Unveil Youthful, Glowing Skin Through the Practice of Facial Exercises
Facial aging is not just about the passing of time, but also the loss of muscle tone and collagen in the face. However, a growing trend is using facial yoga to combat this process and achieve a more youthful appearance. Here are the top 5 facial yoga exercises for anti-aging benefits.
Cheek Lifts
- Open your mouth wide and position your jaw and cheeks until you feel the muscles stretch.
- Fold your upper lip over your teeth and smile to lift the cheek muscles.
- Hold for 15 seconds, then release slowly.
- Repeat 15 times.
This exercise helps reduce sagging skin and smooth jawline folds by strengthening cheek muscles.
Chipmunk Cheek Squeeze
- Push your head back and move your chin forward.
- Squeeze both cheeks inward to stretch the skin maximally.
- Hold for 5 seconds and release.
- Repeat 10-15 times daily.
This exercise targets cheek muscles, especially effective for fuller cheeks.
Eye Squeeze Exercise
- Sit comfortably and take a deep breath. Pull your lips down to tighten your face.
- Alternate pulling lips up and down.
- Squeeze your eyes tightly closed for a second, then open them.
- Repeat the close-open movement 10 times daily.
This tones the skin around the eyes, diminishes fine lines, and strengthens eye and cheekbone muscles.
Facial Massage or Light Tapping
- Glide your fingers lightly upward across your face without dragging the skin, boosting blood flow.
- Tap gently around key areas such as eyes and cheeks to stimulate circulation.
- This increases nutrient delivery to the skin, promoting a glowing, energized complexion.
Tongue Press on Palate
- Place the tongue flat and firmly against the roof of your mouth just behind the teeth.
- Press the tongue tightly and add tension while keeping a tiny space between upper and lower teeth to reduce jaw tension.
- Regular practice helps improve muscle tone, reduce strain, and support nasal breathing, which has ancillary anti-aging benefits.
Performing these exercises daily, usually for about 10-30 minutes total, can help lift and firm facial muscles, increase skin cell regeneration, and potentially reduce visible aging signs such as wrinkles and sagging. Many of the benefits are supported by small studies and expert observations, though results vary among individuals.
It is best to perform these exercises gently, with attention to relaxation and deep breathing, integrating principles from yoga to also reduce tension and promote holistic facial wellness. Koko Hayashi, a facial yoga instructor, suggests committing to a daily 30-minute routine for at least five months to potentially gain a couple of years of youth. Consistency is key in facial yoga practice, with experts recommending practicing daily for the best results.
Subtle improvements in luminosity and muscle tone can be noticed in 2 to 4 weeks of facial yoga practice, with more profound results like reduced expression lines and firmer contours achieved through consistent practice for 8 to 12 weeks. Facial yoga offers a natural and non-invasive approach to combating signs of aging, with benefits including toned facial muscles, improved skin elasticity, improved circulation, and a natural radiant glow without invasive treatments.
- Incorporating fashion-and-beauty trends, some facial yoga enthusiasts may style their faces post-exercise for an additional youthful flair.
- Integrating facial-yoga exercises into a health-and-wellness routine, one can also include skin-care practices like toners and moisturizers for enhanced effects.
- For a holistic lifestyle approach, consider practicing yoga asanas alongside facial yoga exercises for overall wellness, promoting both physical and mental health, as well as a more youthful appearance.