Face Cupping: What Is It, What Are Its Benefits, and How to Try at Home

Always eager to try the newest trends in all things wellness and skincare, we’ve set our sights on the buzzy facial cupping technique. If you’ve seen people with circular bruises on their backs, you’re most likely familiar, and while there are some similarities, they differ in purpose and intensity. If done right, this facial trend will leave you sculpted, lifted, and glowy, not black and blue. Below we’ll unpack the details of face cupping.

What Is Face Cupping?

Like most things in wellness, this trend is nothing new and has been around for thousands of generations. Facial cupping is an ancient practice with roots in traditional Chinese culture where the skin is pulled using suction to stimulate the flow of qi. A cornerstone belief in traditional Chinese medicine is that qi should not stay stagnant in the body and must be flowing. A stagnant qi can cause all kinds of havoc in the body.

How Does Facial Cupping Work?

The suction created by the cups is similar in concept to a gua sha method that promotes lymphatic drainage to reduce the appearance of puffiness and support your body’s normal collagen and elastin production, all while plumping and tightening your skin. 

The lymph fluid cleanses our tissue and must be moved manually through movements like exercise and massage. This supports circulation, moving fresh blood and qi that help give your skin that natural glow.

Over time, the consistent promotion of blood circulation pumps oxygen and nutrients to your skin and supports the maintenance of collagen production for a youthful long-term effect. The whole technique is meant to mimic a workout for the face. 

Is Face Cupping the Same as Body Cupping?

You might be wondering what the exact difference is between body cupping and face cupping. Facial cups are typically made of soft and pliable silicone, while the ones meant for your body are usually larger and made of glass. So, the cups are softer, and the procedure is less intense. 

Both techniques promote blood flow and circulation, but facial cups are meant to glide across the skin to promote blood circulation rather than staying in place.

What Are the Benefits of Face Cupping?

♦ Contours skin complexion
♦ Promotes firmness
♦ Visibly plump skin
♦ Brightens a dull complexion

It is known for making skin brighter, as it draws blood to the surface, giving you a radiant appearance. It also provides the appearance of lifted and contoured skin, which can be a great immediate benefit. The promotion of collagen production keeps the complexion plump and youthful.

How to Do Face Cupping at Home

♦ Apply a facial oil or serum on freshly cleansed skin. We love using our Tru Alchemy^® Celestial Cleanser, followed by prepping the skin with our emollient and rich olive oil-infused Glow Serum. This serum is packed with potent vitamin C for an extra dose of radiance and brightening.

♦ Squeeze the cup and suction it to the face, using your other hand to hold the skin taut before sweeping upward with gentle strokes and light pressure.

♦ Release and repeat for a few strokes before moving to a different area. Always keep the cup moving and in an upward and outward direction in small sections of the face. Glide the suction cups down the neck to finish.

♦ When finished, wash the cups and let them air dry.

Cupping Aftercare

For aftercare, it's important to stay hydrated. Apply a moisturizer like Tru Alchemy’s Quench Crème for added hydration and to nourish the skin. To calm the skin, let it rest.

It's important to stay internally hydrated as well, so we recommend drinking water to help flush impurities. You can also have warm water with lemon to soothe and hydrate.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Though the technique is generally gentle if done right, there are some things to consider. Some people have thinner skin and may bruise easily. If the suction cups are applied with too much pressure and allowed to stick to the skin in one place, they can cause tiny broken capillaries or discoloration.

When in doubt, it's best to consult a licensed acupuncturist or esthetician. Many DIY suction cups are available at home, but those are best done by someone who is familiar with the technique and has had it done professionally before. It’s always better to err on the side of caution, even for minor beauty treatments.

*Facial cupping is not recommended during pregnancy or for persons with blood clotting conditions.

Final Thoughts

This thousand-year-old traditional Chinese technique has many rejuvenating benefits and may be worth trying! While there are many ways to promote circulation, this technique is ideal because it is targeted for smaller areas of the face. Just be sure to consider the side effects and use caution. Take baby steps, and be sure to take your time. This technique can have a calming effect on the mind, body, and soul and leaves your complexion brighter.