Gua-sha stones and jade rollers have been a recent addition to many people’s skincare routines. Whether done with fancy tools or simply by hand, facial massage is believed to reduce puffiness and give your face a more sculpted look.

But facial massage alone cannot solve all our skincare worries. It is crucial to remember that online hacks yield unrealistic results.

Dr Pramod Agrawal, a consultant dermatologist at Folliderm-Hair Care Experts and Elara Clinics, shares how facial massage affects our skin.

Can including facial massage in skincare routines have health benefits?

Yes, facial massage can offer some benefits when done correctly and gently. Many people include it in their skincare routine because it feels relaxing and can make the skin look more refreshed. One of the main benefits is that it may improve blood circulation in the skin. Better circulation can temporarily give the face a healthier, brighter appearance. Facial massage may also help relax tight facial muscles, especially in people who unconsciously clench their jaw or carry tension in their face.

Another commonly reported benefit is reduced puffiness. Sometimes the face can appear swollen, especially around the eyes and cheeks, due to fluid retention. A gentle massage may help move this excess fluid and make the face look less puffy.

Many people also find facial massage calming and stress-relieving. While it does not directly treat skin conditions, reducing stress can positively influence overall well-being and may indirectly support skin health.

However, it is important to keep expectations realistic. Facial massage cannot replace a good skincare routine. It cannot undo sun damage, remove pigmentation, reverse significant skin ageing, or treat acne. For those concerns, scientifically proven measures such as sunscreen, topical treatments, and dermatologist-guided procedures remain much more effective.

Are they useful in giving a naturally sculpted look?

This is one of the most common questions people ask, especially after seeing dramatic before-and-after videos on social media. Facial massage can make the face appear more sculpted, but the effect is usually temporary rather than permanent.

The reason is that facial massage can help reduce fluid retention. Many people wake up with mild puffiness around the eyes, cheeks, or jawline. After a massage, the face may appear slimmer, fresher, and more defined simply because some of that excess fluid has been moved away.

Facial muscles may also feel more relaxed, which can improve the overall appearance of the face. However, facial massage cannot be responsible for the following changes:

• Melt facial fat

• Permanently lift sagging skin

• Change bone structure

• Replace a facelift or cosmetic procedure

• Permanently sharpen the jawline

If someone notices a more defined look immediately after a massage, it is usually due to reduced puffiness and improved circulation rather than a permanent structural change. Therefore, facial massage can help you look more refreshed and less swollen, but it should not be considered a long-term contouring treatment.

What kind of skincare products or tools are needed to practise it?

The most important thing for facial massage is not the tool but the technique. You can perform an effective facial massage using only clean hands. Before starting, it is important to apply a product that allows your fingers or tool to glide smoothly over the skin. This prevents unnecessary pulling or stretching.

Suitable products include:

• Facial oils

• Moisturizers

• Hydrating serums

I recommend choosing products that suit your skin type. Dry skin may benefit from facial oils or richer creams. Oily or acne-prone skin may prefer lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers.

Here are some of the popular facial massage tools.

Gua Sha

Gua sha is a smooth-edged tool that is gently glided over the skin. It has become extremely popular for facial massage. It reduces puffiness, relieves facial tension, improves relaxation, and enhances product application.

Jade Rollers

These rollers are usually made from jade or rose quartz. Their cooling sensation can feel soothing, particularly around tired or puffy eyes. Some people store them in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect.

Stainless-Steel Tools

These are becoming increasingly popular because they are easy to clean, durable, and naturally cool. No scientific evidence shows that a jade roller works better than a rose quartz roller or that expensive tools are more effective than inexpensive ones.

Are there any drawbacks to doing it improperly?

Yes. Although facial massage is generally safe, it should always be performed gently. Many people mistakenly believe that using more pressure will produce better results. In reality, excessive force can irritate the skin and may do more harm than good. The possible side effects include:

Skin irritation

Aggressive rubbing can cause redness, burning, and discomfort, especially in people with sensitive skin.

Worsening of acne

If the skin is inflamed or actively breaking out, vigorous massage may increase irritation and make acne lesions more uncomfortable.

Broken blood vessels

People with delicate skin, rosacea, or visible facial veins may develop worsening redness if excessive pressure is used repeatedly.

Bruising

Using too much force with a gua sha tool can lead to bruising. Facial gua sha should be much gentler than the traditional body version.

Spread of bacteria

Dirty hands or unclean tools can transfer bacteria and increase the risk of breakouts or infection.

Hyperpigmentation

In individuals with darker skin tones, excessive friction and irritation may trigger postinflammatory pigmentation.

People with active acne breakouts, rosacea flare-ups, skin infections, open wounds, severe eczema, recent laser treatment, recent chemical peels, or facial surgery are advised to avoid facial massage.