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Face Massage/ Rub out wrinkles Jun 1, 2001     

Has anyone heard of Sanford Bennetts's book 'Old Age - It's Cause and Prevention'. I came across it by accident, as it was mentioned in an aromatherapy book I was reading. It's a very old book, but I think there may be something in what he says. He shows how he looked like an old man at the age of 50, but how he then reversed this by massage and exercise, so that at the age of 72 he looked less than half his age. He shows photographs of how he looked at 50 and then 72, and the difference is remarkable. I always thought that massage was just a silly afterthought if you have the time, and that maybe it just helped your circulation a little, but now I'm wondering if it's more or less the whole story! He claims that by using deep massage whilst contracting the muscles, you can build up the muscles of the cheeks and jaw line, so that after some months they will be restored to the roundness of youth. He also claims that by using friction massage on any other part of the face, you can eventually eliminate lines and wrinkles, like smoothing out a piece of leather.It's a fascinating book, and I'm going to give it a try. I just wondered if anyone else has heard of it, and what they think of it. Deb advocates massage too, so maybe there's a lot more to it than many think. He does also mention some exercises that are necessary to do for the throat and neck, which are not dissimilar to Deb's. Any comments would be appreciated.

Kathy

Hi Kathy

This book sounds really interesting.  I love the massage in Deb's book.  There is also a wonderful massage (similar) in the Take Charge Beauty Book (Aubrey Organics).  These are only two I have utilized and find them both to be a lot of benefit.  I would love to read some other books instructing facial massage also...thx for your info.

Jean

Hi Kathy,

Sounds interesting and I did a quick research to find the book but came up with nothing. Any ideas how to find it.

Elaine
IP: 62.253.128.8

Hi Elaine

I found it on Amazon.com. It under independent dealers of used books....just type in Sanford Bennett and use all products.  The prices range from $15 to $74!

Lynn

Hi There

Try Barnes & Noble site for the book.  Massage IS definitely great..I discovered this fact early on in flexing.  Some of the ex I do...under eye and lip area ones, I massage the area directly after...i.e. patting the area in rapid succession.  No idea why this works so very well, but it absolutely does.  So there IS much to be said for massage. It is as much a part of my regimen as flexing is...often when you have not the time to flex, massage is great to do.  Also great to do after flexing.

Jean

Hi Everyone

Read it last year.  If you want to borrow it, you can order it from the library on the World Cat.  I tried the friction for wrinkles, but as it caused so much redness and irritation I gave it up rather quickly.  If you give it a try, let us know how well it works.   Another book similar to Bennett's is Face Culture by Frederick Rossiter.  He focuses more on the facial exercises, but does have a chapter on massage which is similar to Bennet's.  I learned about both these books through another called Face Improvement Through Exercise and Nutrition by Linda Clark (1973).  Some of the exercises & theories are so similar to Deb's that I think she must have read them when she started exercising back in the 70's.

I don't have Deb's book, so I am not familiar with her massage other than what I've read on various posts.  I think the three books above seem very similar to the massage techniques referred to on the posts I've read. 

If you try the friction rub, let us know if you really can rub out wrinkles--and how you did it without becoming irritated! I find the concept quite fascinating too!  

Terri

Hi Terri

Since the subject came up, I also have a book called "Natural Facelift," by Juliet Kando, which includes some instructions on how to "iron out" wrinkles. (I think I tried it for about a day, before I found Flex Effect and decided that Flex Effect made a lot more sense than any of the things I read in this book.) However, here is the description on how to do it, for anyone who is interested. I think I will experiment with one of the tiny little lines I have on my forehead. I'll just do the one so that I can tell if it's working...  Here's the technique from my book: First, make sure the skin is clean and cover with one of the following: glycerin, Vaseline, a base oil, Nivea, raw egg or cream. Work with two index fingers in opposition to each other across the whole length of the wrinkle. (i.e. for a horizontal wrinkle, place your fingers vertically--one up and one down--and rub across entire length of wrinkle moving across the skin in a horizontal direction.) Move the fingers up and down in an alternating fashion without pulling or stretching the skin. Do 15 or 20 repetitions of this until you see the skin becoming a little red from blood flow. Then, hold two fingers on either side of the wrinkle (one over it, one under it--this time in a horizontal placement), opening out the wrinkle with one finger from the other hand. Now, literally rub out the wrinkle as if you were using the rubber on the top of a pencil. (You can also use your knuckle for this.) The color of the skin under the line should change from white to dark red. Don't rub for more than three or four times on each wrinkle in the beginning until your skin gets accustomed to being handled in this way.

