Everybody is talking about face cupping now. Cupping is an ancient Chinese technique that can be used on many body parts to address different problems. It is actually a deep tissue massage that stimulates blood flow.

Cupping is used on the face for several reasons. Face cups are available in the market or online. Please look up instructions before you use them.

Benefits

1. Helps in collagen production, which helps make skin look firmer, smoother and younger.

2. Reduces puffiness around eyes when used properly.

3. Products are absorbed easily after face cupping.

4. Fine lines are reduced.

5. Pores shrink in size when used on facial skin.

How to use face cups

1. Wash your face gently.

2. Exfoliate your face if you want to.

3. Apply your face serums or face oils before starting with face cupping.

4. Now squeeze the cups and create suction on skin and rotate them upwards slowly, very slowly.

Repeat the movement from 5 to 10 minutes at the beginning once in every two or three days, or twice a week, to see results.

Please don’t hold the cup for long on one spot as it will give you red marks, which will definitely disappear in any case. And don’t get scared if your skin is a little red after cupping.

The columnist manage Ishrat’s Hair & Skin Studio, Lord Sinha Road, Calcutta