Can an ear massage give you glowing skin? Here's what the experts want you to know - VOGUE India

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If you're on any kind of social media network today, you've seen videos of people who swear by facial massages to help them get that “snatched” look. However, the comments sections are often filled with divided opinions—it works for some, but not so much for others. Many experts say that it’s okay to indulge in them but claims to miraculous results are yet to be verified by science. This is why, I maintained my scepticism when people on my social feeds started sharing their 3-minute ear massage routine for glowing skin. However, I was still curious.

How do you massage your ears for glowing skin?​

The technique involves massaging certain pressure points on your ears to boost circulation and give your skin a healthy, radiant appearance. Much like other forms of face yoga, ear massages are rooted in traditional practices like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. According to these systems, the ears have energy channels that are connected to different parts of the body. So, when you massage them, you could be tapping into a whole network, promoting overall wellness. This means they could be great for relaxation and circulation but there's a lack of solid evidence backing the “glowing skin” claims. Then why is it so popular all of a sudden?

The science behind it​

“Certain pressure points on the ears, like those targeted in acupuncture or acupressure, have been linked to different organs and systems in the body, including the skin. Stimulating these points through massage could theoretically improve overall skin health and appearance,” says Dr Akanksha Singh Cornuit, founder of ProMed Aesthetics.

Further elaborating on the mechanism of ear massages, Dr Saloni Bhatia Bhandarkar, a dermatologist at DermaDivine Skin & Surgical Clinic, says, “One of the primary benefits of an ear massage is its ability to stimulate lymphatic drainage. Our ears are rich in lymphatic vessels, which makes them an ideal target for gentle manipulation," she explains.

Think of it like this, as blood circulation improves, so does the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and other parts of the body. "This influx of fresh nutrients promotes cell regeneration and repair. Fluid retention, which often manifests as puffiness around the eyes and cheeks, can be reduced through these targeted ear massages–by stimulating lymphatic drainage, the excess fluid is flushed away,” says Dr Bhandarkar.

Managing expectations​

If you’d like to try it, here’s an expert-recommended way. “Begin by applying a small amount of facial oil/serum to the ears to create a smooth surface for the massage. Then, use gentle pressure and start massaging the lobe. Slowly work your way up to the top of the ear and keep using circular motions and light tapping while doing so,” says Dr Bhandarkar.

She insists that while ear massages might help your skin overall, they’re not a magic fix. Especially if you're dealing with issues like hyperpigmentation or fine lines. When it comes to getting your glow on, sticking to the basics is key: sunscreen, hydration, and a healthy diet.

Having said that, don’t ditch the ear massages just yet. You can add it to your nightly winding down routine. “In the age of viral skincare trends, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement around new practices but it's important to approach these trends with caution and rely on evidence-based skincare principles. The bottom line is that ear massages could potentially benefit overall well-being, but their role in achieving a skin glow remains speculative. As a dermatologist, I strongly advise against falling prey to popular, ever-changing skincare trends that lack conclusive scientific evidence,” concludes Dr Saloni.

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