That's it! That's the technique. I suppose it works (if it does) simply by encouraging blood flow to the area. Perhaps, over time, it does encourage new cell growth in the area. Wouldn't that be amazing?? Since it has come up in several books on the subject, perhaps there is SOMETHING to it. I don't think it could hurt to try it...

Lynne

Hi Lynne

Sounds nice.  Be mindful you don't bust any tiny capillaries! lol. Have you tried facial massage?  Try massage for just one month!

Jean

Hi Lynn

The method you gave sounds similar to Frederick Rossiter's Face Culture.  However, he makes it very clear when you do any rubbing or friction on the face/neck to smooth out wrinkles, the area should be held in muscle contraction, otherwise you're wasting you time.  He recommends doing a "smile up" exercise which basically is smiling as broadly as you can with intensity  (keep the mouth slightly opened), then proceed with the "rub". Stop rubbing when you relax your smile, then repeat the procedure, with the face contracted, as many times as you wish--but start slowly at first until you build a tolerance to the friction.  He does not recommend any type of cream or oil unless
you are very sensitive.  The friction is what smoothes out the wrinkle, and the creams lessen the friction factor.  If you're rubbing the neck do the "smile up" ex. while contracting the neck muscles too. He says the skin will not be stretched or loosened while you rub if you have the muscles in contraction--the same applies for any type of massage you do to the face or neck.  He says a massage without contraction is beneficial for relaxation and circulation but not to eliminate wrinkles. He was very emphatic about keeping the muscles in contraction. He sounds very convincing because he began to use this method himself in his 60's with great results. Because he was a professor of anatomy, he seems to speaks with knowledge & authority on the subject.  His book is extremely fascinating as he explains the facial muscles, facial features and the benefits of exercising the face.   Did you know that contrary to popular belief, its not the eyes that one notices first about an individual?  Subconsciously, there's another portion of the face that give us our first impression of someone's looks.  And without this important feature, he doubts whether you can even win a beauty contest.  I'll let you guess what that feature is.  Now I really try to emphasize mine(lol)! The book is filled with all kind of little insights about the face.

WRINKLE RUB ANOTHER WAY:
I can't remember the author or title for another method of rubbing out wrinkles; but basically the procedure went something like this--Items need: Facial cream, teaspoons, a glass container, warm water.  Procedure: Cream your face, immerse the teaspoons in the glass container filled with warm water (as hot as possible without burning your skin), when the spoons heat, take one and begin to rub out the wrinkle with the back of the spoon, as the spoon cools use the next warm one & return the "used" one into the water.  That's as much as I can remember.  I don't recall how the rubbing was done or how many times to do it.  Maybe you can try the warm spoon method incorporated with Kando's & Rossiter's???  I think the friction of the spoon would be a lot less irritating than your finger.   I remember trying it once a long time ago and it did make the wrinkle seem to disappear temporarily (I hardly had any then, so I didn't pursue it further).  Maybe with flexing & continued daily rubbing it might work.  If you try it I'm sure everyone would be most interested in the results.

I really don't think you can rub out wrinkles without flexing and here's my reasoning.   Did you ever have a pair of old leather shoes that became creased? And did you   ever try to rub it smooth with mink oil?  The oil may make the area soft, but the creases won't go away because the leather is so slack.  However, if you stuff the shoe with paper to make it firm the crease lessens.  Then when you rub the leather, it smoothes that crease out. If you remove the paper though, the crease is back because the leather returns to its slack state.  I think flexing is like the paper stuffing.  Flexing firms the area up.  Then I think it might be possible to rub out the wrinkles.  Perhaps this is the same reason Rossiter insists on muscle contraction while rubbing.  Does this make sense???   

Terri

Hi Terri

Yes, this makes absolute sense to me. But, I wonder too, if this does work, HOW does it work? Is it like compounding out a scratch in the surface of a car where the top layers are removed?? I don't think so. That would be exfoliating. I think somehow that if this method works, there's more to it than that. I think it would have something to do with the blood flow to the area and then the cracks filling in somehow from the inside out. At least, that is how I would HOPE it works. Seems like a more permanent way to get rid of wrinkles to me... As for my experiment with this, now I'm not sure how I can do the lines on my forehead. If I contract the muscles there, then what I'm doing is not pushing out the wrinkles, but creating deeper valleys.... Does he have any specific info on how to use this method with the forehead??

Lynne

Hi Lynne

He says for the forehead in the Massage Chapter:

Wrinkles on the forehead can be prevented, delayed, or reduced by friction and kneading, and by application of pressure.  Use the base of the palms of the hand, or the finger tips, in a rotary movement, with very firm pressure.   Close one eye at a time, as this smoothes out the forehead. (I guess that sentence answers your question).

