Skin care products can only affect the surface of the skin and its top layer, the epidermis. Very few of the raw materials in cosmetics can penetrate the epidermis and be absorbed as deep down as the dermis. It is also not necessary for the skin to absorb substances that deeply.
Using quality products in the right way can affect the appearance of the epidermis, by smoothing fine lines, softening the skin’s surface, brightening and smoothing skin tone, and preventing the onset of certain skin problems – especially those caused by unsuitable care routines or external stressors. Skin care can be compared to floriculture: plants need to be sprayed with water, large leaves dusted and dry leaves cut – however, if the soil is left untouched, the plant will not flower. External skin care is important, but at least as important is treating the deeper skin layers with manual treatment because skin care products cannot reach them. Thus, the most effective treatment is one that combines the application of skin care products and manual treatment.
Manual treatments include various types of facial massage that manipulate the connective tissue. The aim of such treatments is to relieve tension in the connective tissue and muscles; enhance the skin’s metabolism, lymphatic circulation and blood circulation; increase the elasticity and mobility of connective tissue, and improve its moisture content. There are numerous techniques, from very light lymphatic massage to manipulation of loose connective tissue, as well as deeper treatments. It is essential to understand that using force is not more effective, but rather the opposite is true: trying to release tension with force can backfire and cause more blockages. Therefore, it is useful to compare connective tissue manipulation to peeling an onion: something that is best done layer by layer.
Djusie facial massage is based on connective tissue manipulation. It differs from conventional facial massage in that the purpose is to move the skin, not move over the skin. The technique creates more space in the connective tissues, allowing the face to relax and receive a natural face lift. The technique also uses a combination of mechanical tension and compression that flushes the connective tissue, pushing the fluids in the intercellular matrix along so that the connective tissue is refilled with fresh fluid. In addition, the massage stimulates acupuncture points.
The fibroblast cells that produce the connective tissues, that is, collagen, elastin and intercellular material, respond to mechanical tension and compression. They need mechanical strain to ensure that they do not become dormant but remain active. Connective tissue manipulation is thus very effective in maintaining the well-being of facial connective tissue and ensuring vibrant facial skin. In addition, manipulation keeps the intercellular material elastic and flexible. Cellular metabolism takes place through the intercellular material and plays an important role as a lubricant between the different structures and layers of connective tissue. The intercellular material is thixotropic, which means that under static conditions it thickens and solidifies. When this happens, the moisture content of the connective tissues reduces, the metabolism of the cells slows down and the fluids remain in the space between the cells. As the moisture content of the connective tissues falls, their mobility suffers and they begin to stick together. Dry and tense connective tissues compress the blood and lymphatic vessels as well as nerves, which can cause various pains, dullness of the skin and swelling.
It is important to remember a few rules of thumb for effective connective tissue manipulation: the larger the blockages and tensions in the tissues, the lighter the touch must be. Concerning the rhythm of the massage, slowness increases its effectiveness, while speed reduces it. The more blocked the tissues, the slower the manipulation needs to be. The rule of thumb for rhythm is that the maximum speed is one centimetre per second.
In terms of Djusie products, there are two different facial massage rituals. A mini facial massage using the Liquid Silk cleansing oil should be performed every day. This prepares the skin to receive the skin care products, and also serves as part of an excellent daily routine to maintain the skin’s metabolism and prevent the formation of tension and blockages in the connective tissues. A more thorough facial massage using the Fruit Glaze facial oil can be performed a few (maybe three) times a week. Regularity is the key to visible results.
We want to encourage every Djusie user to explore their own skin more deeply than the surface through facial massage rituals. Once you have mastered the technique, you will never touch your skin in the same way again and, more importantly, your perspective of the effects of skin care will be forever changed!