I’m always interested in beauty treatments that don’t require expensive products, complicated gadgets, or a trip to a salon. The Tanaka face massage ticks all three boxes. All you really need are your hands, a little facial cream or oil, and a few minutes.
Also known as the Tanaka facial massage, and sometimes associated with the Japanese Zogan or Asahi massage technique, this style of facial massage was popularized by Japanese beauty expert Yukuko Tanaka. Her method uses a combination of sweeping, pressing, and lifting movements across the face, jawline, neck, and collarbone area.
The massage is often promoted as a natural facelift capable of dramatically reducing wrinkles or changing the shape of the face. I’d be a little cautious about those claims. Facial massage isn’t going to permanently remodel your facial structure.
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What it can do is help temporarily reduce puffiness, stimulate blood flow, relax tense facial muscles, and make the face look fresher and more defined. There is also some scientific evidence that facial massage can cause measurable short-term changes in facial tissues and circulation, although research is still fairly limited.
Here’s what I think is worth knowing before adding Tanaka massage to your skincare routine.
What Is the Tanaka Face Massage?
The Tanaka massage is a Japanese facial massage technique consisting of deliberate movements performed using the fingers, palms, and sides of the hands.
Unlike simply rubbing moisturizer into your face, the movements follow particular pathways across the:
Forehead
Eye area
Cheeks
Nose
Mouth
Jawline
Neck
Collarbone
Many sections finish by moving the hands from the sides of the face down the neck toward the collarbone.
This is one reason the technique is frequently described as a lymphatic drainage facial massage.
The original routine became widely known through Yukuko Tanaka’s books and instructional videos and normally involves repeating individual movements several times.
1. It May Help Reduce Facial Puffiness
This is probably the benefit I would consider the most realistic.
Your face can look noticeably puffier when fluid accumulates in the tissues. I notice this especially after a salty meal, a poor night’s sleep, alcohol, allergies, or simply first thing in the morning.
Gentle lymphatic-style massage may encourage excess fluid to move away from the face.
Cleveland Clinic notes that facial lymphatic drainage self-massage can be useful when you wake up looking puffy or congested. The movements are designed to direct fluid from the face toward lymph nodes around the neck and upper body.
The result can be a temporarily slimmer-looking face, particularly around the cheeks, eyes, and jawline.
Don’t expect the effect to be permanent, though. Facial massage doesn’t remove facial fat. Much of the immediate slimming effect people see in before-and-after photographs is probably the result of temporarily reducing fluid and puffiness.
2. It Can Give Your Skin a Fresh, Healthy Glow
One thing I’ve always liked about facial massage is how quickly the skin can look more awake afterward.
Massage increases mechanical stimulation of the skin, which can temporarily increase local blood flow.
A small Japanese study examining facial roller massage found an increase in facial skin blood flow after just five minutes of massage. Researchers also observed changes in the vascular response following several weeks of regular roller use.
Tanaka massage uses the hands rather than a roller, so we can’t automatically assume exactly the same results. But it supports the general idea that mechanically massaging the face can influence circulation.
That temporary boost in blood flow can leave the complexion looking slightly warmer, brighter, and more refreshed.
3. It May Make the Face Look More Sculpted
This is probably one of the main reasons the Tanaka massage became so popular.
After performing the routine, some people notice that their:
Jawline appears clearer
Cheeks look less swollen
Under-eye area looks less puffy
Face appears slightly slimmer
Facial contours look more defined
Again, I wouldn’t describe this as permanently “reshaping” your face.
If excess fluid is making your face look puffy, moving some of that fluid away can reveal your natural facial contours more clearly.
Think of it more as de-puffing than face sculpting.
4. It May Temporarily Improve the Appearance of Facial Sagging
The Tanaka massage includes several upward and outward movements intended to lift the cheeks and facial tissues.
Interestingly, there is some early scientific evidence suggesting facial massage can create measurable changes in facial morphology.
A small 2022 pilot study used CT imaging to examine facial massage and found measurable changes involving facial soft tissue after massage. However, the researchers themselves described the study as preliminary, so it certainly doesn’t prove that facial massage produces a lasting facelift.
