Katerina Steventon, Ph.D.

In a world where societal beauty norms can lead to dissatisfaction and disapproval of one's own appearance, research presented by Ayuna demonstrated the transformative effect of skin care on our mental well-being.

An unwavering advocate of incorporating evidence-based daily facial massage techniques into consumers’ skin care routines for more than a decade now, this author is thrilled to see its emergence in several posters presented at the 33rd IFSCC Congress in Barcelona. These posters brought together innovators and researchers from the cosmetics industry to unveil first studies on the transformative effects of these techniques, and focused in this instance on improved skin concerns, sleep patterns and mental well-being. Emerging evidence also highlights how simple — and relatively short — daily self-massage routines can be, and yet profoundly affect consumer skin health, overall health and self-perception.

See related (from our sister brand, WellSpa360): 3 Holistic Massage Techniques for Lifting & Detoxifying Skin

Facial Self-Massage Ameliorates Signs of Aging

L’Oreal investigated¹ the effect of daily application of facial self-massage in a prospective study involving 50 women aged 40 to 60 years with Fitzpatrick skin types II-III. The participants performed a prescribed 3-min self-massage routine using plant-based oil for two weeks. The results were statistically significant, showing an improvement in a range of visible signs of facial aging; e.g., ptosis, fine lines, radiance and plumpness.

Additionally, participants reported subjective benefits, such as enhanced facial skin quality and an overall sense of well-being. This study highlights significant clinical and perceived benefits related to both facial skin and well-being associated with daily facial self-massage.

Daily Self-Massage for a Good Night's Sleep

Sleep disorders are a growing concern for many consumers. Chanel carried out a pilot study² involving 62 middle-aged women who experienced daily tiredness and sleep problems. Aiming to investigate the effects of a daily facial self-massage routine on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and overall well-being, the research showed promising results: improved sleep quality, reduced daytime sleepiness and increased well-being measures, particularly rejuvenation and pleasure scores. As a self-care tool, this research supports facial self-massage routine as an invaluable adjunct to other sleep hygiene practices.

From the archives: Consumer Perspective—Facial Massage for Skin Care Application

Mindful Approach to Cosmetics

In a world where societal beauty norms can lead to dissatisfaction and disapproval of one's own appearance, research presented by Ayuna³ demonstrated the transformative effect of skin care on our mental well-being, introducing the concept of "mental beauty." The study sought to understand how cosmetics, when used mindfully and accompanied by positive messages, can influence individual mental well-being.

A randomized clinical trial involved 121 female cosmetic users aged 40-64 and was divided into three groups: a control group and two intervention groups (NA and A). Using the same skin care for one month, the difference between the intervention groups was in their application method and intentional positive self-talk: while Group NA followed a standard application method, Group A applied cosmetics with positive intention and mindfulness, explained at a face-to-face session at the beginning of the study.

The impact on participants' psychosocial status was evaluated by validated questionnaires and statistical analysis. For the first time, a study demonstrated significant improvement in self-perception and mood when applying cosmetics consciously and approaching self with positive intent. This approach is a vital tool promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Conclusion: Transformational Potential

In conclusion, the 33rd IFSCC Congress in Barcelona introduced facial massage research as a trend and showed its transformative potential for the skin, sleep and mental beauty. These studies provide an early evidence that daily techniques, when approached mindfully and with the right products, can have a profound effect. Beauty isn't just skin deep; it can positively influence mental health and self-perception – now we have an imperative to translate these benefits well to consumer skin care routines.

References

1. Rousseau, L. (2023). Holistic cosmetic experience for well-aging: Positive impacts of a daily massage. Poster PRB-023. Available at https://ifscc2023.com/detailedprogram/

2. Porcheron, A. (2023). Cosmetic facial self-massage routine improves sleep and well-being. Poster PRB-026. Available at https://ifscc2023.com/detailedprogram/

3. Ramos, I. (2023). Mental Beauty: The unexplored and positive impact of cosmetics on self-perception and psychological well-being. Available at https://ifscc2023.com/detailedprogram/