Would You Try Facial Cupping?

Cosmetic acupuncture, holistic facials, skin needling—the range of facial treatments and beautifying tools promising to tighten, brighten and improve your skin is ever-expanding. The latest trend to hit the beauty circuit is facial cupping: A therapy that uses cups to suction the skin on your face, increasing blood flow, rejuvenating the skin and giving you that oh-so sought-after glow.

Cupping is the age-old alternative medicine made popular by GOOP goddess, Gwyneth Paltrow. The actress and wellness guru was first sighted with the circular bruises, a side-effect of the traditional Chinese medicine, at the premiere of ‘Anchorman’ back in 2004. The therapy again made the news during the 2016 Olympics when US swimming gold-medallist Michael Phelps was spotted sporting the unusual round bruises.

Whilst cupping has been popularised by celebrities and sports stars in the last 20 years, the therapy dates back to 1550 BC, where references to the treatment were made in the Ebers Papyrus, considered one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world.

But what are the benefits, and is cupping really worth the unsightly bruising?

According to one Harvard Health Blog, “cupping is supposed to promote healing and has been used extensively for sore muscles.” It is also reportedly used for back and neck pain, skin diseases, lowering cholesterol, migraines, arthritis and improving immune function.

But what about facial cupping: The next wave in this ancient therapy?

What is facial cupping?

While cupping and facial cupping aren’t too dissimilar, the facial version won’t leave you with purple bruises dotted all over your face. The facial therapy uses smaller and softer cups to suction to the skin, which, according to Healthline, "gently pull the skin away from deeper layers of fascia. This process increases blood flow to the area and rejuvenates the skin without leaving cup marks behind.”

What are the benefits of facial cupping?

The list of benefits is impressive and, according to Healthline, can include brightening skin, minimising the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, decreasing puffiness, regulating oil production, improving nutrient delivery and product absorption and toning chin, jawline, neck and décolletage.

How does facial cupping work?

To get your glow on, it is recommended that a few drops of facial oil are applied over the face. Most kits come with cups in various sizes for different parts of the face, with smaller cups used on the eye area and lips and larger cups used on cheeks, forehead, neck and décolletage. To use, squeeze the air out of the silicone cup to create a vacuum and place it on the skin using circular or upwards movements.

The Best Facial-Cupping Kits

Grace & Stella, Facial Cupping Set

81jgkU7nXJL._SL1500_.jpg — grace & Stella, facial cupping set ($15)

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This seven-piece set from Grace & Stella includes multiple cups, an exfoliation brush and a 15ml bottle of Jojoba Oil. The set promises to reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping up the skin tissue and improving blood supply to the face. In addition to boosting collagen and suppleness, the kit helps reduce pores, puffiness, dark circles and acne.

Skin Gym, Glass Cupping Set

Screen Shot 2021-03-23 at 11.24.24 am.png — skin gym, glass cupping set ($49)

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This best-selling set from REVOLVE includes two silicone facial and micro-facial cups and promises to naturally enhance your complexion, leaving you with a luminous, radiant glow.

Lure Glam, Facial Cupping Set

This system made it into Oprah Magazine and has had high praise from several skincare gurus. The set, which promises results in under two weeks, includes two facial cups, two eye cups and one silicone scrubbing brush. The kit may help to reduce puffiness, improve circulation and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

Rather leave it to the professionals? Try one of Sydney’s best facials.