The newest trend in woo woo beauty is hands down facial cupping. Ancient Chinese cupping therapy may have gained popularity by way of Michael Phelps’ deep purple bruises at the Rio Olympics, but facial cupping is now making its own debut into the wellness hall of fame.
First introduced in 281 AD, facial cupping uses the same overall technique as body cupping but is more active and doesn’t leave harsh bruises on your face. The process only takes a few minutes and has both short term and long term benefits. Even though it looks somewhat strange, the benefits of facial cupping are truly amazing.
Here are 7 ways facial cupping improves the health and appearance of your skin:
1. Stimulates collagen production
As we get older, the elasticity of our skin fades. Stimulating collagen production can help keep skin looking young, firm, and smooth. This will also help with skin regeneration.
2. Eliminates Puffiness
Looking puffy after last night’s wine? Facial cupping can help you find your cheekbones again and get rid of those under-eye bags. Cup enough and you may not even need to contour.
3. Enhances Glowiness
The suction of cupping brings blood to the top of your skin, revitalizing your visage. Though your face may get a touch pink or red because of this, it will pass within ten minutes or so. You’ll be left with an angelic glow that looks like you’ve been juice cleansing for months.
4. Helps Product Soak In
The suction of the rubber cup opens up your pores and makes product seep in deeply.
5. Reduces Fine Lines
Wrinkles happen and unfortunately there’s no way to avoid them completely. Botox and fillers are all well and fine, but natural remedies are more sustainable and kind on the body.
6. Lightens Skin Imperfections
If you’ve struggled with acne, scarring, melasma, or any other discoloration, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the impact cupping has on skin coloration. It may take a couple sessions to notice a difference, but many see changes almost immediately.
7. Shrinks Size of Pores
Who doesn’t want smaller pores? Cupping is no joke when it comes to pore shrinkage. You’ll notice a difference after the first time. If you’re into things like diminishing fine lines and getting a healthy glow, you have to try facial cupping. It’s super easy.
Follow the instructions below and look dewey in no time.
- Wash your face
- Exfoliate with exfoliating brush
- Apply facial oil or splash on water
- Place suction cup on your face and squeeze to initiate suction (I recommend using this kit)
- Move the suction cup around problem areas. Use large cup on your forehead, crow’s feet, jaw, and cheeks. Use the small cup under eyes and eyebrows, on the nose and t-zone, and around your mouth.
- Wash oil off with cold water, then splash your face with warm water to re-open pores
- Apply product
- Repeat 2-3 times a week for 5-10 minutes
Before becoming a cupping champion, there are a few things to know. It is possible to bruise your face if you leave the suction cup in one place without moving it for too long. The face will likely become flushed or red during facial cupping. This is completely normal and is just a signal that blood is rising to the surface of your skin and oxygenating it for a glow that lasts for days.
Alexa Ardeljan-Braden is a freelance journalist, blogger, content creator, and RYT yoga instructor with a passion for all things wellness related. When she's not writing, Alexa enjoys picnics on the beach, Slim Aarons’ photography, rosé, Hollywood History, and Joan Didion.