Improved circulation

Massage therapy enhances circulation, contributing to clear, healthy skin. Circulation also stimulates sensory nerve endings, heightening physical awareness and perception; and floods the body with oxygen, giving skin a healthy color and tone. It might also help in maintaining clear pores and blemish-free skin. Better circulation also stimulates the sweat glands, which regulate body temperature and release toxins from your body. This might also improve the skin's clarity.

• At home: Remove dead skin cells and increase circulation with HydroPeptide Instant Corrective Peptide Enzymatic Treatment, a facial scrub that contains a potent blend of peptides, enzymes and antioxidants to plump and smooth.

Clear pores

Clogged pores can lead to pimples and other blemishes. Unfortunately, many things can lead to clogged pores — some of which are unavoidable. Dead, dry skin, dirt, oil and makeup can all block pores, especially if the skin isn't cleansed and exfoliated on a regular basis.

Healthy pores are normally microscopic and practically undetectable. But, once pores become clogged or blocked with a whitehead or a blackhead, they turn into the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, leading to blemishes and breakouts. Because massage uses friction on the skin, it might help to maintain clear pores by manually exfoliating dead skin.

• At home: To maintain these benefits after your massage is over, use a clarifying cleanser to gently lift away dead skin and dirt, such as Dr. Brandt Poreless Cleanser or SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser. For the body, try Murad Acne Body Wash.

Healing power

Massage might help to reduce or realign superficial scar tissue after surgery, reduce the appearance of stretch marks and promote tissue regeneration. As the skin heals from trauma, scar tissue may form, which often binds together many layers of muscle and connective tissue — resulting in an unattractive or even painful scar. Also, depending upon the size, a scar that’s still healing may limit your range of motion.

By manipulating the skin and muscles with deep-tissue massage, you may be able to side-step some of this discomfort and speed up the healing process. But, always check with your doctor first before starting a course of massage therapy — some wounds need to heal completely before they’re manipulated or disturbed by a massage.

• At home: Complement your healing massages with a topical treatment like Scar FX, a silicone formula that helps neutralize a scar’s color while flattening raised scars.

Beautiful bonuses

In every massage therapist’s arsenal, you’ll find various lotions, potions and oils — all of which can make excellent additions to your skincare routine. Many are chock-full of essential oils, vitamins and antioxidants to improve the tone, texture and suppleness of the skin.

• At home: Keep your own supply of massage oils and creams on hand: Yonka Huile Corps, Pevonia Nymphea Dry Oil Body Moisturizer or L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil.

See also:

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