Would you try Meghan Markle’s bizarre facial?

The countdown to one of the most-awaited weddings of the year is on! With Prince Harry all set to marry Meghan Markle on Saturday, the former actress’ sartorial and beauty choices have been making news. Meghan is a fan of UK-based celebrity skin care expert Nichola Joss, who’s known for the Buccal or inner facial that massages both the outside as well as the inside of the face. She uses surgical gloves and with her fingers massages her client’s face from inside the mouth. This technique is said to work on the facial muscles, improving blood circulation, destressing the tissues and leaving a natural glow.

This massage is offered by a select few aestheticians and has found takers in Jennifer Lopez and Kate Moss, who swear by its anti-ageing benefits.

Helps reduce stress

Facial massages work by releasing happy hormones and making your skin feel refreshed. Buccal takes it a step further, by massaging the inside of the mouth, also called as a ‘structural deep tissue facial’. Dr Apratim Goel, Director, Cutis skin studio, says massaging the muscles deep inside the cheeks and jaw may be uncomfortable at first but if done with the right movements which help in lymphatic drainage, it will definitely leave you feeling relaxed. “It is still not very popular in India. Therapists need to undergo training for the same. However, there are myths that this facial will give a facelift or permanent skin tightening. There may be an instant plumpness which will last for a few days. You cannot expect muscle firming with facials,” she adds.

Can’t reverse ageing

Although many celebrities vouch for its effectiveness it seems to mainly relax the tight muscles around the jawline and helps with bruxism, feels Dr Shuba Dharmana, Dermatologist and Medical Director, Lejeune Medspa. “The massage and lymphatic drainage makes skin look smoother, however there is an element of swelling which gives rise to a more youthful look immediately. I am not sure if it will help long term to reverse ageing signs but it is nevertheless a good technique to maintain yourself in between Botox and filler sessions,” she says. If indulging in this Buccal massage though, make sure your therapist uses a fresh pair of gloves and follows some level of hygiene.

Absorption of products

A face massage is similar to gym exercises. It helps tone the muscles, takes away any swelling, fluid retention and free radicals in the skin, thus reducing puffiness and stimulating collagen remodelling and skin cell turnover. When used with moisturisers, it helps in the absorption of these materials thus improving its efficacy, explains Dr Mohan Thomas, Senior cosmetic surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery Institute. “This is not a one-time treatment and the benefits last only till it is done regularly,” he cautions. Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, MD Skin, Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Trasi’s Clinic and La Piel says this facial works by applying motion from both the outside and the inside, doubly triggering skin to appear more youthful. She adds, “It is particularly helpful at targetting skin issues near the mouth, like nasolabial folds (laugh lines) and jowls.”