The Latest Anti-Aging Trend is Massaging the Skin’s Fascia – Here’s What You Need to Know

One of the few certainties in life is the wrinkling of our skin. The “anti-aging” industry was worth almost £56 billion globally in 2023 – and is forecast to grow. But, although we can attempt to disguise the visible signs of aging through tweakments such as reducing exposure to sun and cosmetics, biological aging cannot be reversed.

Enter Fascial Massage

One of the latest social media trends is fascial massage of the face to combat wrinkles and other signs of aging. Fascia is thin connective tissue made of collagen, that envelops muscles, bone, and organs of the body.

New Faces?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that fascial massage affects the shape or tissues of the face.

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The Science Behind Aging

From the age of around 30, the body begins to remodel other collagen-containing tissues such as the bones and fat of the face, as well as muscles, which changes the angles of the bones of the face – these changes tend to be more pronounced in women. The upper jaw – the maxilla – undergoes the most significant shift, changing cheek structure, which loses volume and prominence. For instance, the cheekbone protrudes at its peak level up to the age of 30 – but then recedes.

The changes in bony structure may be small – only a few millimetres – but they can loosen the skin’s supporting connective tissues causing wrinkles and sagging.

The Role of Fat and Skin

The layers of fat between the deep fascia on top of the bone and the superficial fascia under skin atrophy as we age, reducing volume and exacerbating the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. Often the first visible evidence of these changes is the appearance of jowls on the lower jaw.

Fascial Massage: Does it Really Work?

Fascial massage aims to lengthen protein molecules and their ability to stretch, releasing pressure from fascia attached to muscles, where it may be trapped or trapping nerves, causing pain or limiting movement. However, massaging the fascial skin’s fascia could actually exacerbate wrinkling.

Fascial massaging breaks down the structure of collagen as well as stretching it to work out any “knots”. This results in a longer connective tissue protein that has more flexibility, which may contribute to wrinkling rather than reducing it.

Massaging also targets the fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen, by mechanically stimulating to produce more collagen to help support the overlying skin. However, studies have shown that fibroblasts have to work harder as they age, when they produce less collagen and have contact with fewer collagen proteins. It’s unlikely, then, that massaging can reverse the aging of fibroblasts to stimulate the skin’s collagen production.

Conclusion

The most effective approach to maintaining a youthful look is to invest in a high-factor sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and maintain a healthy diet, a combination far more likely to protect collagen than fascial massage.

FAQs

Q: Does fascial massage really work for anti-aging?
A: No, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that fascial massage affects the shape or tissues of the face.

Q: Can fascial massage reverse the aging process?
A: No, biological aging cannot be reversed, and fascial massage is unlikely to have any significant impact on the aging process.

Q: Is fascial massage safe?
A: While fascial massage is generally considered safe, it’s essential to consult with a qualified professional before attempting to perform fascial massage on your face or body.

Q: Are there any alternatives to fascial massage for anti-aging?
A: Yes, the most effective approach to maintaining a youthful look is to invest in a high-factor sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and maintain a healthy diet, a combination far more likely to protect collagen than fascial massage.