Kneading of the forehead may be accomplished by using thumb and fingers of one hand.   With firm pressure, with one end just above the other, push the fingers together, or just passing each other.  Begin at the lower border of the forehead and work up.   In this fashion the pressure exerted on the skin is at right angles to the wrinkles.  If your skin is sensitive, proceed with caution.  Stop short of irritation.  Friction with your hand will not make your skin shine.

Under benefits of massage/friction:  increased & improved circulation of the blood and lymph in the true skin; and to structural changes in the fat deposits.   Wrinkles that are stubbornly set, incident to years, and the senile wrinkles of skin wasting, seem to be almost rooted and cannot be totally effaced.  Such wrinkles represent a definite microscopic change in the tissues under them.   Elastic fibers are absorbed, tiny skin muscles are absorbed, fat is absorbed at that point, and so the wrinkle actually is a scar in the skin.  This is the reason why massage will not remove it.  But anyone having a fair degree of health and some determination can improve sagging tissues of the face by exercise...and massage...The old saying that a machine will rust out sooner than it can be worn out, also applies to the human body.  CONTINUED activity of physical functions keeps them in constant repair, hence promotes their longevity.  The skin is no exception to the rule.  As an estimation of age is largely based upon facial appearances, special attention should be given to it to keep its healthy appearance. Hence the exercises...and massage for preventing, delaying and minimizing wrinkles.

Terri

Hi There 

I think increasing muscle size is only way to 'smooth out' wrinkles.  Put your tongue in your cheek and watch all the lines disappear.  Of course, other measures may work equally well, but this seems to be only route that has worked for me.  Keep us

Jean

Hi Jean

I know you massage too.  The book emphasizes exercise, exercise, exercise as your first line of action for wrinkles.  The friction rub is simply one, but not the only, form of massage the book advocates in conjunction with exercise.  The guy said he got rid of all his lines around his mouth by exercise, not the rubbing. 

Terri    

Fascinating! Who's going to do the first book report for us?? :-)

Jason

Ha, Ha. On which book? The books convinced me of the value of facial exercise--not rubbing out wrinkles.   The rub is just part of the massage technique to use in conjunction with exercise.   When I found Deb's program, I was already sold on the value of exercise because of these books... 

Besides, don't you know "READERS ARE LEADERS" [:-}

Terri

Hi Terri

Can you tell me where I might be able to get hold of Frederick Rossiters book online. I tried Amazon, but they don't seem to stock it.

Thanks.
Janet

Hi Janet

I couldn't find one to purchase since its out of print.  Your public library probably won't have it either, but through searching the library's World Catalog you can probably get a copy.

Terri

Lower lid massage May 8, 2001   

Jason or Jean,

I am finally seeing some improvement in the under eye.  The hollows I had are beginning to fill in somewhat.  But I have a fold of skin when I smile under each eye. You know just slack skin.  It is worse under my left than the right.  The left side of my face is the stronger more developed than the right.  So I'm wondering if this could be the cheek muscle pushing up on the lower lid bunching up the loose skin there.

I'm also wondering does the massage for the lower lids help to tighten the skin?  I have been hesitant to do the massage afraid I would be stretching the skin making it even looser. 

The outer portion of my lower lids has built nicely!  Just wish the inner part would hurry and catch up.  I have been so obsessed with that area I didn't even notice till today that the lines I had over my outer cheekbones have almost disappeared!  I really had to hunt for them!  So things are progressing SLOW but sure.

Bonnie
IP: 63.252.145.48

Hi Bonnie

Yes, the cheek muscle could be doing that, but there is probably some skin damage there as well. Continue doing the exercises and hang in there. It will eventually come along. Massaging should not cause any slack in the skin. Massage is incorporated in facials and has been for decades, and it's something I should do more of, I'm sure.

Good luck,
Jason

Hi Bonnie

Hi Bonnie! Like Jason suggests, please hang in there.  It WILL get better.  I had major problem in this area...so pleased now with it overall, and yes!  I am a great believer in massaging..I REALLY push and encourage massaging...is so unbelievably excellent in my opinion, and in my case...and I did not do it either for the longest of time, and basically for the same reasons as you voiced, but once I began....well, rest is history.  Do try the massage.  You will really, truly enjoy the results, immediate and long-term.

