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It’s no secret that younger-looking skin is a serious goal for many people. While Photoshop and rosy filters will save our selfies, dealing with the realities of sagging skin can be a painful experience. In recent years, the advent of skin-smoothing injectables like Botox, and fillers such as Restylane, made aging skin seem like a thing of the past. Wrinkles? Worry lines? Crows feet? Not to worry, there’s a needle for that! But cosmetic injections come with a long list of negatives, which is why more and more people are looking for a natural solution to maintaining a youthful glow—and facial cupping is gaining traction as a far more desirable approach.
It’s easy to see why. Facial cupping isn’t about adding artificial plumpers to the skin or freezing muscles solid; the goal is to improve the skin from the inside out. It’s non-invasive, completely natural, and simple to incorporate into your regular skincare regime.
While cupping is a centuries-old practice, many people are unfamiliar with the techniques and benefits it can offer the visage—here are a few reasons why facial cupping is one of the most effective techniques for putting your best face forward.
Why should I spend my energy on cupping when an injection will do the trick?
This is like asking why you should bother to learn how to cook when you can order takeout every day. The short answer is that cupping is less expensive, more effective, and will give you longer-lasting results than injectables—and you won’t ‘freeze’ your face in the process. Botox works by immobilizing the muscles responsible for wrinkling the skin. It’s a short-term fix—three to four months at most—and a single round of injections can cost upward of $400-$600.
Did I mention that you’re also injecting botulism into your body? While the risk of side-effects is fairly low, many of the potential outcomes are more than a little frightening.
On the flipside, facial cupping systems, such as Lure Essentials GLAM cupping sets, which runs for $29.99-$34.99, are not only durable and affordable, but the benefits will last as long as cupping is part of your skin care regime. Unlike regular cups, facial cups are smaller, designed to better fit the contours of the face, and will improve the tone, texture, and appearance of your skin without the frozen look you risk with injectables.
Hmmm…interesting. So how does facial cupping work?
The science behind facial cupping is similar to the effects of cupping on larger parts of the body. The cups produce a gentle suction that coaxes oxygen-rich blood into the area of skin being treated. The layers of skin are gently separated (also known as sterile inflammation) causing microtrauma beneath the skin that causes our bodies’ natural healing process to spring into action and promote healthier stronger tissue. Additionally, the process of facial cupping relaxes facial muscles naturally and brings about a boost of collagen production. While Botox or fillers will solve the issue of wrinkles, facial cupping comes with a whole host of benefits including the reduction of inflamed, puffy skin; a sculpting effect on trouble spots such as the jawline, chin, and neck; and overall brighter, healthier-looking skin, not to mention minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
What about bruises?
A calling card of cupping is the circular marks that the cups may leave behind—to be clear, these are not bruises, they are simply the result of toxins being pulled to the surface of the skin. As long as proper cupping protocol is followed along with a good facial cupping oil (we recommend GLAM Boost) and you keep your cup moving according to directions, need not fear the dreadful cupping marks. With facial cupping, you may experience some minor redness (sign of fresh oxygenated blood), but since the cups are being moved throughout the process there is a much lower risk of a cup leaving its ‘kiss’ on your cheek.
In face cupping facials, the small, flexible cups are used in combination with oil or lotion to keep the movement of the cup smooth. The base of the silicone cupping cup or the rubber bulb of the glass or plastic cup is squeezed to produce suction, the cup is placed in one area for a few seconds and then moved to the next. It’s quick, painless, and, best of all, relaxing!
It sounds good, but I don’t have time for facial cupping. Botox is quick!
Quick—in the short-term. Again, you’re looking at a fast fix for a problem that will definitely re-emerge once the effects of the injection wear off. That means bad news for your skin and your bank account. Unlike Botox, where the timer starts the minute you leave the doctor’s office, the effects of cupping massage can often be visible instantly and are better yet cumulative—you’ll see better skin when cupping becomes part of your regular skincare regimen. In fact, cupping takes about five minutes a day, and you only need to do it two to three times a week to see serious results. As a bonus, cupping improves circulation to your skin and opens pores which means that your skincare products will be more readily and efficiently absorbed. Facial cupping is far from a one-trick pony, you’ll see all around better skin with regular use.
We’ve talked a lot about the benefits of facial cupping over Botox, but the major takeaway is this: injectables won’t improve your skin. They can mask the appearance of aging, but for true, healthy results you need to take a vested interest in working your skin from the inside out. That’s what makes cupping such a great alternative—and why it’s no surprise that so many people are jumping on the bandwagon. No one wants to be at the mercy of an injection to look and feel our best, and facial cupping requires a little effort for BIG results.
Unsure about taking cupping into your own hands? Rest assured it’s simple! Once you get the hang of facial cupping it will become a highly anticipated part of your day. We are all busy, and self-care can be hard, but taking time to do things to benefit your mind and body is one of the healthiest steps you can take toward creating a better you. There is no shame or vanity in wanting to look your best, and facial cupping can help you get there without putting a drain on your wallet. Give it a shot and be prepared to field many questions about how you got that glow!
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/facial-cupping#how-it-works
https://www.vogue.com/article/facial-cupping-anti-aging-lifting-treatment
