Name three basic facial massage techniques.

• A. Effleurage, petrissage, tapotement
• B. Friction, vibration, kneading
• C. Stroking, kneading, tapping
• D. Gliding, tapping, kneading

Answer: (A)

Facial massage relies on three foundational movements that together cover relaxing, cleansing, and stimulating the facial tissues. Effleurage uses long, gliding strokes with light to moderate pressure to warm the skin, improve circulation, and help products spread smoothly. Petrissage involves kneading and lifting the tissue, which helps release muscle tension, improve deeper circulation, and mobilize fascia. Tapotement features rhythmic percussion or tapping motions to wake the tissues, boost circulation, and tone the muscles.

These three are the standard basic techniques taught because they provide the full range of effects: soothing surface contact, deeper tissue work, and active stimulation. Other terms describe variations or components of these movements, but they aren’t the formal trio used as the baseline. That’s why the combination of effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement is considered the best answer.