P. Sze 
Facial cupping has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It is used as a treatment that provides rejuvenating and sculpting benefits. The process of facial cupping works to increase blood flow and circulation in the body to increase lymphatic drainage.
The treatment aims to reduce the accumulation of heat from the face and reduce inflammation.
As a non-invasive treatment, facial cupping has rapidly grown in popularity as an alternative therapy for treating skin concerns and reducing the effects of inflammation and the appearance of fine lines.
Whilst it is non-invasive, getting a regular facial treatment done regularly by a professional can be costly.
Facial cupping sets serve to be an alternative solution to regular professional cupping treatments as they enable you to do it yourself with little hassle and in the comfort of your home.
What Is Facial Cupping?
Facial cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine designed to pull the skin up to stimulate the skin and muscles to improve the flow of qi and blood which contribute toward the stimulation of collagen and elastin production.
The method of cupping involves using suction cups which are used to improve blood circulation. In doing so, the cups create the benefit of relieving muscle tension and relieving fatigued muscle, increasing cell restoration and promoting regeneration.
These effects help to improve problems caused by inflammation and they also help to improve problems of the skin by evening out skin complexion and fine lines.
How Does Facial Cupping Work?
Facial cupping works by stimulating blood flow and increasing the development of new blood vessels. The suction of the cup causes blood to be pulled to the skin of the area under the cup.
Cupping also works to create mechanical trauma in the skin by promoting sterile inflammation which can be characterized as inflammation that isn’t caused by free radicals. The suction motion creates small tears in the tissues of the skin.
This then triggers a response from white blood cells to the traumatized area. In doing this, healing agents are taken directly to the traumatized area.
Best Facial Cupping Sets
DoSensePro
DoSensePro works to remove fine lines and wrinkles by tightening and toning the skin. During this process, the cups help to boost collagen production to promote skin toning and cell restoration for a bright and glowing complexion.
The therapy suction cups help to reduce laugh lines, acne scars, and spider veins.
DoSensePro can be used for the face and body. The set comes with three different cup sizes including small, medium, and large. The small cup is designed for use on delicate areas of the face such as the eyes and nose.
The medium-sized cup is used for the rest of the face including the cheeks and forehead, but it can also be used on small areas of the body. The large cup is best used on large areas of the body designed to help reduce cellulite and relieve tight muscles.
DoSensePro also includes a Japanese konjac sponge which can be used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin after using the large suction cup.
The small suction cup is great for eliminating puffiness and reducing inflammation by increasing blood flow. The medium suction cup is great for clearing up dull skin and is also believed to help clear up sinusitis.
DoSensePro cups are made from a high-quality grade of silicone which gives them a soft, manageable, and flexible feel. Not only do they feel great and are gentle on the skin, but they are also easy to clean.
Pros:
- A 5 piece DIY cupping kit including x4 cups and x1 konjac sponge
- Made from quality grade silicone
- Provides a natural facelift
- Affordable
5 Star United
5 Star United’s silicone cupping therapy works to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines as well as produce skin sculpting effects by improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage. These cups work to provide strong suction to ensure that they don’t fall off during the treatment.
These cups are great for restoring hydration into the face to produce a brighter and glowing complexion.
This cupping set contains two large cups and two small cups. The large cups are designed to use on the larger areas of the face such as the forehead and the neck. The smaller cups are designed to be used on more delicate areas of the face such as the under-eye and lip area.
Each of the cups is easy to use and glides effortlessly over the face. The set also includes a silicone exfoliating brush for the face. This brush is soft, flexible, and safe to use on the skin.
5 Star United cups are made from 100% high-quality silicone that not only feels great but is also safe and hygienic to use. These cups are easy to clean making them ideal for use again and again.
Pros:
- CDA Certified
- Includes x2 large cups, x2 small cups, and x1 exfoliating brush
- Affordable
Lure Essentials Glam
Lure Essentials Glam offers a cupping set designed to provide anti-aging properties. This set stands to be the only independently tested face cupping kit available and is one that produces long-term sculpting and lifting effects instantly.
To ensure that the cupping treatment is done effectively, Lure Essentials includes a free digital pdf of a step-by-step guide and video tutorials on how to use the cups on yourself. These valuable resources will ensure that you practice cupping safely and effectively to get the best results. This is a great cupping set for beginners.
These cups work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, under-eye bags, and loose skin. The lymphatic massage will help to restore and tighten skin for a sculpted and toned appearance. Microcirculation helps to skin and lips for a healthy glow.
These cups offer gentle suction to minimize the risk of bruising. They are also made from a frictionless and anti-slip grip design to ensure easy use and effortless glide.
Lure Essentials Glam cupping set is made from transparent superior food-grade silicone. Not only is the material soft and manageable, but it is also safe for the skin and transparent to enable you to see the suction.
The material also makes the cups easy to clean and suitable for reuse. The silicone used is also recyclable making it ideal for anyone who is environmentally conscious.
Pros:
- Reduces inflammation
- Independently tested
- Includes a digital pdf of a step-by-step guide
- Free from BPA, BPS, phthalates, latex, and PVC
- Made from transparent superior food-grade silicone
- Convenient cone shape for easy compression
Zone 365
Zone 365 cupping set provides an alternative way of stimulating blood flow to stimulate the skin and muscles. This product is great for lifting saggy skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around areas of the eyes and mouth.
