Coming Soon to Soul Space! What is a Natural Facelift Massage?

In August I spent two Sundays learning a lovely new treatment at the Surrey School of Holistic Therapies in Shepperton, with their fabulous tutor Mark. It was called the ‘Natural Facelift Massage’, and we were lucky enough to only have 3 people on the course, so we got lots of practice on each other too!

What is a Natural Facelift Massage?

This treatment incorporates a unique blend of highly effective and non-invasive massage techniques, designed to delay the visible signs of ageing. These treatments will help to produce a natural facelift effect, and leave the client feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. It helps you to look younger, but also works on both physical and emotional levels, whilst helping to prevent further damage in the future.

What are the Other Benefits?

The techniques used in this treatment:

• Promote blood flow, bringing nutrients and oxygen into the face
• Release restrictions in connective tissue and muscles
• Help to exfoliate the skin
• Release tension in facial muscles at a far deeper level

Contra-indications

People with any of the following should not come for treatment:

• Serious medical condition such as Cancer
• Contagious skin conditions
• Eye infections
• Cold sores
• Sunburn
• Long term steroid use, as skin can become thin and fragile
• If they bruise easily, or are on anti-coagulant medication

Precautions

The following conditions should also be considered with caution:

• Thread veins and/or broken capilliaries
• Acne
• Psoriasis

Things to Note – Contra-actions of Treatment

Following the Natural Facelift Massage treatment, it is usual to experience:

• Frequent urination
• Feeling thirsty
• Feeling sleepy
• Fatigue or increased energy (it can affect people in different ways)
• Increased emotional state
• Altered sleep patterns
• Headache
• Redness of the Face
• Breakouts

Immediately after your Treatment you should avoid the following:

• Excessive heat in a shower or sauna (to avoid excess sweating)
• Strenuous exercise (as above)
• Washing your face (you will strip away the benefits)
• UV Exposure (treatment would amplify the suns damaging effects)
• Applying make up (if done straight after your treatment, it will clog open pores)

Things you can do to Support your Skin in between Treatments are:

Diet – a good balanced diet should give your skin all the nutrients that you require. Vitamin C in particular is essential for the production of healthy collagen fibres, so a supplement could be useful if you feel you are not getting enough of this, from your diet alone.

Facial Exercises – these are perfect for keeping the muscles of the face relaxed and toned. You can look up ‘Face Yoga with Mark’ on YouTube, where he has many sample routines you can follow!

Water – we should all aim to drink at least 2 litres of water a day, as it is required by the body for all of its daily functions. We can see our skin look fresher and clearer when we drink the right amount.

Sunscreen – this should really be worn all year round. The sun irreparably damages the skin, leading to premature ageing.

I’d be lying if I said I follow a strict skincare routine myself – I am using Essential Oils constantly in my job, so I am quite lucky with my skin. However, the advised routine from the course, to enhance the effects of the treatment and keep your skin looking clean, plump, glowing and rejuvenated is as follows, if anyone would like a guide:

• Cleanse and Tone every night
• Apply a night serum or balm to sleep in
• Apply serum and moisturiser every morning
• Exfoliate at least once a week, but no more than twice
• Use a face mask once a week

Other tips from Mark:

• Hyaluronic acid is perfect for dry skin, as it hydrates and adds moisture
• Products containing at least 10% Vitamin C help us to keep producing collagen
• Oily skin does not require a moisturiser. It is best to just use a serum
• Bakuchiol is his favourite – it is a plant-derived alternative to Retinol