3 ways massage beautifies our skin

Often in the holistic community we discuss the health benefits of massage without too much emphasis on the beautifying effects. Of course, anything that improves your health is going to beautify the external body in one form or another, and massage is one of those improvements. Receiving regular massages can actually change the structure, texture and appearance of the skin and underlying tissues. It’s no magic potion, and should definitely be considered as a complimentary treatment to leading a healthy lifestyle, but we really can experience a significant difference after just a few sessions.

In my fairly short career I’ve seen it first hand. I’ve noticed the gradual fading of stretch marks, the relaxation and toning of muscles, the diminishing of blemishes and improvement of stressed skin, as well as an overall glow, similar to that of post-exercise or pregnancy. Massage really does have so many benefits, and each one can be reflected back in our skin and external features.

The best part of it all is that even if we could not see the improvements, we generally feel better about ourselves after a treatment, as massage has proven to increase self-esteem and self-love with the release of feel-good hormones. These effects can last for hours, if not days, post-treatment and act as an enabler for a domino effect to occur where caring for mind body and spirit breeds what it produces: Feeling good, doing good and being good.

Skin benefit Nº1

Improves colour complexion

Massage increases blood circulation and lymph flow, helping our bodies to clear out waste products and bring oxygen and nutrients to active cells quickly and efficiently. Just like exercise, massage causes blood to rush to the areas that are being worked, yet the heart is not racing. A workout with no strain or effort. Pretty cool, eh? This improved circulation revives our skin and complexion, with a change in colour noticeable almost instantly. It’s quite normal for a healthy glow to accompany us post-massage. That glow can linger for hours after treatment and with massage known to improve sleep quality, we wake up the next morning even more refreshed and renewed. Talk about beauty sleep!

Another beautifying effect of massage is that it takes off the upper dead layers of skin, in a process called desquamation, similar to exfoliation. This enhances our appearance, giving us rejuvenated “baby skin,” and promotes new cells to start forming at a quicker pace. This is great for healing purposes especially in cases of scar tissue. In fact, massage is so great for breaking down scar tissue that it’s recommended by doctors for patients who have suffered physical trauma, and can drastically improve range of movement as part of physiotherapy.

Skin benefit Nº2

Smoothes muscle tone

When we physically manipulate the tissues with the right techniques we can induce relaxation through the layers of skin and fascia all the way down to the deepest muscle groups. Certain techniques are used to normalise soft tissue, help break up scar tissue, promote new cell growth and release tight tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. With the cells being coaxed into change, we can start to see and feel a significant difference in tone even after just one session.

Skin benefit Nº3

Evens out skin tone

The use of natural oils during massage makes all the difference. It’s not only the act of massage that can beautify, but what we apply when doing so. Natural oils such as Virgin Coconut Oil, Natural Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil and Jojoba Oil can penetrate right through the layers of the skin and lock in hydration. Any dry or rough patches will significantly improve as the oil provides not only hydration but nourishment for the cells.

Due to desquamation, any dark patches, stretch marks, scars or dry flakes will reduce as surface layers are broken down and swept away. The natural oils then get to work improving the appearance of problematic areas by healing, hydrating, nourishing and preventing further damage occurring by fortifying cells and creating a barrier that prevents free radicals from wreaking havoc and certain micro-organisms from penetrating. With regular massage we can expect to see a more even skin tone with a smoother, silkier feel and appearance.

Tip: If you have dry skin, are prone to stretch marks or blemishes, never hop out of a shower without applying a natural oil to moisturise. Staying clean is highly important for both beauty and health reasons, unfortunately, the majority of soaps dry out the skin, removing the naturally occurring oils and acid mantle. By applying an oil right after we wash our own away, we can mimic the job of the acid mantle as our own natural oils take their time to replenish.