This Ayurvedic Facial Massage Brightens Your Skin & Reduces Toxins

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have relied on massage techniques to promote whole-body healing—think moving lymph fluid, increasing circulation, aiding detoxification, and more.

Given these benefits, it's really no wonder these modalities have withstood the test of time; you might opt for a gentle at-home facial versus full-on bodywork, but still, you pay homage to ancient healing techniques with each scrape across your jawline. 

Like any facial massage, you need to grab an oil to ensure you have enough slip (pulling and tugging at the delicate facial skin is a recipe for wrinkles down the line). "When selecting an oil, use a tri-doshic oil, meaning it works with all skin types," Ranavat explains. Bonus points if your blend also includes beloved Ayurvedic extracts, like turmeric, amla, etc.

Sesame oil is typically a safe bet for all doshas, which is why she used it as the base of her gorgeous Brightening Saffron Serum (saffron, too, is an Ayurvedic elixir known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties). 

No need to apply ample pressure here: "By applying slight pressure with the Kansa Wand, the treatment will be effective and gentle for optimal skin results in the form of firmer, sculpted, and detoxified skin," says Ranavat. 

As you massage with pure kansa, you may notice a slightly gray residue appear on your skin—according to Ranavat, that's a good thing! As the material draws out inflammation and interacts with the oils on your skin, it creates a reaction that can result in a light gray substance. 

It's similar to how you might see a bit of redness while using a gua sha—that represents the "sha" coming up on the surface of the skin as you scrape. 

Regular facial massage is top-notch for promoting tighter, firmer, more lifted skin, but if you follow these ancient Ayurvedic guidelines, you can further detoxify your complexion.