Watch out against Wrinkles
With advancing age, wrinkles appear on the face. Wrinkles, prematurely, give
an oldish look to an otherwise fairly young person. For women, in particular, wrinkles are a
curse. But, this tendency and the resultant ageing can be checked sufficiently
if care is taken when you are still young. Just as balanced diet and regular
exercises are important in order to control fattening tendency, like wise
regular massage of face is effective to control wrinkles and give face a sober
attraction. We can, to a certain extent, make use of the facilities
available in beauty care centres and massage parlours.
Facial massage is an effective way to counter wrinkles. Massage is a slow
process and its results are obvious only when it is continued for a longer
period. It is, indeed, not a magic wand to bring a change overnight. One has to
be patient with it. There is, however, no doubt that massage reduces the
unattractive fleshiness, tightens the tissues and muscles and increases blood
circulation.
Massage is effective if the skin is clean. After having cleaned the face,
press it with light but firm pressure while applying a good cream. Trained
fingers can hold the skin dexterously and apply even pressure. With the passage
of time, all the visible defects like wrinkles, flabbiness, and dead cells
vanish and a fresh and young look is restored.
Massage should start from the neck upwards and end at the forehead or temples
(see illustration) because all veins and tissues get blood circulation by this
process. The skin around eyes is delicate. So it is advisable to apply cream on
this part without pressing it. Cream takes fifteen to twenty minutes to get
absorbed, so massage for that long. Wipe off extra cream with a cotton wool swab
soaked in water.
To protect your hair, tie a cloth or scarf on your head before massage (see
illustration). Hands should be washed with soap. Remove all traces of make-up,
otherwise the pores of skin will be blocked by particles of make-up items. If
there are blackheads, they should also be removed. If the skin is oily, remove
its oiliness either by applying cleansing-milk or PH acid. Fresh lemon juice is
also effective in removing oiliness. A lemon, sliced half, can be rubbed on the
face. If the skin is dry, use a good moisturizer before massage. If the skin is
damp, it is advisable to use some astringent lotion. The best time for massage is
before going to bed. Vitamin 'C' cream should be applied before massage,
but the quantity of this cream should be enough only to give sufficient
greasiness to the skin so that hands and fingers move smoothly on the face. If
the face is fleshy and fat, use slimming cream instead of Vitamin 'C' cream.
Methods for Face
Massage
Slow Massage:
This kind of a massage is done slowly by hitting
and vibrating the skin. The skin is pressed lightly with the soft fleshy tips of
fingers. The process starts with a slow speed from the neck, the speed increases
as it moves upwards (see illustration). Stroking gives rest to the nerves and
vibration is useful in subduing pain caused by massaging. Vibration is produced
either by fingers or by an electric gadget, which is called ' eyebrow massager'.
Massage by Pressure: In this method, pressure is applied
with the fleshy tips of fingers. This is effective for removing the pouches
beneath eyes.
Fast Massage: In this method, the front half of both the palms is used
to massage with speed. Massage is done wtih circular motion upwards. It is a
quick way to remove wrinkles.
Massage by Stroking: Chubby cheecks are stroked with the tips of
fingers. If the nose is broad, this method is used (strokes are applied) to both
sides of the cheeks, from nose to temples.
Massage by Pinching: In this, the skin is held, as in pincers, between
the thumb and fingers. It is effective for double chin and wrinkles of jaw.
Massage by Kneading: Hands are folded in a fist form and face is
pressed as in kneading ehe flour. The movement is from the chin to cheeks and
upwards. It is good for wrinkles.
