Of all the skin treatments I've experienced – and there's been plenty – a rigorous facial massage is my favourite. It's probably due to my teeth grinding or chronic neck pain, but there's nothing I love more than having my face pulled, pushed and stretched in all directions. The firmer, the better.
I've tried buccal, lymphatic, Internet-viral slapping facials (adore) and popular chains like Face Gym, but never a dedicated fascia facial until recently while Olga Newman was in Sydney. Olga is known for Face Up method, a cult technique that targets fascia to lift, illuminate and rejuvenate the skin. It's also pedalled as an emotional release for some. Olga started practicing on herself (her before and afters are crazy) before turning it into a professional practice. Now, she trains other practitioners in her unique methodology, while also running an at-home app.
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Firstly, what is fascia?
Fascia is a connective tissue that holds muscles, organs and other structures in the body, providing support and stability. Imagine it as a web-like structure that holds everything in place and ensures smooth movement. While often overlooked, it actually plays a crucial role in overall health, influencing flexibility, posture and even pain levels. Healthy fascia is pliable and smooth, but stress, injury, tension (like TMJ) or poor posture can cause it to become stiff and restricted, potentially leading to discomfort.
What is a fascia facial?
The term is open to interpretation, depending on your practitioner, but a fascia facial will focus on the fascia beneath the skin to improve tension, symmetry and other issues like puffiness. Unlike traditional facials that treat only the skin’s surface, a fascia facial delves deeper, targeting the connective tissue.
Pioneered by experts like Olga Newman with her "Face Up" method (more on that below), the technique involves gentle manipulation and massage to release tension, improve circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage. It’s a holistic treatment that not only feels incredible, but can give the face a lifted, sculpted appearance.
How is a fascia facial different from a buccal or lymphatic facial?
While all amazing in their own right, fascia facials, buccal facials and lymphatic facials each offer distinct approaches and benefits. A fascia facial targets the connective tissue beneath the skin, aiming to release tension and improve elasticity. In contrast, a buccal facial involves massaging inside the mouth to tone and lift facial muscles, focusing on muscle manipulation and more specifically, jaw tension. Lymphatic facials on the other hand emphasise detoxification by stimulating lymph flow to reduce puffiness and promote a clearer complexion.
While all three methods enhance facial appearance, the fascia facial stands out for its unique focus on the body's internal web.
My fascia facial experience
In a word, the treatment was incredible. It is a rigorous massage and there's moment of intensity, but overall it was incredibly relaxing and restorative. Olga is very intuitive – she zeroes in on areas of tension without needing to be told – and made me so aware of the areas of my face that were being 'pulled' via other areas of my body (like the head and back). The fascia is an interconnected web, so it makes sense. It's all hands, no tools, but Olga does personalise every session. There's not a true skincare element so be prepared for that; instead it's about moving and manipulating the face while resetting the nervous system.
No tears for me, but I did feel incredibly light and calm afterwards. My face also looked bright and clear – my eyebrows were lifted and I looked so much more awake.
Overall, I absolutely loved it. If you want sculpting with a restorative element, it's worth trying. And while I did notice an immediate effect, it's definitely the type of treatment that yields cumulative results (in the same way stretching or a gym workout does).
