In my humble opinion, the best part of a facial, esthetician appointment, or skin treatment is the face massage. There’s something simultaneously relaxing and invigorating about it; I always suspected that it was great for my skin, but it turns out that it’s even better than I previously thought. Take it from dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dendy Engelman. “There are many benefits to frequent facial massages. It’s a short addition to one’s skincare routine that greatly enhances the skin’s appearance.” Plastic surgeon Melissa Doft agrees: “Facial massage devices can be helpful in increasing blood flow, leading to decreased puffiness and improved circulation,” she says. “Patients find that they appear more awake and radiant.”
Facial massage may be quick and effective, but it’s still a technique with a right and wrong way of practicing. In other words, it doesn’t involve rubbing or pulling the skin. Instead, it should be gentle and thoughtful. That’s why it might be time to invest in a facial massage device. These devices are clean, easy on the skin, and super effective (trust me). Keep reading to learn more about facial massager benefits and see the ones that experts recommend using.
Facial massage can improve the appearance of your skin in myriad ways. It improves circulation, relaxes muscles, and tones. “First,” Engelman says, “massaging the facial skin helps to relax the muscles that tend to cause stress lines. The stimulation of the skin results in increased circulation, which ultimately helps produce collagen and elastin.”
Expert esthetician Graceanne Svendsen from Shafer Plastic Surgery says she practices facial massage on her clients often. “By doing facial massage, the texture of the skin is improved by virtue of manual stimulation and flow of lymph. Facial massage detoxifies the skin—both lymphatic drainage (fluid) and the exfoliation effect of getting rid of dead skin cells.” That’s why she likens facial massage to a “workout for the face.” She approves of devices that have LED lights, can be cleaned of dirt and bacteria, and are safe enough for sensitive skin.
Clarisonic Smart Profile Uplift ($349)
Try this dual cleanser and massager from Clarisonic. This kit features the actual device itself, a firming massage head, a cleansing facial brush, a cleansing body brush, and a gel wash. The microcurrent massage target signs of aging like sagging, dullness, and wrinkles.
Svendsen says the power of human touch is incredibly powerful. “The healing effect of human touch has been clinically proven and well revered,” she says. “Our parasympathetic nervous systems and neurotransmitters like oxytocin and serotonin respond to another human’s touch in a most profound way. When I am massaging my patient’s face, I am literally creating a healthy energetic to share with them, similar to that of hands on reiki.”
However, it’s unrealistic to visit a dermatologist or esthetician every single day for a facial massage. That’s where these at-home devices come in. “Massage ‘machines’ could be beneficial as a secondary home device done by the patient as a means to ‘keep up the good work’ and practice self-care,” she says. In this way, a professional facial massage is like a personal trainer, whereas a massage device can be thought of as at-home gym equipment; it’s still important.
Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System ($299)
As for Engelman, she recommends the Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System. “It gently lifts and releases the targeted skin zone to stimulate the skin, similar to the positive effects seen in skin massaging. Conture’s massaging effects are clinically proven to improve the skin’s radiance/luminosity while simultaneously reducing the signs of aging.” She actually prefers her clients use devices instead of their hands to massage at home, due to the dirt, bacteria, and debris our hands often carry. “Using a device particularly designed for facial massages is a more sanitary solution and also enables the product being applied to be absorbed deeper into the skin,” she says.
NuFace Mini Facial Toning Device ($199)
I can’t end an article on facial massage devices without naming my personal favorite from NuFace. I lift up and out with the cooling silver tips, which gives a sculpting effect. Even though I’ve only used it a few times, my skin looks less dull and feels plumper and more defined. I’m planning on using it almost religiously around my neck and jawline since that’s the area I’m concerned is aging the fastest on my skin. The best part is that it’s easy to stow away in a purse or suitcase while traveling (honestly, it’s really cute, and I love seeing it on my vanity).
E.l.f. Facial Massager ($4)
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to try before going all in for one of the more expensive devices, try this one from E.l.f. It’s a non-electric, handheld version that you can roll all over your face and body. The little bumps push gently into the skin to stimulate your circulation, so you get all of those desirable massage benefits we talked about earlier. Plus, just like other techy facial massagers, it increases the absorption of skincare products. In other words, bring this baby out when you’re using your particularly luxurious facial serum to ensure your skin is soaking up every last bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Facial massage improves circulation, relaxes facial muscles, tones the skin, and stimulates collagen and elastin production. It also helps reduce stress lines, decreases puffiness, and promotes a radiant, awake appearance.
Facial massage relaxes muscles that cause stress lines and stimulates increased blood flow, which promotes collagen and elastin production. This helps reduce wrinkles, sagging, and dullness, improving the skin's overall texture and firmness.
Using a facial massage device is more sanitary since hands can carry dirt and bacteria. Devices are designed to be gentle and effective, allowing deeper absorption of skincare products and providing consistent, targeted stimulation without pulling or rubbing the skin.
A good facial massage device should be gentle on the skin, easy to clean, safe for sensitive skin, and ideally include features like LED lights for added benefits. It should provide effective stimulation without pulling or rubbing the skin harshly.
Yes, facial massage promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps remove excess fluid and toxins from the skin. This detoxification process improves skin texture and reduces puffiness, contributing to a healthier complexion.
While professional facial massages are ideal, using a facial massage device at home regularly can help maintain skin benefits between appointments. Consistent use supports circulation, muscle relaxation, and product absorption as part of a self-care routine.
Yes, there are budget-friendly facial massagers like the E.l.f. Facial Massager, which is a non-electric handheld tool that stimulates circulation and enhances skincare product absorption without the higher cost of electric devices.
Human touch during facial massage has a healing effect by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and releasing neurotransmitters like oxytocin and serotonin. This creates a calming, energizing experience that enhances overall skin health and well-being.
Yes, devices like the Clarisonic Smart Profile Uplift and Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System use microcurrent and massaging technology to target sagging, dullness, and wrinkles, improving skin firmness and radiance.
Facial massage can be safe for sensitive skin if done gently and with appropriate devices designed for delicate skin. Experts recommend using clean, gentle tools that avoid harsh rubbing or pulling to prevent irritation.
