Who doesn’t want to look youthful and glowing forever? Unfortunately, like Meryl Streep in the 1992 film ‘Death Becomes Her’, we don’t have a magic potion to reverse ageing. Instead, we rely on various tricks and tips available on social media.

From face taping to facial yoga, beauty enthusiasts have tried it all, and now they’re turning to facial cupping. But the real question is: can this popular technique deliver long-lasting results?

What is this?

“Facial cupping is a mild form of cupping where the skin is gently lifted using cups, thereby stretching the tissues and increasing blood flow towards the suction area,” explains Dr Sharifa Eesa Chausse, dermatologist and founder of Mumbai-based Sharifa Skin Care Clinic. india today,

Dr Badar Salman Batliwala, a Mumbai-based certified cupping, leech practitioner and trichologist, further explains that unlike body cupping, facial cupping uses small cups to gently lift the skin of the face to promote blood circulation and treat various skin conditions.

Facial Cupping vs. Body Cupping

“Although both facial and body cupping are based on the same principle, they are performed in different ways and for different indications,” says Dr Neeti Gaur, dermatologist and founder of Citrine Clinic, Gurugram.

• Facial cups are usually small and soft. They gently pull the skin away from the deeper layers of fascia.
• This improves blood circulation in the area, thereby rejuvenating the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
• Body cupping, on the other hand, is primarily used to relieve body pain, and cupping leaves scars that indicate the amount of cellular waste present in the body.
• As the lymphatic system clears out toxins, these marks gradually fade away.
• Facial cups are suitable for delicate skin, while body cupping uses sturdier cups, often made of bamboo, glass or clay.

How does facial cupping work?

“The suction effect draws blood into the area of ​​skin underneath the cup. This causes the surrounding tissue to be saturated with fresh blood and promotes the formation of new blood vessels,” explains Dr. Badar Salman Batliwala.

Doctors say the vacuum-like suction separates different layers of tissue, resulting in microtrauma and tearing. This triggers an inflammatory response, causing a flood of white blood cells, platelets and other healing aids to the area.

Dr Neeti Gaur explains, “The suction effect draws the blood to the skin area beneath the cup. This allows oxygen and essential nutrients to enter the body and helps flush out impurities from the body.”

Let’s talk about the benefits

• Cupping on the face increases blood circulation
• stimulates collagen production
• Reduces muscle tension
• Brings glow to the skin
• Reduces the appearance of scars, fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces swelling by helping remove accumulated cellular waste and fluids
• Minimizes the appearance of open pores
• Improves skin elasticity
• Reduces pigmentation and strengthens skin and connective tissues
• Controls oil production

What about scary scars?

Experts believe that if facial cupping is done correctly, it will not cause any harm or bruises. It works best with a serum or oil, which reduces friction and prevents bruising.

Dr. Neeti Gaur explains, “In this method, the facial cup is moved up and outwards over the face while using a squeeze and release technique to pull the cup across the skin. This is repeated several times on each side of the face, starting at the base of the neck and working up to the jaw line, cheek area and forehead.”

forever remember…

• The cup can get scratched if it is kept in one place for too long.
• People who have very sensitive or thin skin, rosacea, or actively infected or inflamed skin should avoid facial cupping.
• Cupping the face can increase the risk of infection. It can cause nausea and dizziness.
• Elderly people, children, pregnant women, and menstruating women are advised to avoid this therapy.
• People with high cholesterol levels or a high risk of cardiovascular problems should also not undergo this therapy.

Can facial cupping provide long-term effects?

Dr. Sharifa Eesa Chowsey says, “Many of the benefits of facial cupping are not permanent, but if you incorporate it regularly into your skin care routine, it will definitely give you the best results in the long run.”

Dr. Badar Salman Batliwala agrees with this and says that you need to do facial cupping regularly if you want its effects to last for a long time.

However, Dr. Gaur says, “Although facial cupping is believed to have many rejuvenation benefits, most of these claims are based on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific studies. There is no evidence that the micro-trauma to the skin fades fine lines or wrinkles.”

take away

If facial cupping is done regularly, it can help reduce inflammation, promote cell renewal, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, relieve muscle tension, and stimulate collagen production.

The increase in collagen makes the skin firm, the increased blood circulation makes the skin look softer, and the drying of the lymphatic vessels helps tone and brighten the face.

However, the results are not permanent, and if not done correctly, you may be left with bruises on your body.