How To Do Facial Cupping With Acne

If you are experiencing acne right now, chances are that you are afraid of making it worse and you may also have a lot of questions about what you should and should not do. I understand your predicament, navigating skin issues and how to remedy them can be difficult. If you are pulled towards face yoga and facial cupping as part of your skincare practice. Here are a few “rules” that will make it easier for you to get started.

1. Neck

Focus your attention on the neck. This is super important as the neck serves as the “highway” for your lymphatic system when carrying waste products, broken cells and inflammation away from your face. It’s okay to have a cupping routine that only involves the neck, but when it comes to acne (and so many other things) slow is good.

2. The Jaw Line

The jaw joint needs attention. This is an area where the lymph glands are super active. If there is stagnation in the skin, fascia, muscles and ligaments, the lymphatic fluid will be congested in this area. If you don’t have brake outs or inflammation in this area, you can easily slide the cup in front and underneath the ear. You may also notice how tight this area is, but with time, softening this area will help the lymphatic fluid clear your skin from the inside (which it is supposed to be doing).

3. Pump

With the facial cup, you can either make a vacuum and then glide the tool or you can make small suction “pumps” without gliding the tool. If you have acne doing more pumping and less gliding will be a good way to start. Avoid any tender or inflamed areas. Instead, work on pumping on the areas below the inflammation to help the skin's natural healing process.

And lastly, do not use the facial cup directly on broken skin. Whether it is acne, breakouts, eczema or something else. Instead take it easy, be patient and work on the areas that are not inflamed. With time your skin will get stronger and you can expand the area you are cupping.

And most of all enjoy the process as much as you can. Nothing lasts forever, not even acne.

A short how-to video to help you navigate acne and face cupping!

About Face Cupping

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do your facial cupping at home like a pro:

Materials Needed:

  1. Facial cups: I recommend using the silicone face cups available at Obisido Skin available to shop with code NIKI10 here: https://saralorentsen.com/collections/obsido-skin Ensure that they are clean and in good condition before you start your practice.

  2. Cleanse your face: Start with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, or oil.

  3. Apply a lubricant: To create a seal and allow the cups to glide smoothly over your skin, apply a facial oil, serum, or moisturizer. This step is crucial to prevent excessive suction and minimize skin pulling. I prefer using an oil so that there is ample glide of the cup over the skin.

  4. Suction technique:

    • Gently squeeze the cup to create a slight vacuum.

    • Place the cup on the area of your face you want to treat. You can start with your cheeks, forehead, or chin.

    • Release the cup's pressure, allowing it to create a suction effect on your skin.

A Simple Massage To Start Face Cupping:

  1. Massage: Glide the cup over your skin in upward or outward motions. Avoid leaving the cup in one place for too long to prevent bruising or marking.

  2. Repeat: Continue the cupping massage for 5-10 minutes, covering different areas of your face.

  3. Finish: After you've treated all desired areas, remove the cups gently by pressing down on the skin to release the vacuum. Clean the cups with warm soapy water and store them properly.

Tips for Safe Home Facial Cupping:

  • Always start with clean skin to avoid trapping dirt or bacteria under the cups.

  • Use a gentle, non-comedogenic facial oil or moisturizer as a lubricant to reduce friction and irritation.

  • Do not use excessive suction or leave the cups in one place for too long to avoid bruising or skin damage.

  • Be gentle and mindful of your skin's sensitivity. If you experience discomfort or excessive redness, stop immediately.

  • Avoid using facial cups on active acne, broken or irritated skin, sunburned skin, or areas with open wounds.

  • When beginning face cupping, perform the cupping no more than 1-2 times a week to allow your skin to recover between sessions.

  • If you have a medical condition or are unsure about whether facial cupping is safe for you, consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before attempting it at home.

  • Ensure that the cups you use are clean and well-maintained to prevent contamination.

If you have specific skin concerns, it's a good idea to consult with a dermatologist for personalized skincare recommendations.

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Good luck!

Niki x

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