometimes, oil can get trapped in your sebaceous glands (hello, clogged pores) and prevent proper oil production. However, by massaging areas of the face with lots of oil glands, like the T-zone, you can help release trapped sebum. Once it’s released, the gland can start fresh and maintain normal oil levels. Think of it as cleaning house—you’re removing old oils so new (better) oils have room to do their job.
Warms the Skin
Another way facial massage supports sebum release? Warmth. The gentle friction from massage naturally warms the skin, softening hardened or trapped sebum so it can move to the surface. This warmth can also activate enzymes involved in oil production, encouraging a healthy, balanced flow of sebum.
Relaxes Facial Tension
Muscle tension can actually constrict blood vessels and compress the sebaceous glands. This blockage is like a kinked hose and can prevent proper oil flow. On top of that, muscle tension is often a sign of stress, which is also super bad for sebum production. So, by relieving facial tension through massage, you're not just improving circulation—you’re also helping to promote hormone balance and support healthier, more normalized oil production.
What Are The Benefits Of Facial Massage For Sebum Production?
Encourages Balanced Oil Production
Just to be clear: Facial massage doesn’t just prompt oil production. Instead, it actually helps stimulate the sebaceous glands in a gentle, controlled way. This means that your skin naturally regulates how much oil it produces, making dry areas more hydrated and greasy areas less oily.
Improves Skin Hydration
You might assume that hydrating your skin would make it even oilier—especially if you’re already dealing with excess sebum. But in reality, it’s the exact opposite! Properly nourishing your skin with the right skincare products and techniques signals the sebaceous glands to dial back oil production. And that’s just another benefit from facial massage! It significantly improves how well your skin retains moisture, helping to prevent the overproduction of sebum.
Promotes Natural Glow
Facial massage increases blood flow and supports healthy oil movement, and BOTH contribute to radiant looking skin. With consistent massages, you’ll likely notice a more glowing complexion that looks naturally lit from within!
Prevents Clogged Pores
Facial massage reduces buildup in the pores by helping sebum move more freely to the skin’s surface. In return, this helps prevent congestion, blackheads, and acne, keeping your skin clear and smooth.
Strengthens Skin Barrier
Sebum is a key component of the skin’s protective barrier. So, by keeping up with your facial massage routine, you’re actually ensuring oil is evenly distributed across your entire face. When your skin has a healthy amount of oil, it actually strengthens the barrier and defends against dryness, irritation, and environmental damage.
How To Do Facial Massage For Sebum Production
Facial massage is about more than just touching your face and moving things around. Some of the best techniques include using oils, following guided movements, and finishing up with a good sunscreen. Check out this step-by-step guide for a quick and easy way to add facial massage into your morning or night routine.
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Step 1: Cleanse your skin.
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Step 2: Use De-Puffing Face Oil to balance sebum production and reduce friction.
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Step 3: Choose the massager of your choice: The Skinny Confidential Face Massager, Ice Roller, or Mint Roller.
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Step 4: Place the massager on one side of your nose and roll outward toward the outer corner of the eye and ears. (Repeat on both sides.)
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Step 5: Apply gentle pressure and roll the massager horizontally across your forehead, moving from one side to the other.
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Step 6: Glide the massager down the bridge of your nose in smooth strokes.
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Step 7: Roll gently over your chin area.
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Step 8: Trace along the cheekbones and jaw.
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Step 9: Repeat 5-10 times.
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Step 10: Finish with Caffeinated Sunscreen.
Get natural, glowing skin by adding facial massages to your morning routine!
Facial massage is AMAZING for your skin. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, excess oil, or just want your skin to look its best, incorporating facial massage into your morning routine is a must. It’s a smart, science-backed step that can help regulate sebum production, boost hydration, and give you that healthy, radiant glow.
Don’t have a massager yet? We can hook you up with the right stuff. Browse The Skinny Confidential Shop to find the massaging tool (or tools) that suits you best. It’s time to achieve and enjoy naturally smooth, glowy, and radiant skin.