I would therefore keep expectations reasonable.
Massage might make your face look temporarily firmer and fresher, particularly if puffiness has been dragging down the contours. It isn’t equivalent to cosmetic procedures that physically tighten skin.
5. It Can Help Relax Tight Facial Muscles
We use our facial muscles constantly without realizing it.
Think about how often you:
Clench your jaw
Squint at a screen
Raise your eyebrows
Furrow your brow
Tighten your mouth when stressed
By the end of the day, the muscles around the forehead, temples, jaw, and mouth can feel surprisingly tense.
Facial massage can feel incredibly relaxing here.
I particularly like gentle massage around the jaw and temples if I’ve been concentrating at a computer for hours.
Just remember that more pressure isn’t necessarily better. Facial massage should feel comfortable rather than painful.
6. It May Temporarily Soften the Look of Fine Lines
You’ll sometimes see claims that Tanaka massage “erases wrinkles.”
I’d definitely tone that claim down.
A few minutes of facial massage aren’t going to permanently remove established wrinkles. Wrinkles are influenced by numerous factors, including collagen loss, sun exposure, genetics, repetitive expressions, and changes in facial fat and bone structure.
However, freshly massaged skin may appear:
Plumper
More hydrated
Less puffy
More relaxed
Slightly smoother
If you’re using a moisturizing massage cream at the same time, that can further soften the appearance of fine dehydration lines.
So you may notice your skin looks smoother immediately afterward without the massage actually eliminating wrinkles.
7. It’s a Lovely Way to Turn Skincare Into Self-Care
Not every beauty treatment needs to have dramatic anti-aging results to be worthwhile.
Sometimes I think the relaxation aspect of facial massage gets overlooked.
Instead of rushing through moisturizer in ten seconds, you’re spending five or ten minutes slowing down and deliberately caring for your skin.
The repetitive movements can feel calming, particularly as part of an evening skincare routine.
And unlike many beauty treatments, once you’ve learned the technique, it costs practically nothing.
How to Do a Simple Tanaka Face Massage
The original Tanaka routine contains a number of specific movements. If you’re completely new to facial massage, I recommend learning the proper sequence from a reputable demonstration rather than simply pressing randomly around your face.
However, the basic idea looks something like this.
Step 1: Clean Your Face and Hands
Start with clean hands and freshly cleansed skin.
This sounds obvious, but I wouldn’t want to spend ten minutes massaging makeup, sunscreen, sweat, and bacteria around my face.
Step 2: Apply Plenty of Slip
Apply a generous amount of:
Facial massage cream
Cleansing balm
Facial oil
Rich moisturizer
You need enough lubrication for your fingers to glide smoothly.
If your skin is being dragged, stretched, or pulled, add more product.
Step 3: Begin Around the Neck
Place your fingers near the sides of your face around the ears and gently sweep downward along the sides of the neck toward the collarbones.
Lymphatic drainage techniques typically use very light pressure rather than deep muscular pressure. Cleveland Clinic specifically advises gently moving the skin rather than pressing deeply into the muscle when performing lymphatic self-massage.
Step 4: Massage the Forehead
Place your fingers in the center of your forehead.
Sweep outward toward the temples before moving downward toward the sides of your face.
Repeat slowly.
Step 5: Work Around the Eyes Very Gently
Use your ring or middle fingers and extremely light pressure.
Move carefully around the orbital bone rather than pressing directly onto your eyeballs.
The skin around the eyes is thin, so this is one place where I wouldn’t copy someone using aggressive pressure online.
Step 6: Massage Around the Mouth and Nose
Use small, controlled movements around the mouth and sides of the nose.
These areas are included in the traditional Tanaka routine.
Again, avoid dragging the skin.
Step 7: Sweep Across the Cheeks
Move your palms or fingers upward and outward across the cheeks toward your ears.
This is one of those movements that makes the routine feel particularly relaxing.
