Have you ever heard of facial cupping?

Facial cupping is a non-surgical facial therapy that uses suction cups to stimulate the skin and muscles. This procedure can be done on the face and body to improve cell repair/regeneration and relieve muscle tension.

If you have never heard of facial cupping, you may wonder why people undergo the procedure.

Facial cupping is a non-surgical procedure gaining popularity in recent times because of its benefits and little or no downsides. People want to improve their appearance, but not everyone is willing to go under the knife.

According to the study;  the growing consciousness about fitness and overall appearance has increased the demand for non-invasive esthetic treatments like facial cupping. 

Non-surgical procedures like facial cupping is an excellent alternative for enhancing your skin’s appearance without scarring. If you are not willing to sacrifice your body on a surgical table to achieve great smooth skin, then you can try facial cupping.

Based on CSS reports, “there was a 10% increase in the popularity of non-surgical procedures and a decrease of 0.6% in surgical procedures between 2017 – 2018…”

As more people opt for non-surgical esthetic procedures like facial cupping, it is however good to know how it works before doing the same. In this article, you will learn what facial cupping is about and all you need to undergo the treatment. 

What is Facial Cupping?

Facial cupping is a non-surgical facial treatment that uses suction cups on your skin to stimulate the muscles and increase blood circulation. 

During facial cupping, facial cups are used to suction the skin. The suctioning process creates pressure that relieves muscle tension, aids blood circulation, and stimulates facial cells that aid collagen production. 

Facial cupping has trended recently, but that doesn’t mean the practice is new. 

Facial cupping is a traditional treatment that has long been practised in Asia. This practice is common with traditional Chinese medicine.

Is Facial Cupping the same as Body Cupping?

Although facial cupping and body cupping function on the same principle of skin restoration through a suctioning process, they are however executed differently. 

In facial cupping, smaller softer cups are used to pull small sections of the facial skin away to increase blood circulation and rejuvenate the skin without leaving cup marks. 

For body cupping, the esthetician uses firmer and bigger cups to cover more segments of the body muscles. Asides from the size and texture of the cup, body cupping is majorly used to treat aches and pains in addition to other skin benefits. 

Facial cupping utilizes little, delicate cups and it involves a more sensitive process. It’s the best method for anyone who desires a tight, firmer, elastic-contoured face without undergoing surgery.

How does Facial Cupping Work?

With all the buzz around facial cupping, it is expected that you ask if this beauty treatment is effective and how it works.  

Facial cupping works based on skin suction. During the facial cupping process, little cups are used to suction sections on your face. The cups pull and suction your skin to improve blood circulation in the skin and muscles of your face.

Facial cupping rejuvenates the skin by encouraging oxygen-rich blood supply to weak tissues and loose muscles. The facial cupping process works by rejuvenating the skin from the inside out without invasion. 

Facial cupping improves the skin’s collagen production. Better collagen production in the facial skin will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

If you are looking for an alternative to dermal fillers and injections, then facial cupping is the skin care treatment for you. 

How is Facial Cupping Done?

If you have heard testimonies about facial cupping, it is only normal for you to be curious about how it is done. 

The methods of facial cupping vary depending on the esthetician or the patient’s skin type/specification. If you have skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, etc. your esthetician may follow a different treatment method that fits your skin type.

Nonetheless, your esthetician may typically follow these processes for the facial cupping treatment:

Step 1: Facial Cleansing 

During a facial cupping treatment, your esthetician will first cleanse your face. Cleansing your face with a cleanser will help your esthetician get rid of specks of dirt from your face as well as determine your skin type.

Cleansing your face helps with product penetration as well as prevents microorganisms from getting in the way of the treatment process.

Step 2: Detoxification and Facial masking 

Although this is not a compulsory step, your esthetician may decide to detoxify and apply a mask to your face. Detoxifying and masking your facial skin helps the skin to remain clean and calm.

This process prepares your face for the main treatment. 

Step 3: Facial Cupping

This is when the esthetician does the actual facial cupping. There are different methods of facial cupping, your esthetician will use the method that best suits your skin type. 

Your esthetician will make use of suctions cups (different sizes for different parts of the face), cleansers, and essential oils to treat your face and reduce the potential for bruises.

Different cup sizes are used for different sections of the face. A medium cup can be used for the larger part of the face and the nasal labial. Small cups can be used around the eyes area, and marionette lines sections. 

It is best to clean the face before the cupping begins properly; using a good cleanser, a steamer, and face oil high in vitamin c can help impede bruises.

Feel free to express your specific treatment method concerns with your esthetician. 

Depending on the method that your esthetician wants to adopt, the facial cupping method is divided into these different sections. 

The chin to the neck area

The cup is moved all around the ears and down to the neck, forming a “7”. This can be done up to three times for effectiveness. 

Mouth area to the ears

This movement will give the face a natural lift. The skin area between the mouth to the ears is where the highlights and contours of the face are more prominent. Enhancing the prominence of the cheekbone and contouring the cheeks helps to give the face a younger appearance.

The base of the nose to the pre-auricular of the ears

Cupping this area of the face also helps to achieve a perfect lift. 

A small cup will be used for the lip area, the surrounding areas of the lips and the nasal labial to avoid bruises. The facial cupping procedure reduces wrinkles and fine lines around the nasal labial area. 

Your esthetician will move the cup slowly around the eye area to avoid injuries (this is why essential oils are good). Facial cupping doesn’t just have aesthetic effects, it can also impact your health positively.