Jean

Jason & Jean,

Thanks for the reassurance!  I will definitely go ahead with the massage.  Jean you have inspired me!! lol
Bonnie

To Gayle re: Facial Massage   Dec 1, 2000     

You are one amazing woman!!  110 pounds.  WOW!  Incredible, what a strong spirit you have.  Congratulations.  You must feel so healthy and empowered.   You have definitely motivated me to try the massage.  I started the massage along with some exercises this week.  I don't know about the hot and cold towels.   What is that?

I just think that you are so brave and determined.  It is a great way to feel about yourself, that you are worth it!

Jae  IP: 38.29....

Hi Jae..

Thanks for the encouraging words, they're like vitamin E.. "apply liberally"! LOL  Seriously, I really do appreciate the encouragement. Sometimes those last pounds are the toughest to lose. No matter what..'this, too, shall be mine! Mwhahahahahaha!!  

As for the hot and cold towels... in Deb's book she says to apply hot towels before the massage.. then a light application of vitamin E ... do the massage.. then apply cool towels.. then another light layer of vitamin E. TOTALLY pampered! That's how I feel after the massage! It's GREAT!

Deb uses vitamin E straight from the capsule. I'm not sure what strength she uses. Some opt for the bottled vitamin E oil. There have been varying points of view on vitamin E oil and I hesitate to even bring it up..  Any opinions out there on this?  <ducks as she waits for the replies.. LOL!>

Gayle     IP: 65.33...

Hi Gayle / Jae

The vitamin E cap's are all the same. Potency has to do with size of the capsule. 400 IU - 1000 IU.
Because I also take Vit E (orally) I buy the 1000 IU.  Just one of those caps can last forever when it's being used for your face... just poke a tiny hole in it with a pin and squeeze out the amount you need. 

Deb :0>

Hi Gayle, 

Check out Don Lemmons posts.  He is addressing how to lose those last 5-10 pounds.  What a great opportunity for all of us.

Jae   IP: 38.29....

Hi Jae,

Thanks for the tip! I'm on my way!!!  This is like Christmas around here. WOOHOO!!

Gayle  IP: 65.33...

Hi Deb..

Yikes!! Did I ever misunderstand. LOL!! I also buy vitamin E in the 1,000 IU capsules. I thought I was to use 1 whole capsule for my face. I was lathering one onto my face.. and a 2nd onto my neck. I was wondering how you kept from sliding off your pillow at night. ROFL

note to self: ONE CAPSULE.. and S-P-R-E-A-D it out!! Wow.. multiple uses from one little capsule.. now THAT'S economical!!

Gayle  IP: 65.33...

LOLOLOL :0) Deb

Hi Gayle...

have you tried using Flaxseed oil w/massage.   It is very nice!  (I alternate w/Vit E)...flexing and flaxing!  lol Also qstn :  I don't seem to be getting the resistance I did before on the ex targeting lower lip area.  Should I double up..or not do as often?  ...have always only done these once a day.  BTW, love the reindeer on the discussion board!

Jean   IP: 64.12....

Hi Jean:

You're not getting the resistance you did before or your not getting the build?  On which exercise(s), lower lip curl, lower lip curl advance or tight lower lip?  This is where, and I quote Deb for the millionth time "we gotta get creative here". Make sure your skin is freshly washed and dry, not oils to make it slippery and cause you to lose your grip on the tissue.  Great suggestion Jason made on lower lip curl advanced, when placing the index fingers inside the corners of your bottom lip, Pull you
lip down and OUT and hold. Then contract the muscle - you get more resistance that way!   On tight lower lip, instead of your fingers, try using the butt of your palms on either side of your mouth for resistance. 

Hope this helped!
All my best,
Olympia

Hi Olympia...

soooo glad you are back!  Thx. I will try these better resistance ex for lower lip...been doing lower lip curl and and the one where you pull lip across bottom teeth, hold and pucker.  Initially, I felt a great deal of resistance....the past mo. seems no matter how I do it, it seems too easy and I am
not feeling the resistance any longer- or the build I was getting.  1st mo of flexing lower lip curl was real hard for me to even do....now it about does it on its own!   thx again!  Jason had posted these prior at some point, but guess I forgot about them.  LOVE THE NEW BOARD!!!!

Jean   IP: 152.163...

Hi Miss Jean:

I'm glad to be back!  Jason comes up with the greatest ways to finagle more resistance and get more build!  Smart cookie that Jason of ours.....

All my best,
Olympia

Oly

He certainly does, Oly!  LOL....Bless him!!!

Jean

How long should I massage each part?   Aug 2, 2000

Hello Deb:

How long should I do each part of the massage?   I just applied some lotion...I will get my supplies together and eventually do the towels and Vit E thing.  I like doing the massage while watching Christian TV in the morning--very relaxing.