Step 8: Define the Jawline
Place your fingers or palms around the chin and gently sweep outward along the jaw toward your ears.
You can then continue downward along the sides of the neck toward the collarbone.
Step 9: Finish at the Neck
Several movements in the Tanaka technique finish by directing the hands from the face toward the ears and then down the neck.
Keep these finishing strokes smooth and comfortable.
How Long Should I Do Tanaka Massage?
You don’t need to massage your face for half an hour.
Around 5 to 10 minutes is plenty for most people.
If you’re starting out, I’d actually begin with only a few minutes.
Your skin will soon tell you whether you’re using too much pressure. Persistent redness, soreness, tenderness, or irritation means you’re probably overdoing it.
How Often Should I Do It?
You’ll often see people recommending Tanaka massage every day.
That isn’t necessarily required.
I’d start with around three or four times a week and see how your skin responds.
If you have resilient skin and enjoy doing it daily, gentle massage may be fine. On the other hand, acne-prone, rosacea-prone, or highly sensitive skin may benefit from less frequent massage.
Consistency matters more than aggressively massaging your face every day.
My Useful Tanaka Face Massage Tips
Always Use Enough Product
This is probably my number-one rule.
Dry massage creates unnecessary friction.
Your fingers should glide rather than tug.
Don’t Assume Harder Is Better
Some traditional demonstrations of Tanaka massage appear fairly vigorous.
I wouldn’t automatically copy that pressure.
Lymphatic drainage itself is a gentle technique. Cleveland Clinic describes lymphatic drainage massage as a gentle form of massage and advises light skin-level pressure for facial self-massage.
Use enough pressure to feel the movement without causing discomfort.
Work Slowly
Rushing through twenty movements in three minutes rather defeats the relaxing part of the treatment.
Slow, deliberate movements are easier to control.
Be Extra Gentle Around the Eyes
Never pull aggressively at the under-eye skin.
Use your lightest fingers and avoid pressing on the eyeball.
Try It in the Morning for Puffiness
If facial puffiness is your main problem, morning can be a particularly satisfying time to do the massage.
I find a facial massage feels especially good after waking up looking slightly swollen or tired.
Try It at Night for Relaxation
If your goal is relaxation, nighttime makes more sense.
Apply your nighttime skincare and spend five minutes gently massaging the face before bed.
Don’t Massage Active Breakouts Aggressively
If you have inflamed acne, rubbing directly over spots can make your skin angry very quickly.
Work around inflamed lesions rather than repeatedly pressing them.
Keep Your Nails Short
Long or sharp fingernails make facial massage much more difficult.
Use the soft pads of your fingers and palms rather than your nails.
Who Should Be Careful With Tanaka Face Massage?
Facial massage is generally low-risk when performed gently, but it isn’t suitable for absolutely everyone.
I’d avoid massaging directly over:
Broken or injured skin
Sunburn
Active skin infections
Painful cystic acne
Severe eczema or dermatitis flares
Unexplained facial swelling
Recent facial wounds
You should also seek medical advice before attempting lymphatic drainage techniques if you have a medical condition affecting your lymphatic or cardiovascular system.
If you’ve recently had facial surgery, fillers, Botox, laser resurfacing, threads, or another cosmetic procedure, ask your treating practitioner when facial massage is safe again rather than guessing.
Can Tanaka Massage Cause Wrinkles?
Done gently with plenty of lubrication, facial massage shouldn’t involve repeatedly stretching the skin.
The problem comes when people massage dry skin aggressively.
If you’re dragging your cheeks several centimeters across your face or your skin is turning bright red and sore, you’re using too much force.
Use a generous massage medium and allow your fingers to glide across the skin rather than pull it.
Can Tanaka Massage Get Rid of a Double Chin?
Unfortunately, massage can’t selectively burn fat underneath the chin.
If the area looks fuller because of temporary swelling or fluid retention, massage may make it look slightly less puffy.
But it cannot remove significant submental fat or permanently change your bone structure.
This is another area where social-media before-and-after photographs can make the results seem much more dramatic than they really are.
