What The Heck Is Facial Cupping? Everything You Need To Know To Do It Right

Facial cupping may seem like a crazy new beauty fad, but it's actually a time-tested - and totally non-invasive - way to rehab your skin naturally. Whether you're looking to smooth out some fine lines, chisel those cheekbones or take down puffiness, face cupping can help with it all.

Similar to body cupping (maybe you've heard of it?), face cupping can increase blood circulation to tighten, brighten and iron out skin in a super effective way. Unlike body cupping you won't have to worry about dark bruises or detox symptoms!

Curious about cupping? We asked local LA herbalist and Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist, Mona Dan of Vie HealingVie Healing, to explain how it works and why it's worth a try...

What The Heck Is Facial Cupping?

Facial cupping has recently become more popular, primarily because of its robust benefits in increasing blood circulation and moving blood from the deepest layers of the skin through its gently suctioning. Many people now understand the benefits of prevention through the increased promotion of elastin and collagen. The suction involved with facial cupping promotes increased blood circulation, which may help relieve muscle tension, promote cell repair and aid in other regeneration.

How Does Facial Cupping Work?

The suction effect that occurs in cupping pulls blood from the deepest layers of the body up and out to the surface of the skin, in this case the face. This saturates the tissue with fresh blood and promotes enhancements of the dermis layer. The vacuum-like suction separates different layers of tissues, resulting in microtrauma and tearing. This triggers an inflammatory response, flooding the area with white blood cells, platelets and other healing aids.

And The Benefits?

+ Increases oxygen-rich blood circulation, which brightens the skin.

+ Relaxes muscle tension held in the face which decreases puffiness, assists in regulating oil production, improve nutrient delivery and product absorption.

+ Stimulates cells responsible for collagen production, which assists in toning the facial muscles of the chin, jawline, neck and décolletage.

+ Strengthens skin and connective tissues which minimizes the appearance of scars, fine lines and wrinkles.

What About Bruising?

Facial cupping is a moving practice so you shouldn't do suction and leave it one place — the cups should always be moving on the face as this will reduce the chance of bruising. However, bruising can occur if the cup is left in the same place for just a few long seconds.

How Do I Use the Facial Cups At Home?

Here's how to do-it-yourself at home:

+ Wash your face and gently pat dry.

+ Lightly massage your face with your hands to release preliminary tension.

+ Apply a generous layer of your favorite face oil to your skin to increase the ability of a good suction and glide while decreasing your risk of bruising as you move the cups.

+ Apply a small cup to the midpoint of your chin and move the cup outward towards your ears and down your neck line. Always move up and out.

+ When the skin looks a little red from the stimulation, use a bigger cup and move in the same pattern.

+ Start with chin and then cheek, under the eyes and forehead until all areas have been stimulated.

You can remove the initial used oil or just add sunscreen and feel the glow.

Which Type Of Cups Should I Use?

If you decided to DIY, we suggest silicone-based suction cups for use at home. A professional may use glass cupping, silicone cupping and/or ceramic cupping. The traditional technique saturates a cotton ball with 90% proof alcohol. We swing the cotton within the glass/ceramic cup and then place it on lubricated skin. The cups can sit or move on the back. On the face we generally avoid a heat technique unless we need to stimulate nerves after intense damage.

Vie Healing’s cupping set is perfect for the face and body and pairing them with your favorite face and body oil gives a deep sense of relief, but also glow. The perfect combo!

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