Similar in nature to its sister practice, body cupping, facial cupping uses small applicators to gently suction the skin on your face, lifting it from around the muscles on your face. Facial cupping enhances your skin by allowing blood to better circulate around the desired areas. 

Believe it or not, facial cupping – like most beauty trends – originated well over a thousand years ago. Its resurgence in popularity can be attributed to a number of events that have come together to bring its notoriety to where it is now. 

Originating in China, with ties all the way back to ancient Egypt, the practice of cupping was a staple for therapeutic treatments in ancient times. As gout and other medical ailments such as arthritis began to spread in the 14th through 17th centuries, the practice of cupping found its way into central europe as a means to treat those affected.  

As eastern based medicines and therapies begin to resurface in western culture, it is important to recognize and acknowledge the history and culture behind it. 

Facial cupping and the overall practice of cupping saw a resurgence in the 21st century. Through celebrities and social media platforms, the art of cupping really came back into the mainstream with a vengeance. Throwing it back to the early 2000’s celebrities and athletes alike could be seen with the circle-like bruises on their skin prompting the beauty industry to resurface this decades-old practice. 

While body cupping is the form of cupping that is most commonly advertised, facial cupping is actually a slightly different process. Body cupping uses round glass suction cups to create the necessary tension on your skin and is held stationary for a short period of time. Facial cupping, however, uses much smaller cupping cups that are used to gently glide along the face without any static time. Unlike body cupping, facial cupping should not leave any bruises or discoloration following your treatment .

With most therapies and treatments , there is no one-size-fits-all recipe for success. It is always best to look into any concerns or contraindications that come with the service before participating. If you ever have any concerns, or you are not sure what to look out for, always feel free to reach out to a licensed esthetician – we’re always here to help you along the way! 

For facial cupping specifically, the healing aspect is completed when a vacuum is created on the face which allows the body to react internally and provide the needed relief. Once the small applicator is applied to the face, the rubber ball at the end of the tool, or the end of the silicone applicator, is squeezed to draw out the oxygen and create a firm suction with your skin. This point of suction is then dynamically moved around multiple parts of your face to activate the inflammatory response and drain the face of toxins and impurities. By the end of your session, your face feels rejuvenated and full of oxygen rich blood. 

Outside of creating improvements to the skin externally, the cupping process also allows tension points nestled under our skin to be released. So for those of us who consistently find ourselves struggling with migraines and headaches, receiving a cupping facial may be the relief we’ve been looking for. The reason this is so effective is due to how the cupping allows our lymph nodes to be effectively drained and the suction aids in breaking down any buildup within the sinuses. While the sensation against your skin is unique, most clients find it relaxing.

For most individuals looking to experience the art of facial cupping, the general goal is to improve the outer appearance of the skin - to include aiding in sculpting the shape of your face. At Mixed Esthetics, facial cupping is included as a customization of our signature facial . If your esthetician believes it to be the best treatment to address your unique skin concerns, they’ll utilize it!

Whether you are looking for the sculpting benefits of cupping, or if you simply want to improve the overall health and vibrancy of your skin, we highly recommend you explore the word of facial cupping here at Mixed Esthetics! We offer a wide range of services to meet your beauty demands. Facials, peels, waxing services : we do it all! Let’s enhance your natural beauty in the most welcoming and inclusive environment San Diego has to offer. Call or book an appointment online today. We’ll see you soon!