To maximize the results of professional treatments and skin-care products, incorporate facial self-massage to your routine.

Try this short sequence on dry skin to work the muscles and tissues in depth, Anna Bystrova, owner and founder of Sculptor Montreal, a facial treatment and massage studio. “This technique allows you to release tension, which helps reduce wrinkles.”

“Facial massage allows you to obtain visible results by relaxing the facial muscles,” says Bystrova. “Hypertension of these muscles is one of the main causes of wrinkle formation.” For the best results, she suggests combining self-massage with professional skin-care products suitable to your individual needs and goals.

5 ways to sculpt your face

Step 1: Neck stretch

We all experience a tense neck now and then. Too much time with your head tilted down toward your phone or slouching at your desk can create tension in the muscles, which impairs blood circulation and can even create facial asymmetry. To stretch these muscles and promote proper posture:

• Bring your ear toward your shoulder to elongate one side of your neck
• Hold the position for 30 seconds
• Repeat on the other side

Step 2: Platysma stretch

The platysma is a large powerful muscle that extends from the mandible (lower jaw) to the clavicle (collarbone). When we keep our head tilted downward, we’re creating horizontal lines across the front of the neck, says Bystrova. “This muscle being tense can have an effect on facial appearance by pulling the face downward,” she says. To give this area a stretch and combat lines on the neck:

• Place your hands at the base of your neck
• Lean your head backward
• Hold this position for 30 seconds

Step 3: Eyebrow raise

Rejuvenating the eye area makes us appear more fresh-faced and awake. To massage this area:

• Use your left index, middle and ring fingers to gently lift the corner of your left eyebrow
• Move fingers left and right to massage the area
• At the same time, place the fingers of your right hand just above the tail of your eyebrow, parallel to your left hand
• Move your right hand slowly from the brow toward the hairline 5 times
• Repeat on the opposite side

Step 4: Procerus Stretch

The procerus is a small triangular muscle located on the upper part of the nose and the area between the eyebrows. When the muscle is tense, we tend to see those notorious vertical lines pop up. To whisk away tension:

• Place an index finger on the base of the procerus muscle (right around the dip located on your nose between your eyes)
• Place your other index finger just above the middle of your eyebrows and stretch upward to relax this area
• Repeat 10 times

Step 5: Cheek Lift

It’s inevitable that over time, we can experience a lack of firmness in our cheeks. However, a bit of massage can help counteract sagging for a visible lift. To effectively massage this part of the face:

• Place three fingers of the left hand at the upper left corner of the mouth
• Place the fingers of the other hand under the temple, near the ear
• With a bit of pressure, bring the fingers of the left hand up toward the temple
• Repeat five times, working slowly and mindfully, visualizing how the cheekbone is being sculpted
• Repeat on the opposite side
• To finish, place your fingers on the forehead and gently lower them toward the collarbone to promote lymphatic drainage

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