Clean-Up and Face Massage Techniques
This section covers Clean-Up and Face Massage Techniques. The exam tests the shorter clean-up service, massage movements, direction, pressure and contraindications.
Clean-up versus facial
A clean-up is a shorter service: cleanse, gentle exfoliation, optional steam, blackhead removal, mask, tone and moisturise. It targets surface dullness and congestion rather than deep treatment. Keep the same hygiene, patch-test and consent rules as a facial.
Massage movements
- Effleurage: light, gliding strokes used to begin and end.
- Petrissage: kneading or squeezing of tissue.
- Tapotement: light tapping or percussion.
- Friction: small circular movements on deeper tissue.
- Vibration: fine shaking or trembling.
Work upward and outward with light pressure, using a suitable massage medium so skin is not dragged. Avoid strong pressure on the throat and over lymph nodes. Do not massage over inflamed acne, eczema, sunburn, open wounds, recent waxing or known allergies. Keep nails short and jewellery off.
Worked example
A 10-minute face massage starts with effleurage on the neck and jaw, moves to gentle petrissage on the cheeks, light tapotement on the forehead, and ends with effleurage. The therapist avoids the eye area except for light pressure around the orbital bone. Reason: the sequence relaxes tissue, improves circulation and prevents dragging.
Traps
Massaging over pustules, using too much pressure, dragging dry skin and working against muscle direction are common errors.