How can something as simple (and ancient) as facial massage produce such dramatic results, I ask? “Classic facial massage is different from the new approach to facial massage, which I practice,” answers the certified structural integrative therapist. While traditional practices and tools such as gua sha also aim to reduce swelling through the drainage of the lymphatic system, Anastasia’s practice claims to go further, beyond the skin and into the superficial and deep fascia – that is, the thin layer of connective tissue, located under the skin to provide structural support and flexibility, allowing movement and expression.
Anastasia first discovered the importance of fascia after visiting a beautician in her twenties: “They told me it’s time for botox and I said it’s not a real solution!” This led to a multi-year dive into massage. “It took over four years, it wasn’t like I raised an eyebrow once and decided to make a TikTok.” Anastasia maintains that she has never had botox or fillers. Instead, she leaves all the shine to the massage – along with, she adds, laughing: “Makeup, celery juice… be healthy!”
I turn next Double Amani, who offers sculpting facials using a combination of traditional Ayurvedic techniques, gua sha and Brazilian lymphatic drainage. Last year, I visited Amani’s studio for a facial and was amazed at the results. “During a facial massage, techniques such as gentle stroking, kneading and stretching are used to target the facial fascia,” explains Dimple. “By manipulating the fascia, facial massage aims to loosen tightness, improve blood circulation, release tension and promote relaxation. This can potentially improve the appearance of the skin, reduce muscle tension and enhance facial contours.” The risks are also minimal, just avoid excessive rubbing and pulling and talk to a dermatologist beforehand if you have acne, rosacea or other skin conditions.
So far, so good, but how long do the results last? I tell Anastasia about my Dimple treatment, noting that the results were immediate and then faded over the course of a week. She nods. “The key to long-lasting results is consistency. After a year, I personally began to notice a consistent result, my eyebrow did not go down as I changed the tone and tension in my deep fascia. You can see defecation and slimming results in 15 minutes when you do lymphatic drainage, but not tissue repair.” Depending on genetics, existing bone structure and skin health, after three months you can see improvements in jawline, head position and hair growth, she adds. “You can even realistically place your brow higher, which makes your lid look more open. Things like facial asymmetry and deep lines take longer, but you’ll get complex results. If you give a massage you’ll look good for two hours, but if you do it for three months, it can last for days,” she insists. “Three months will not change your face, but you I will look BETTER.”
Inge Theron is its founder Face gym and early pioneer of facial massage in Western beauty. Despite incorporating fascia release into each of her facial “workouts,” she is skeptical of the results Anastasia describes. “I can’t believe these results are just from exercise,” says the 48-year-old Fashion. “I have hooded eyes and despite regular facial exercise, the results I achieved before my upper eye lift are nowhere near what it looks like.” Dr. Sonia Khoranadoctor and dermatologist, agrees: “Facial massage cannot change your bone structure, tighten your skin, or replace volume—such as plumping up sagging cheeks—as facial structure and shape are determined mainly from the underlying bones, fat distribution and skin. elasticity, but it can release tension, increase blood circulation and stimulate fluid movement, which helps temporarily contour your face.”
