How one of the world's leading facialists unwinds and boosts her beauty at the end of a busy day.
Many of us are currently at working from home (or living at work, you might say), are furloughed, self-isolating, home-schooling children, cooking for our families and keeping on top of the house work as best we can. It's never been more important to prioritise self-care.
Taking just five minutes at the end of your day to sit quietly, breathe, relax and do some face massage will really help to eliminate the emotional stress and physical tension of the day. I would recommend that you take a little time every evening, after you have done your normal skincare routine - including cleansing, toning, eye cream and serum – and before you use your LYMA Laser, to find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, light a candle, play some meditative music and settle into a comfortable seated position. To do the facial massage outlined below you will need either a facial massage balm or oil.
Let's start with some breath work.
In your own time, and at your own pace, take some long deep breaths in through the nose, exhaling slowly and gently through the mouth. As you do this focus on your heart space, and on your breath filling your lungs, chest area and ribs with oxygen. Pay attention to the movement of the body and make sure that on the exhale you're softening everything and allowing the body to fully release. Do this a few times, until you feel calm and relaxed.
Take your attention to any parts of your body that are holding tension - common areas include the shoulders, neck and jawline. As you exhale out, try to soften the muscles in those areas specifically, releasing any tension, anxieties, worries or fear.
Tapping.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression or fear, then doing a little tapping can help to remove these emotions from the physical body. Begin gently and softly by taking your fingertips and lightly tapping the upper part of your chest area onto your shoulders and in towards your neck. Continue this movement with the fingers, working gently up the sides of the neck and onto the jawline. Once you reach your face, work from the centre of the face outwards and upwards onto the cheekbone and forehead all the way to the top of the head. You can then begin working your way down the back of the skull, the back of the neck, onto the shoulders and then finish by working back down to the front of the upper chest area.
Repeat this process as many times as you like. Remember to be mindful of your breathing when you're tapping, keeping it slow and steady.
Facial massage.
Take your product of choice and apply a small amount into the palms of your hands. Rub your hands together to create some heat, making sure you cover your fingers with the product.
Movement one.
Our first movement is the prayer. Take your hands into a prayer position into the centre of your face and slowly glide your hands out towards the hairline, do this three times. This movement is like giving your face a hug and you should experience a sense of safety and security.
Movement two.
Take your hand and bring it to your forehead from the centre to the edge, sweeping across your forehead and alternating hands. Do this three time with each hand. This is a calming and balancing movement.
Movement three.
Movement three is focused on the jawline. Taking your first two fingers with your palms facing out, place your index finger under the jawline at the chin and your middle finger on top of the jaw, slowly and strongly sweep out from the centre of the face to the edge of the jawline underneath the ear, then do the other side, alternating your movements until you've done it six times each side. This movement will release any emotional tension and stress sitting in the muscle.
Movement four.
Movement four is focused on the neck. Take your hand using the whole of the palm and fingers starting at the front centre of the neck, sweep your hand towards the ear and then the back of the neck. Next, sweep down onto the top of the shoulder and back to the centre of the neck, creating a circular motion. Do this six times on one side and then repeat the movement by taking your other hand to the opposite side of the neck and shoulder.
Place one hand on top of the other and bring your hands to the front of your chest area, close your eyes, take a deep slow inhale through your nose, hold the breath and thank your body for getting you through another day. Hold no judgement and sit in a space of love. Exhale slowly and deeply, then release.
I follow this evening ritual with 15 minutes of the LYMA Laser to improve my skin's elasticity, iron out wrinkles, even my complexion and boost my glow.
This is such an important daily practice, and one you can keep to yourself or practice with members of your family. Kids love it too, and it's great for helping them unwind and get to sleep more easily.
You can book a one-to-one consultation with Nichola Joss to go over this practice in real time, or to undergo a full skincare consultation. Nichola also offers bespoke facial massage classes. To find out more or to book a consultation click here.
You can also find Nichola working her magic on IGTV. Follow @nicholajoss for more massage techniques and skincare tips.
