The first time I heard about cupping was that infamous moment back in 2004 when Gwyenth Paltrow went to an event and had circular bruises and red marks on her back and everyone wanted to know what was happening.
Turns out, she had cupping therapy done – something that has been around for thousands of years. Cupping can be done by using suction cups and placing them on the body. Another method is done by placing cups (made of glass, bamboo or plastic) on the body. The cup is then heated up by a cotton ball soaked in alcohol and ignited. The flame is placed in the cups, creating a suction. This suctioning apparently helps with inflammation, circulation, pain, and a host of other things.
I was never really interested in it until I saw some information on facial cupping
Once I heard the technique could "reduce lines and wrinkles,” I was intrigued to say the least. I became even more convinced after watching videos and reading how facial cupping is great for acne, can help plump out fine lines, promote cell repair, and help with aches and pains.
Facial cupping is different from body cupping in that the suction cups you use are smaller and they don’t leave bruises or red marks when done correctly. You can’t leave a suction cup in place for too long — think under 5 seconds.
You can see a professional to do facial cupping on you, but there are also kits you can use at home — which is the route I opted for
I went with some facial oil and suction cups from Wildling, and I can officially say I am now completely obsessed.
After watching lots of videos, I took the plunge. Here's how I do it: I applied the oil all over my clean face at night before I started my skincare routine. I used the smaller cups under my eyes and around my mouth. In case you're wondering, the oil really helps the suction cup glide and keeps you from bruising or getting too red.
I lightly glide the cups under my eyes and in between my eyes since those are the areas where I have wrinkles and puffiness. Then, I take the bigger suction cup and start at my jawline and squeeze the cup as it touches my skin to create a suction, gliding it across to my ear. I do this up my cheekbones, then go to my forehead — starting in the middle and working toward the outside of my face.
It not only feels incredible and relaxes me, but my skin looks alive and vibrant the next day
It’s also helped with my puffy eyes.
At its most basic level, facial cupping just feels good, and when I’m done, I feel like I’ve nourished myself. At first, I wondered if I’d really stick with it, but it only takes a few extra minutes, a few nights a week. That’s time I’d just be on my phone or watching TV anyway.
I’m two weeks in and already loving the results
My skin looks and feels so great and refreshed, and the thing I’ve noticed the most is how my eyes aren’t as puffy when I wake up in the morning.
So if you're looking for a way to take care of your skin at home, I can’t recommend trying this enough. After all, isn't it about time we start taking care of ourselves?
