Why I Use Facial Cupping at Home and in Clinic
(And Why It’s Not Just a Passing Trend)
You may already be familiar with cupping therapy from seeing the distinctive circular marks left on the backs of athletes or from its use in traditional Chinese medicine. Cupping has been practised in various forms for thousands of years, with records dating back to ancient Egypt, China and the Middle East, where it was traditionally used to support circulation, ease muscular tension and promote overall wellbeing. And I regularly receive body cupping treatments at my local clinic, to try and counter my terrible posture and the fact I spend my life crouched over your lovely faces!
Facial cupping takes the same underlying principle but applies it in a much gentler way. Using soft silicone cups and very light suction, the technique is designed specifically for the delicate tissues of the face. Unlike body cupping, it should never leave bruising or marks.
What is facial cupping?
Facial cupping is a gentle massage technique that uses small, soft silicone cups to create light suction across the skin.
The suction is light and the cups are kept moving continuously, allowing the skin to be gently lifted and mobilised without causing any trauma. It goes really well alongside holistic facial treatments such as sculpting massage, buccal/intraoral massage, Gua Sha and lymphatic drainage techniques.
How does facial cupping benefit your skin?
The gentle lifting action that the cupping creates encourages movement within the superficial tissues, helping to:
support healthy circulation
encourage lymphatic drainage, which can help reduce puffiness
gives space for your elastin and collagen to return to their latice-like structure
soften muscular tension, particularly around the jaw and forehead
improve circulation between the layers of tissue
leave the complexion looking brighter and more refreshed
It's not about "detoxing"
You'll often hear facial cupping described as "detoxifying,” and while this is a popular phrase, it isn't one I tend to use. Your liver and kidneys are responsible for detoxification and facial cupping can’t remove toxins from your body. However, what it can do is support the movement of lymphatic fluid. The lymphatic system plays an important role in maintaining healthy tissues by helping to move excess fluid and cellular waste products away from the skin cells.
For some people, particularly if they're prone to morning puffiness or fluid retention, this can leave the face looking more defined.
Is facial cupping suitable for everyone?
Although facial cupping is very gentle, it isn't appropriate for everyone.
I may avoid or modify the technique if someone has:
active acne breakouts
very fragile or easily bruised skin
certain inflammatory skin conditions
recent injectable treatments
open wounds or active infections
Every treatment begins with a consultation so that the technique can be adapted appropriately.
Facial cupping at home
I really recommend incorporating facial cupping into your regular routine at home, and when performed correctly it can be a lovely self-care ritual. When performed consistently it can minimise fine lines, reduce muscle tension that can create deeper static lines, and give your skin a beautiful overall glow.
The most important thing is to use enough facial oil to allow the cups to glide easily, apply only gentle suction and keep the cups moving at all times. I love Wild Source facial oil, and Saent is dreamy (but spenny). As with Gua Sha, consistency is far more valuable than force. I recommend facial cups from The Facial Cupping Expert, they’re made from a lovely flexible silicone, and come with a clear instructions for use. And actually use code SKINBYTHEA for 10% off! I do get a tiny commission, but only about £2.50, so I’m recommending this based on my experience, not because it makes me lots of money!
