Massage for the Skin

Massage started as a treatment for sports and war injuries as far back as 2700 B.C. My previous posts have talked about the numerous physical and mental health benefits, and it is easy to focus on specific injuries or illnesses, but massage also has many benefits for the skin. Our skin is the largest sensory organ in the body, and because it is in contact with everything in our environment, we become susceptible to germs and diseases. Massage has a rejuvenating effect, helping the skin to look and feel smoother and firmer, and when you look better, you feel better. 

• INCREASED NUTRITION – by relaxing the soft tissues, reducing tension and improving blood flow, the skin cells are nourished, helping it to regenerate and retain moisture.

 • IMPROVED SKIN TONE AND COLOUR – improved circulation and vasodilation will consequently improve colour and tone of the skin 

• SOFTENS AND EXFOLIATES THE SKIN – friction during a massage treatment helps exfoliate dead skin cells which reduces a dull appearance of the skin, promotes regeneration of skin cells, improves uptake of nutrients, and results in smooth, hydrated and healthy skin.

 • RESISTANCE TO INFECTION – by hydrating the skin and improving both blood and lymph circulation, massage promotes the skin’s resistance to infections.

 • IMPROVED ELASTICITY – by working on the connective tissue which surrounds all the soft tissue and blood vessels, massage will help improve the skin’s elasticity 

• IMPROVED FUNCTION OF SEBACEOUS GLANDS – increased production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil, improves the suppleness of the skin

 • IMPROVED EXCRETION THROUGH SWEAT GLANDS - sweat glands excrete urea and waste products through the skin via sweat, as pores are opened, pushing accumulated oils out of the skin. This gives the skin a more youthful appearance and avoids discomfort associated with accumulated waste under the skin layers.

 • REALIGNS SCAR TISSUE - massage works on collagen crosslinks helping to realign and reduce scar tissue, which also helps reduce pain and itching. 

• COMBATS THE EFFECTS OF STRESS - Refresh Stress wreaks havoc on the skin. Many people turn to massage therapy to fight the effects of stress and time on the skin.