As a Traditional Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage Practitioner I have both given and received lots of incredible massages.
Aside from the emotional & spiritual healing I have witnessed through giving and receiving massages - I have witnessed the skin benefits of massage - but is there any science to it?
Well it turns out there is!
Massage does have a connection to boosting collagen and elastin production and that is through improving blood circulation, enhancing nutrient delivery, supporting toxin removal, inducing relaxation and reducing stress.
Here is how:
1. Massage improves blood flow
A study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice examined the effects of massage therapy on blood circulation and found that it significantly increased blood flow velocity (Moraska et al., 2009).
Increased blood flow enhances the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to skin cells, which is crucial for collagen and elastin synthesis (Guimberteau et al., 2010).
2. Massage enhances nutrient delivery
Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics investigated the effects of massage therapy on muscle metabolism and concluded that it improves circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues (Crane et al., 2012).
Improved nutrient delivery supports the metabolic processes necessary for collagen and elastin production in the skin (Khan et al., 2015).
3. Massage supports the removal of toxins
A study published in the journal Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation reviewed the effects of massage therapy on lymphatic flow and found that it enhances lymph circulation and helps remove metabolic waste products from tissues (Hinds et al., 2004).
By aiding in the removal of toxins, massage therapy promotes a healthier environment for skin cells, potentially supporting collagen and elastin synthesis (Albuquerque et al., 2011).
4. Massage supports relaxation and stress reduction
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry examined the effects of massage therapy on stress-related hormones and found that it reduces cortisol levels while increasing serotonin and dopamine levels (Field et al., 2005).
Reduced stress levels contribute to better skin health by potentially reducing the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers (Kim et al., 2020).
These peer-reviewed studies collectively indicate that massage therapy can positively affect collagen and elastin production through mechanisms such as:
Improved blood circulation
Enhanced nutrient delivery
Toxin removal and
Stress reduction
Whether you can book in a regular massage OR take time daily to massage your skincare on, you can effectively support your bodies collagen and elastin processes.
Em