Can Tanaka Massage Make My Face Slimmer?
Temporarily, perhaps.
If your face tends to retain fluid, reducing some of that puffiness can certainly create a slimmer appearance.
But Tanaka massage doesn’t literally melt facial fat.
I’d describe the likely effect as temporary de-puffing and contour enhancement, rather than permanent facial slimming.
Pros and Cons of the Tanaka Face Massage
Pros
Completely non-invasive
Costs virtually nothing
Easy to do at home
May reduce temporary facial puffiness
Can increase temporary facial blood flow
May make facial contours look more defined
Helps relax tense facial muscles
Can make skin look refreshed
Easy to add to an existing skincare routine
Feels wonderfully relaxing
Cons
Results are generally subtle
De-puffing effects are temporary
Won’t permanently remove wrinkles
Won’t remove facial fat
Incorrect pressure may irritate sensitive skin
Requires regular practice
Not suitable over inflamed or damaged skin
Many online claims exaggerate what facial massage can realistically achieve
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How quickly does Tanaka massage work?
De-puffing and increased circulation may be noticeable almost immediately. Changes related to skin condition or muscle relaxation would be more subtle.
2. Does Tanaka massage really lift your face?
It may temporarily make your face look more lifted or defined, particularly by reducing puffiness. There isn’t strong evidence that it produces a permanent lifting effect comparable with cosmetic procedures.
3. Do I need facial oil?
No. A rich facial cream, cleansing balm, or another product with sufficient slip can work just as well.
4. Can I do Tanaka massage every day?
Many people do, but you don’t have to. Start a few times a week and increase the frequency only if your skin tolerates it well.
5. Should Tanaka massage hurt?
No.
You may feel pressure during some movements, but facial massage shouldn’t leave you genuinely sore or bruised.
6. Is Tanaka massage good for mature skin?
It can be a pleasant addition to a mature skincare routine, particularly for relaxation, temporary circulation, and de-puffing. Just remember that mature skin may be thinner and more delicate, so gentle pressure and plenty of lubrication are particularly important.
7. Can it help under-eye bags?
It may temporarily help if the bags are partly caused by fluid retention. It won’t remove permanent under-eye fat pads or structural hollows.
8. Can facial massage increase collagen?
You’ll sometimes see this claimed, but the evidence isn’t strong enough for me to say that a Tanaka massage will meaningfully rebuild collagen. Proven approaches such as daily sunscreen and appropriate retinoids have much stronger evidence behind them for addressing photoaging.
Is the Tanaka Face Massage Worth Trying?
For me, the biggest advantage of the Tanaka face massage is that there’s very little investment involved.
You don’t need another skincare gadget. You don’t need an expensive serum. And you don’t need an appointment.
Five or ten minutes, your hands, and a good facial cream are enough.
I wouldn’t expect it to permanently erase wrinkles, burn facial fat, or give me the same results as a surgical facelift. Those promises go well beyond what the available evidence supports.
But for temporary de-puffing, relaxation, increased circulation, and a fresher-looking complexion, facial massage certainly has some appeal. Research into facial massage remains limited, but small studies have demonstrated measurable effects on facial blood flow and soft tissues.
And even if my cheekbones don’t suddenly look ten years younger, spending a few peaceful minutes massaging my face still feels pretty good.
Sometimes that’s reason enough to keep doing it.
Resources
Cleveland Clinic – Lymphatic Drainage Massage: What It Is & Benefits
Useful for supporting claims about reducing facial puffiness, improving circulation, and lymphatic drainage.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21768-lymphatic-drainage-massage
PubMed / U.S. National Library of Medicine – Short- and Long-Term Effects of Using a Facial Massage Roller
This study found that short-term facial massage increased facial skin blood flow, making it useful for claims about circulation and a temporary healthy glow.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30477852/
PubMed / U.S. National Library of Medicine – Objective Analysis of the Effectiveness of Facial Massage
A pilot study using CT imaging that found measurable changes in facial soft tissues after massage, making it particularly relevant to claims about temporary lifting and facial contours.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35416349/
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