Do you know that cupping the forehead area reduces migraine and headaches? 

What are the Benefits of Facial Cupping?

No doubt, the facial cupping treatment is the way to go if you want to achieve a smoother facial silhouette without surgery. 

Do you know that collagen helps to keep your skin firm?

Collagen is a protein that is produced by the body. This protein plays an important role in maintaining the structure and function of the skin, cartilage, bones, and connective tissues. 

An increase in fresh oxygenated blood and nutrients to certain areas of the skin can increase/stimulate the body’s collagen production. This is typically why many people find their skin more supple and glowy after a facial cupping treatment. 

Suctioning the skin with the small, soft cups has helped many people achieve a natural facial lift, glowing skin, and a generally brighter face. 

Facial cupping can help to reduce puffiness and move lymph around. This helps to sculpt the face and define the jawlines. Moving the cups upwards during the procedure can help lift the face as well.

Let us take a look at other benefits of facial cupping:

It enhances circulation

Facial cupping helps in blood and lymphatic circulation. This process pumps blood to weak or dead skin cells as well as nourishes every skin cell. Lymphatic and blood circulation helps to improve the skin’s elasticity. 

If you are experiencing saggy facial skin or wrinkles, then facial cupping may be the best non-surgical alternative treatment for you. The enhancement of blood and lymphatic circulation also results in clear and smooth skin. 

It reduces fine lines and wrinkles

Wrinkles are one skin challenge that is attributed to ageing. Getting rid of wrinkles on your face will generally make you appear younger. Facial cupping therapy helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes, nasal labial, and marionette lines giving you a fresh and youthful look.

It reduces muscle tension

Do you know that muscle tension can cause pain?

When your muscles are tensed, they cause pressure around that particular part of the body. Relaxing tensed muscles can greatly reduce pressure and pain.

Since facial cupping helps to reduce muscle tension, then it can be a relaxing way to relieve muscle tension. 

Facial cupping helps to relieve headaches and migraines. After a long day, you can use the facial cupping treatment to relieve tensed muscles. So, apart from the reduction in puffiness and getting toned and tightened facial skin, facial cupping can help to reduce migraine pains.

What are the Side Effects of Facial Cupping?

Many people will not experience any side effects after the facial cupping treatment since it is non-intrusive. However, factors like skin sensitivity and the expertise of your esthetician may determine whether or not you will experience any side effects.

Doing it wrong can lead to severe results!

Facial cupping is known to rejuvenate the skin, but why does it have side effects? 

Here’s why;

People experience a soothing feeling after the cupping section. Body cupping can often lead to swelling and suction purpura or bruises after the procedure. But it disappears after a few days. 

Facial cupping unlike body cupping involves a more gentle and delicate movement around the facial area. 

There are little or no dangers in facial cupping treatments. The therapy is usually gentle and should not cause bruises to your face if done effectively. 

The effects of cupping vary from patient to patient. However, these side effects that you may experience are less likely to be severe. Depending on a variety of factors, you may experience mild redness that disappears in a few seconds, nausea, and dizziness. 

Your esthetician can help you with some precautions and measures to avoid this feeling during your session.

Why You Should Not Do Facial Cupping at Home

Although facial cupping is a non-invasive procedure, getting a professional to do it will ensure you get your desired result.

Facial cupping done by a licensed esthetician will be more targeted and effective because they understand the structure of the face. They know what to do at different points with different skin types.

Getting a professional and trained esthetician is the best option for anyone who wants to undergo facial cupping. They are familiar with the rules and steps to undertake during the therapy. 

Getting your facial cupping at home can expose you to the risk of

• Skin discolouration
• Bruises
• Infection and redness

You can book a facial cupping treatment with a professional esthetician near you to avoid the risk of developing any skin challenges.

How to Find a Facial Cupping Specialist?

Facial cupping is undoubtedly an effective non-surgical and non-intrusive facial therapy that helps to improve the general appearance of the face. 

Facial cupping is usually done by professional estheticians. You can also get the services of these estheticians in Medical Spas and some salons. Facial cupping is an effective skincare strategy, but the big concern is; how you can find a facial cupping specialist. 

The knowledge and expertise of your esthetician will determine the result that you would get from the procedure. You should find out the following before choosing an esthetician:

1. Is the esthetician certified?

2. How long has the esthetician been rendering the facial cupping therapy?

3. Does the esthetician have positive reviews or testimonials from satisfied customers?

4. Does the esthetician work with a company or own an outlet? 

1. Is there an online booking structure to make things easier? 

You can find a facial cupping specialist online. You can simply search for facial cupping experts near you online, and filter with the questions above. 

If you stay in Boston, you can search for a facial cupping specialist in Boston and then filter based on your preference. 

Who Can Undergo Facial Cupping Therapy?

Almost everyone can undergo facial cupping therapy since it is a non-surgical and non-intrusive facial therapy. However, if you have the following conditions, then you may want to stay away from facial cupping:

• Acne breakout 
• Acute Inflammation
• Tumours
• Cancer
• Thrombosis or heart disease
•  Swellness

You may still be able to do facial cupping therapy even if you have any of the conditions. You just have to check in with your healthcare provider to be sure that the process is safe for you. 

If you are looking for a non-intrusive way to improve your facial appearance, then facial cupping is a good option. It is a natural non-invasive facial care procedure to consider if you want to stay away from surgery. 

Facial cupping is generally safe with little or no downsides, especially when working with a certified esthetician.