A facial involves more than simply cleansing and applying lotions to the face. It’s also a relaxing massage that has holistic benefits, says Lyna Mancuso, esthetician and owner of Bloom Skin Care Studio, in Fishkill.

“A well-performed facial massage is a glorious treat that will reduce puffiness, improve skin tone and enrich complexion,” Mancuso says. “The physical benefits include stimulation of the skin’s immune processes, firming of weak muscles, tissue regeneration and anti-aging effects. There are also spiritual benefits, including stress relief and a greater awareness of the body-mind connection.”

She says massage stimulates the body’s lymphatic system, which is responsible for emptying cellular waste, transporting water out of tissues, along with bacteria, cell fragments, immobile cells, inorganic substances, large molecular fats, proteins, viruses and other debris.

“With mechanical manipulation, the lymph system can move up to 10 times more fluid than it normally does,” she says. “A facial massage involving lymphatic work improves circulation to the skin, boosts nutrition to the skin cells and speeds up the filtering of water in and out of cells, eliminating waste products. Skin color perks up, and the skin’s elasticity and suppleness improve. The skin also becomes more balanced, less prone to breakouts and more resistant to infection.”

Bloom Skin Care Studio, a private practice, provides holistic skin care to women of all ages and skin types, with special attention to those with touch sensitivities, such as fibromyalgia or lupus patients or abuse survivors.

Location: 1081 Main St., Suite B, Fishkill, NY. Services offered by appointment only. For more info, call 845.288.3216 or visit BloomSkinCareProducts.com.