Cupping Facials Are the Weird New Face Treatment Kim Kardashian Swears By
By Macaela Mackenzie. Photos: Getty Images.
Why is it that no matter how crazy-sounding a celeb skin ritual, we can’t help but want to try it for ourselves? Kim Kardashian's famous vampire facials, the plethora of placenta products out there, even high-tech electro-facials…we’ve seen it all. The latest weird skin ritual recommendation from the Kardashian vault of beauty secrets is cupping for your face, and naturally you’re probably going to want to try it.
“Cupping is an ancient form of alternative medicine that is thought to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and relax muscles,” Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells Allure. Everyone from glow-seeking celebrities to gold-seeking Olympians have tried it in pursuit of the supposed skin and muscle benefits. But according to the Kardashians’ skin guru Nurse Jamie — the celebrity skin expert with a major cult following — the beauty-obsessed sisters are big fans of the old-school ritual in the form of a facial. “The cupping facial encourages blood flow to the tissue and stimulates the lymphatic system to help reduce inflammation, which in turn smooths fine lines and wrinkles,” Nurse Jamie said in an interview with the Coveteur.
Here’s how it works: “Using cups of different sizes strategically placed on areas of the face, the skin gets drawn up into the cup, creating a vacuum-like effect,” Nurse Jamie said. “Almost immediately, you will feel your muscles start to relax and any facial tension melting away. You’ll also notice plumper, fuller skin right away.” According to Christina Kim, an aesthetician at Silver Mirror Facial Bar in New York City, the Kardashians are on to something. In addition to the blood flow benefits and potential to reduce wrinkles, “facial cupping firms and tones facial muscles, including the chin and jawline and improves nutrient delivery and absorption.”
For anyone who’s seen the cringe-worthy photos of red and swollen cupping-induced bruises on athletes, you’re probably wondering why the hell someone would do that to their face. Facial cupping is gentler, says Kim. “Since the skin on your face is delicate, use professional or medical grade silicone cups to reduce the risk of bruising and broken capillaries. It should feel like a relaxing massage, not an intense and painful suction session.” If you bruise easily, make sure to let your aesthetician know before your treatment.
Before you run out and schedule regular facial cupping sessions, keep in mind these benefits aren’t totally proven (like a lot of celeb skin-care crazes). “While this can have theoretical benefits for the skin, there haven't been good scientific studies that suggest what those benefits are,” says Shah. “People may notice a more toned or lifted appearance, but this is usually transient [and] due to swelling caused by the treatment.”
Bottom line: Before you do as Kim Kardashian does, and especially if you have sensitive skin, talk to your facialist.
Watch the video, here.
This story originally appeared on Allure.
More from Allure:
10 Celebrity Hairstyles That Make You Look 10 Years Younger
Find the Best Haircut for Your Face Shape
The 9 Prettiest Date-Night Makeup Looks
7 Weird Tricks Stars Use for Looking Great in Photos