Zone 365 is designed to ensure that each movement is effortless and glides gently across the skin with ease. It ensures that you achieve the best suction for the most effective results. Each cup is flexible and manageable making sure that they don’t break.
Each cup is made from 100% food-grade silicone that is suitable for all skin types. The 8-in-1 cupping kit comes with a range of small cups ideal for use on the face and larger cups for stronger use on the body.
Each size comes in a set of two for longer-lasting use. Whilst the material is easy to clean, having two ensures that you can use them for longer.
This cupping kit also comes with an enhanced derma roller which works to stimulate the skin to improve nutrient absorption. This process helps to target skin concerns such as reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne scarring.
Pros:
- Cupping set includes x5 cups in different sizes, x1 facial cleansing brush for exfoliation, and x1 enhanced derma roller
- Made from 100% food-grade silicone
- X2 for each size for longevity
Grace & Stella
Grace and Stella offer an all-natural facial cupping set. This cupping set works to increase blood circulation to improve the production of collagen for firmer looking skin.
Each cup is made from medical grade silicone. Not only are they safe to use on all skin types that are also soft and flexible. This makes them easy to use and enables them to glide effortlessly.
The cones are also designed in a convenient cone shape which enables easy handling as little pressure is required for suction.
This facial cupping kit also includes a silicone exfoliation brush and a bottle of 100% pure, natural, and cruelty-free jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is great for moisturizing and brightening the skin.
This along with the cupping treatment will create long-term effects of toning the skin, brightening complexion, detoxifying skin, and reducing the appearance of fine lines
Pros:
- A 7 piece set including
- Made from medical grade silicone
- Vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free
Buying Guide
The Benefits Of Facial Cupping
By pulling up the skin through suction, cupping helps to promote a flow of fresh blood and qi. This process helps to promote the production of collagen which is known for helping to keep the skin taut and tight.
The flow of fresh blood also leads to the body pumping more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This helps to create an even and balanced skin tone and a brighter complexion.
Using cupping therapy can also work to reduce signs of inflammation in the skin. By using a smaller cup, you can reduce tension in the skin. You can also reduce puffiness by moving lymph nodes around and using the method to tone the face.
Facial cupping offers a wide range of benefits, some of which include;
- Increase blood circulation and the flow of qi
- Tighten and strengthen skin
- Stimulate collagen production and skin restoration
- Relieve muscle tension in the face
- The secondary effects of cupping help to;
- Brighten skin complexion
- Minimize the appearance of fine lines, scars, and wrinkles
- Sculpt the facial structure
- Reduce inflammation and puffiness
- Remove toxins
How To Do Facial Cupping At Home?
If you decide to perform cupping on yourself with a cupping set, be sure to follow the guidelines and instructions on the product. If you don’t have any directions to hand, the standard guidelines are as follows:
- Begin by thoroughly washing and cleansing your face. Once clean, pat dry with a towel.
- Gently massage your face to release any tension in the skin.
- Apply a couple of drops of oil to the face. This may help reduce bruising during the process.
- With one hand, gently squeeze the cup and place it on the chip to create suction. With the other hand, hold the skin taut and then sweep the cup moving upward with a gentle stroke. Release and then repeat this process a couple of times before moving on to the next area.
Top tip: Always keep the pressure light and the pace nice and slow.
- Use the different cup sizes for different areas of the face. For sensitive areas such as the eyes and nose, use a small cup. But, with areas such as the cheeks and forehead, use larger cups.
- Continue the cupping process until you have gone over all of the desired areas.
- Once complete, finish the procedure by cleansing your face and then splashing with warm water to reopen your pores.
- And finally, don’t forget to wash the cups with a little bit of soap and water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Do Facial Cupping?
It’s recommended that you practice facial cupping once a week. As it’s quite an intensive treatment, overdoing it may result in affecting your skin elasticity.
Does Facial Cupping Leave Bruising?
If you’re practicing cupping at home, you may develop bruising as a result of the technique. However, you can minimize bruising by making sure that you don’t stay in a single area for too long.
Which Is Better, A Hard Or Soft Cup?
There are a wide variety of facial cupping kits available made from different materials. Some cups are made from plastic whilst others are more gel-like with a silicone base. Both are equally as effective.
However, using a clear silicone cup makes it a lot easier to see what you’re doing and how much skin you’re sucking up. If you can see through the cup, be sure to look out to make sure you’re using low suction.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Like any therapy, there are risks of side effects. However, facial cupping is considered to be relatively safe. Side effects that may occur include;
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Cold sweats
Precaution
Avoid practicing facial cupping if you currently have open sores, acne, or skin trauma such as sunburn as dragging the cup across the skin can make the trauma wound or skin worse.
Facial cupping is also advised against anyone prone to blood clots or on blood-thinning medication as well as anyone with a blood disorder, anemia, prone to bruising.
Takeaway
Facial cupping is a treatment that has been around for centuries. It will continue to grow in popularity thanks to the benefits it offers. It’s a simple and effective treatment that can be practiced at home as a regular method of self-care.
The products presented each offer great benefits for improving the skin. Are you looking for a non-invasive, affordable, and easy way of reducing inflammation, tightening the skin, brightening your complexion, and reducing the appearance of fine lines? If so, facial cupping may be the solution for you.
