Natural Beauty
Ayurvedic Facial Massage: A Guide to Mukha Abhyanga
Jul 19, 2023
By Rippan Sandhu
A gentle, mindful ritual for your skincare routine
Facial massage, known in Ayurvedic practice as mukha abhyanga, is a self-care ritual that combines skincare with slow, comfortable movements. It can offer a quiet moment to unwind and pay attention to how your skin feels.
Traditional practices vary, and a facial massage is not a Botox alternative or a treatment that can promise to erase lines or change facial structure. The steps below are general wellbeing guidance, not medical advice. Keep the touch gentle, and choose products that suit your skin.
A simple at-home facial massage routine
1. Make yourself comfortable
Choose a warm, quiet space and wash your hands. Tie your hair back and keep a clean towel nearby. Set aside a few unhurried minutes so you can move slowly rather than rushing through the routine.
2. Cleanse gently
Begin with clean skin. You could use Nourishing Cleanser with Hingot and Turmeric or Purifying Cleanser with Cucumber and Basil. Rinse as directed and pat your face dry without rubbing.
3. Add a little slip
Apply a small amount of a moisturiser or facial product that you already know suits your skin. This helps your fingers glide rather than pull. Follow the product directions, and patch test any product that is new to you.
4. Use light, flowing strokes
With clean fingertips, make slow strokes from the centre of your chin along the jaw towards your ears. Continue from the sides of the nose across the cheeks towards the temples, then smooth gently across the forehead from the centre outwards. Repeat each movement a few times with light pressure. The aim is a comfortable, gliding touch, not deep pressure or stretching.
5. Pause where you hold tension
If it feels pleasant, use small, gentle circles around the temples and along the jaw muscles. Avoid pressing on the eyes or delicate eyelid skin. You can also rest your fingertips softly at the temples for a few slow breaths.
6. Finish gently
After the massage, either leave your skincare on as directed or remove any excess with a soft, clean cloth. Continue with your usual routine. If you are unsure which products suit your skin, try our skincare quiz.
A few comfort and safety notes
Use a light touch and stop if anything feels uncomfortable. Skip massage over broken, sunburnt or irritated skin, and follow any advice you have received after a skin treatment or procedure. If you have a skin condition or are unsure whether massage is suitable for you, check with a qualified skincare or health professional.
There is no need to follow a rigid schedule. A short, gentle massage can simply be one way to slow down and enjoy your skincare routine.
Explore Ayurda facials
Experience Ayurda skincare and facial massage with a treatment tailored to your skin. Browse the current facial options and choose what feels right for you.
Shop the facial-care essentials
Nourishing Cleanser with Hingot and Turmeric NZD $69.99 |
Purifying Cleanser with Cucumber and Basil NZD $69.99 |
Skin Renewing Moisturiser with Almond and Saffron NZD $79.99 |
Revitalising Moisturiser with Rose and Lotus NZD $79.99 |
Rippan Sandhu
Co-founder & Brand Visionary, Ayurda
The architect of the Ayurda brand, co-creator of Australasia’s first authentic Ayurvedic skincare range, and founder of the award-winning Spa Ayurda, now part of Ayurda Wellness. A certified health coach with a long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of women and children.
Meet Rippan
