Ever heard of a winter massage? We at the 48grams blog chuckled a bit – wondering: Does that mean rubbing yourself with snow? Brrr… maybe healthy, but certainly not pleasant. To make a long story short: We were wrong. A winter massage is a very special facial treatment for the cold season. It's the ultimate DIY skincare routine for anyone who cares about their skin. So, before applying masks, before creams or serums work their magic – gentle fingers ensure that lymphatic drainage is improved and blood circulation is stimulated. In short: Investing 10 minutes twice a day during the ice and snow season ensures that active ingredients are absorbed more effectively later on and that your complexion is generally improved.
Massage tips from TikTok
The topic recently fascinated us at 48grams so much that we decided to conduct the ultimate December test. Three editors maintained their daily skincare routine, plus a few obligatory walks in the fresh air – visiting Christmas markets combines the practical with the enjoyable. The remaining team members added a winter massage to their routine. Every day, they followed the tips listed below: in the morning before applying makeup and in the evening after removing it. They were inspired by the current trend on TikTok, where massage videos are increasingly being posted, step by step.
Rosacea, dry skin, pimples
Before the experiment began, all the participants took photos of themselves. Naked… well, at least their faces. This was to ensure that every dry patch, every rosacea redness, and every pimple was documented. Oh, how lovely… not. But only in this way would differences become visible after the month! We'll save the conclusion for the end of the article.
Tips for winter massage
Now, let's start with some tips on how to do a winter massage – and no, nobody needs to be a professional!
1. As with virtually any treatment, the following principle applies: the face must be thoroughly cleansed. This includes not only removing makeup residue, but also dirt particles that inevitably accumulate on the skin throughout the day. Dermatologists recommend mild cleansers or foams and plenty of warm water. For those who want to do everything perfectly, a steam bath is recommended afterward. The warm steam opens the pores and also makes it easier to exfoliate dead skin cells.
2. To make the skin supple and allow the massage fingers to glide more easily over the tissue, a moisturizing lotion or oil is needed. But it's important not to use too much product, otherwise the pores may become clogged and breakouts may occur.
3. Important: Whether using a massage brush or your fingertips, the pressure on the skin should not be too great. If you notice red marks or even welts, you know you've overdone it. The movements should never be in a straight line, but always circular. This is the only way to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
4. For those who want to avoid wrinkles under their eyes and maintain a more alert look even in winter, place a finger under the base of each eyebrow and stroke along the lash line from the temples to the nose and back under the eyes to the starting point of the massage. This relaxes the muscles surrounding the eyes.After a short rest, eye pads should be applied for added support – ideally, these should contain extracts of the Mallorcan salt plant. The pads further soothe the delicate skin under the eyes. Wrinkles and bags under the eyes will slowly – but surely – disappear.
5. Anyone who frequently moves between the cold outdoors and the warm indoors will soon notice tightness in their forehead skin. This is the result of skin that hasn't received enough moisture. Applying a rich cream provides initial relief, of course. But once the tissue has regained some elasticity, you should also take matters into your own hands. Begin a massage by smoothing your forehead, meaning you stroke from one temple to the other – and back again. Repeat this process three or four times. Next, place the index and middle fingers of each hand on one side of your temple and massage gently with circular motions. Continuing this sequence – with your fingers tracing a semicircle – rotate your fingers over your eyebrows towards your frown lines. Finally, smooth the frown lines towards your hairline.
6. Don't forget the nasolabial folds. Place the index and middle fingers of both hands on the sides of your nose, near your eyebrows. Slowly, without applying much pressure, stroke your nose towards the tip. Repeat this movement several times. Afterwards, gently tap your lips and stroke the corners of your mouth downwards.
The massage miracle in winter
We at 48grams, or rather, one part of the "test group," also followed these principles and rules. As mentioned before, this little beauty experiment lasted four weeks. What was already noticeable was that we all looked at each other's faces even more often and each of us wondered: Can you already see the difference, or is it just wishful thinking? Shortly before New Year's Eve, each of us stood in front of the mirror again and took a close-up selfie – without makeup and without cream or serum on our winter skin. The result in the image comparison was anything but a photo finish. The group that pampered their skin twice a day with a DIY massage showed a significantly better complexion. The tissue looked fresher, fitter, and rosier. The usual effects of winter – brittle skin, dry patches, and fine lines from the cold – were noticeably less pronounced. Therefore, our conclusion is clear: winter facial massage should be an integral part of a skincare routine during the cold season.
