Three Things to Consider Before You Start to Give a Facial Massage

The time it takes to perform varies from twenty minutes to two hours though such a long facial massage would include regular rest periods. There are many opinions around how long a facial massage should last. Some argue for a long therapy session because it is very relaxing and pampering however others would argue that the massage should be short in order to avoid elongating the facial muscles.

Facial muscles are more delicate than other muscles in the body so it would be sensible in any event to apply this massage therapy very lightly and not concentrate on any one area for more than a few seconds.

The neck area around the throat should be avoided altogether. There are very few muscles here that would benefit and the Carotid Artery which is located to both sides of the neck could be seriously harmed with severe consequences although this type of injury is extremely rare. Simply avoid the area altogether to be safe. The chin above the Larynx (Adams Apple) is fine.

A luxury facial massage does require some form of lubricant. Theoretically you could use facial creams or gels however these are more absorbent [by design] for the skin, which is accelerated even more by rubbing and rapid movement. You would have to apply more cream often as you progress through your facial massage routine. This is not very practical and can also be expensive (depending on the actual cream that you use).

Many professional facial therapists use naturally fragrant or essential oils. The idea is that the pleasing aroma dispersed by the oils help to relax and soothe their client. Using oils such as these during a massage session is also known as Aromatherapy. You should be cautious as an amateur with using aromatherapy oils, especially essential oils because they can have quite a strong scent, which some patients might find over-powering. The same principle goes for using scented candles, aroma sticks, incense sticks, etc. Aromatherapy does require training in order to understand the therapeutic properties [and pitfalls] of using different fragrances during your massage session. Make sure that the person that you will be massaging likes the scent and that it isn't too strong. Place the aroma source a little distance away so that the scent is subtle.

After all, the whole point of a luxurious facial massage is to relax your client and give them a sense of rejuvenation and revitalisation.

I would therefore recommend that you use a non-scented oil that is also not too thin. Baby oil would not be so suitable because it is quite thin and it is highly absorbent by design. A good oil to use is grape-seed oil. This has little or no scent, is not too thin (or too thick) and therefore makes an excellent lubricant for massage.

Do test your patient's skin first to ensure that they will not have any allergic reaction! Remember, some people are allergic to nuts and seeds, so oils extracted from seeds could be just as allergenic. Another option is cold-pressed olive oil. Be aware that olive oil does have a mild fragrance that not everybody likes...

Giving a Facial Massage Be Careful or You Could Spread a Contagious Disease

When you are about to start to give someone a Luxury Facial Massage, it is important to keep watch out for possible skin conditions that would make the whole experience less enjoyable, both for you and your recipient.

Always be on the lookout for large blemishes, sores, rash or discolouration of skin-tone of these areas. Touching or rubbing the affected areas could [and probably would] cause discomfort to your recipient or you could spread the disease to other areas or to yourself if not careful!

Herpes Simplex type 1 or cold sores around the lips is caused by a virus that is transmitted in the air. There is not very much anyone can do to prevent the spread of this disease. Once caught the virus never disappears from the body but rather goes "dormant". Fortunately it is fairly harmless and will only cause some discomfort.

Tinea aka Ringworm is a fungal infection that is very contagious. In fact one doesn't necessarily need to come in direct contact with another host to become infected. Just being in close proximity would be enough because the disease is transmitted via minute spores. It is very rare for this fungus to develop on the face but technically still possible. Once infected, you should see a doctor immediately to prevent its spread, it will not go away on its own.

Herpes Zoster virus aka Shingles or Chickenpox is another very contagious virus that can make its host very ill. The small, numerous sores that this disease commonly causes is actually a sign of the later phase of the disease when the patient is starting to recover, however the disease is very contagious during this phase. In fairness, it is unlikely that you would come in close contact with someone who has Chickenpox because they would most probably be bed-ridden. Shingles is a recurrence of Chickenpox but in a milder form. A masseuse should still be very careful because if he/she has never had Chickenpox, then they could get infected with it from someone who has Shingles!

Herpes Zoster could also cause viral conjunctivitis by touching or scratching the sores and then rubbing the area around the eyes.

Impetigo is yet another highly contagious skin condition that occurs after an upper respiratory infection. This will cause oozing sores that eventually become crusty.

Scabies is caused by very small mites called Sarcoptes Scabiei which leave blistery bumps after biting their host. These mites will transfer themselves to you and/or another recipient if you come in direct contact with them.

The best advice is to simply avoid infected areas because [at the very least] as a masseuse you could cause your recipient discomfort or help spread very undesirable skin conditions or diseases, which is exactly the opposite of what the Facial Massage is intended to achieve.

Use impeccable hygiene practices e.g. always wash your hands and arms thoroughly before and after you give a massage and avoid contact with any suspicious areas of your recipient.

Definitely mention anything suspicious immediately to your recipient. After all they are your family or friends so surely you would want to help them get treatment and prevent furthe