Kelley

Hi Kelley
It's really up to you (you can't over-due) I would say pick an amount of time you want to spend with the entire massage and divide it up from there.    Always stay within the comfort zone...you'll know when enough is enough. Keep us posted
Deb

Massage?  Jul 30, 2000

Deb:

Does it help keep things firm?  I would really like to know the many benefits of massaging.  What does it really do for the skin, muscles, toning? 

What is the key reason why movie stars frequent these spas?  If the benefits sound really good, I'll probably add massage workout to my routine.

Wendy

Hi Wendy

How does massage benefit the skin?  Let me count the ways  LOL

Through massage ( rubbing, pinching, kneading, tapping, etc.,) the skin and all its structures are nourished.

1.   Massage stimulates blood circulation that nourishes the tissue. Oxygen, essential to cell          growth is brought to the cells by the blood.  Waste products and carbon dioxide are carried         away by the bloodstream, cleansing the skin of impurities.

2.  Fat cells in the subcutaneous tissue are reduced,  firming the skin and underlying tissue.

3.  Massage promotes the secretion of sebum (oil) and perspiration which in turn opens the follicles,  removing  waste products... dirt, grease, and other impurities. 

4.   Massage tones the skin and renders it softer and more pliable.

5.   Helps to deplete excess fluids in the tissues reducing puffy and sagging areas.

6.   Muscle fiber is strengthened, nourished and tone.

7.   Massage helps to maintain the moisture content of the cells by increasing the production        of sebum.  This moisture improves the texture of the skin helps to retain a dewy condition.       

8.  Massage loosens and clears away surface dead cells, revealing healthier skin.    

Deb          

Massage Jul 27, 2000

Deb, Olympia or anyone....how often do you recommend doing the facial massage?   daily, once or twice a week...or PRN.  I have not tried this as of yet.   It was suggested this may be helpful in 'encouraging' some facial sag to 'firm up'.   I am going on 5th or 6th wk, I actually forget; seems just an integral part of life now!  LOL.  Noticing some really good things.  And as always, I am impressed.....loosing all skepticism more and more, as time passes.  I could keep going on and on about my upper lip and cheeks and eyelids...but you've heard all that and I am sure have experienced same and is 'old hat' to all the veteran flexers.  I am almost afraid to say this out loud but the top furrows (those hateful ugly ones) are visibly diminishing.  Still evident, of course...but sunlight or direct light is best place to scrutinize your face! and there is improvement there.  I have also been using some marvelous skin care products (aren't I always?}...but these are quite different from my norm of experience. This, plus the flexing has made marked improvement in tone and 'the glow' we are all after.  My skin is so soft...thus it 'softens' the lines and wrinkles..and flexing assists in smoothing them out.  What a great combo!!!! I am in love with flexing and Reborn Angel Products are like frosting on the cake!  excellent, both!! (O:    Deb: love the vit E oil.  Really is worth the effort of massaging it in!  Have great week fellow flexers!!!

Jean

Hi Jean:

If you have time every day to do the full facial massage or portions of it, go for it.   If you can't, then on those areas of your face that really concern you, apply the massage to those trouble spots right after you work them. In truth, I probably do portions of the massage every couple of days during the week when I think of it,  because I spend at least one hour a day on my facial workouts - and just don't have the time.   I recall Jason saying awhile back, he also didn't have time to perform the massage because of the intensity and time (over an hour I believe) spent on his facial workouts.   But then there is our Deb - who told me once she's touching her face all the time and we know how fabulous she looks. 

So, bottom line - it all depend on if you have the time - whenever you can incorporate the massage into your daily schedule - all the better  - you will enhance accelerate your progress.

We keep saying this, but the it is so true, that the more you handle your face (muscles and skin) the better.  I have to admit, when I do do the FlexEffect Facial Massage, it really feels great - it's a very intense yet nurturing self indulgent experience. It's good stuff - now that you reminded me - I'm
going to go and give face and neck a great massage!  I deserve it - but then don't we all.

You are doing so fabu Miss Jean - keep on keeping us posted!

My best,
Olympia

Massage  Jul 20, 2000

I was reading post 82 and saw a piece on massage.  I was wondering how massage helps apart from toning can it smooth out say the under eye area and get rid of dark circles.   I found the eye exercises too much for me but don't want to just leave the area alone completely.

Helen

Hi Helen

Any amount of stimuli would be a plus. The extra blood and oxygen to any area of the face improves the health of the cells tremendously. Remember, what changes take place on the inside are mirrored on the outside.  Just ask any masseuse if they can see a difference in the skin of someone getting regular massages and a newcomer... (big difference)

Deb:-)

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