All about facial cupping, and kit:’s newest tool for exactly that

In truly uplifting news for skin, facial cupping is on the rise – and access to its many benefits even more within the average beauty fan’s grasp. A practice previously only generally available via skin health and alternative practitioners, now there are some great brands out there launching DIY facial cupping kits so that everyone can reap the benefits – without the treatment-length price tag or the need to leave the comfort of home.

What exactly is facial cupping?
Cupping is an alternative therapy that uses suction cups to stimulate your skin and muscles. It can be done on your face or body, the act of suction helping increase blood circulation, which may help relieve muscle tension, promote cell repair, and aid in other regeneration.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine it’s also said to improve the flow of your qi (or life force), and although the practice is deeply ingrained in TCM, some researchers say that the earliest pictorial records originated in ancient Egypt.

Is facial cupping the same as body cupping?
Yes and no. Although they’re based on the same principle of restoration, facial and body cupping are executed differently.
Facial cups are typically smaller and softer, and are used to gently pull the skin away from deeper layers of fascia. This increases blood flow to the area and rejuvenates the skin without leaving cup marks behind. Over time, this practice can improve the complexion and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, bringing a more snatched jawline and a glow that lasts for days.
Body cupping, on the other hand, is primarily used to alleviate aches and pains. Cup marks are almost always left behind, but they do serve a diagnostic purpose; the size, shape, and colour are said to reflect the amount of “stagnation” or cellular waste buildup. These marks fade as your lymphatic system processes the waste.

What are the benefits of facial cupping?
Primarily, facial cupping helps promote new oxygen-rich blood circulation, which in turn helps strengthen the skin and all of the connective tissues. It stimulates collagen production, and also relaxes muscle tension, and acts kind of like a reverse massage. Whereas massage puts pressure on the tissue for tension release, with cupping, you’re creating a really mild stretch. The suction effect pulls blood into the fascia area below the surface of the skin, creating new vessel formation which helps with tissue generation.
It has been said that it can also regulate oil production and improve nutrient delivery and product absorption, but the jury is out on exactly how much of an impact it can make in those areas.

Okay, sounds great – but how exactly do I do it?
For maximised results, set aside 10 to 15 minutes two times a week. Apply a generous layer of your chosen oil or slippy serum, then start with a soft suction, and drag the cup toward your ear, behind which lymphatic drainage of the face occurs (note: you should never use a cup over open wounds or aggressively inflamed skin).
Avoid allowing the cup to sit still at any time—the raised rounded marks associated with body cupping are far too aggressive for the face, as are any marks or bruising. The most one should expect is a subtle wash of redness as blood begins to flow more freely through the connective tissue. Long strokes along the jawline offer a sculpting effect, while fluid is pulled from nose to ear into the nasolabial area, delivering an increase in plumpness both immediately and over time.

I have enough to think about, can I just use it for a quick fix?
Yes! Though cupping is the most effective - and relaxing - when executed in full-face fashion, quick fixes are also a plus. For example, if you have an event and your eyes are puffy, you can just do it around the eye area. Just put your eye cream on, do a little cupping, and apply your makeup when you’re done!

Meet the new cupping tool from kit:
New to the ever-expanding tool line-up from the iconic Melbourne brand, the Facial Cupping Tool from kit: is “red, round and ready to reduce puffiness”. Designed to make skincare routines feel less like maintenance and more like care, their gentle suction technique helps to lift, firm and sculpt skin while priming for skincare – and they look just adorable!
I love that kit:’s Facial Cupping Tool comes with both a large and small facial cup, to target all areas of the face, and they pair beautifully with the brand’s beautiful Skinkind Face Oil for a DIY cupping session whenever the mood takes you.
Just apply some drops of oil to the face for plenty of slip, then suction and sweep the little cup around lip, eye and brow and the large cup along neck, jaw, cheeks and forehead. Glide along each area three times, working from the centre of your face outward and repeat twice a week for firmer, lifted skin. Snatched and ready for action? You bet.

The kit: Facial Cupping Tool is available now online at kitskinkind.com.au and in all MECCA stores and at mecca.com, RRP $45 AUD & $50 NZD.