Athena Vale
Facial exercises, or face yoga, can be a great way to improve the muscles in your face, leaving your skin looking younger and fresher. Face yoga exercises can improve muscle tone and circulation in the face, potentially reducing signs of ageing. The face contains over 50 different muscles, many of which are rarely used, so regular facial exercises can work these muscles to improve blood circulation to the different areas of the face, giving your skin a healthy glow. Some exercises include smiling as wide as you can, pushing up on the corners of your smile with your fingers, and neck curl-ups.
How to Improve Face Muscles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Improved muscle tone and circulation in the face, reduced signs of aging, improved confidence, improved wellbeing, improved blood flow to the face, improved skin complexion, natural facelift effect, reduced puffiness and dark circles under the eyes |
| Tips | Start with a clean face, set aside a few minutes each day, be gentle, be consistent, follow facial exercises with sunscreen in the morning |
| Exercises | Smile and hold, neck curl-ups, tongue twisters, "mewing", "OO-EE" mouth, eye stretches, cheek lifts, chin-ups |
| Areas Targeted | Neck, jaw, mouth, forehead, cheeks, eyelids, lips |
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Face yoga exercises
Face yoga is an emerging type of yoga that involves performing exercises targeting the muscles in your face and neck. It helps improve your appearance, tone and slim your face, and promote relaxation of overworked muscles. Face yoga exercises can work to improve muscle tone and circulation in the face, potentially reducing signs of aging.
Smile and Hold: This exercise is simple. Smile as wide as you can and hold the smile for a few seconds. Then, release and repeat. This exercise works the muscles around your mouth and cheeks, promoting a natural uplift.
OO-EE Mouth: Open your mouth and purse your lips together so that your teeth are separated. Now, say "OO" in an exaggerated manner, then change to "EE", stretching your lips. Do 10 reps of this, then repeat for 3 sets.
Eyelid Squeeze: Make a C around your eyes using your thumbs and index fingers, with your index finger over your eyebrow and thumb against your cheek. Shut your eyes and slowly squeeze your eyelids together. Relax the tension without opening your eyes and repeat the squeeze and relax motion 25 times. This helps build the muscles around your eyelids, giving you a more awake look.
Cheek Lift: Smile as wide as you can, then open your mouth slightly and flare your nostrils. Wrinkle your nose and slowly draw your upper lip as high as you can, holding for 10 seconds.
It is important to remember to be gentle with your facial skin, as it is delicate and sensitive. Use upward motions and avoid pulling or tugging, which can lead to wrinkles. Consistency is also key to seeing results, so make sure to incorporate these exercises into your daily routine.
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Neck exercises
One simple exercise is to tilt your head back, keeping your eyes straight ahead, and resist the motion by placing your palm against the back of your head. This simple resistance exercise uses your forearm muscles. Repeat this on the other side.
Another exercise to target the neck and jaw is to place your palm on your cheek and turn your head to the side, as if looking over your shoulder. Resist the motion with your hand so your head doesn't turn. Again, repeat on the other side.
You can also work your neck and jaw by tilting your head up and moving your mouth and tongue. This will help to target the muscles in your neck and jowl area.
For a more holistic neck and face workout, try the following:
- Clench your teeth and smile.
- Shrug, bringing your shoulders up towards your ears.
- Place your arms at shoulder level in front of you with elbows bent at 90 degrees and palms facing you.
- Clench your teeth and move your jaw forward, concentrating on the temple area.
- Clench your teeth for 10 seconds, then clench down on your back teeth for another 10 seconds.
- Relax, then repeat this sequence 3 times.
- Make an "aah" sound, then fold the lower lip and corners of your mouth into your mouth and hold.
- Extend your lower jaw and visualise scooping something up.
- Repeat this scooping motion 9 times, opening and closing your mouth with each scoop.
- On the final scoop, keep your chin extended and hold for 20 seconds, visualising the sides of your face lifting.
- Repeat this sequence 3 times.
It is recommended to perform facial exercises 3-7 times per week for the best results, and to be consistent with your routine.
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Jawline exercises
A weak jawline does not indicate any health problems, but if you want to improve its definition, there are exercises you can do. Jawline exercises can help to tone and strengthen the muscles in your face, jaw, and neck, giving you a firmer and more youthful appearance.
One simple exercise is to close your mouth and slowly push your jaw forward, then lift your lower lip and push up until you feel the muscles in your chin and jawline stretch. Hold this position for about 10 seconds, then repeat. This is called the "chin-up" exercise, and it lifts the facial muscles in the lower half of your face.
Another exercise is to place your tongue at the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth, and press firmly to create tension. Then, hum to activate the muscles. This is called the "tongue twister," and it targets the muscles below the chin to tone the jawline.
You can also try neck crunches, which are similar to abdominal crunches or curls. Lie on your back, press your tongue to the roof of your mouth, and bring your chin to your chest, lifting your head about 2 to 3 inches off the ground. Slowly lower your head back down and repeat.
It is important to be gentle when doing facial exercises, as the skin is delicate and can be easily damaged. Avoid pulling or tugging at the skin, and always use gentle, upward motions. Consistency is also key to seeing results.
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Eye exercises
While there is limited scientific evidence that eye exercises improve vision, they can help with eye strain and eye comfort. They are also designed to strengthen eye muscles, improve focus, ease eye movements, and stimulate the brain's vision center.
- The 20-20-20 rule: When you're focused on a task, remember to pause every 20 minutes and focus on an object that's 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Blink break: When you're staring at a TV or computer screen, you tend to blink less. If you start to notice dry eyes or a headache, try blinking at a normal rate.
- Palms for relaxation: Gently cup your palms over closed eyes until all afterimages fade to black (around 30 seconds). Ensure you don't put any pressure on your eyes.
- Figure eight: This exercise can help build the muscles around your eyelids. Make a C around your eyes using your thumbs and index fingers. Ensure your index finger is over your eyebrow and your thumb is against your cheek. Shut your eyes and slowly squeeze your eyelids together. Relax the tension without opening your eyes. Repeat the squeeze and relax action 25 times.
While facial yoga exercises are generally considered safe, overdoing them or using incorrect techniques may cause undesirable effects. It could worsen skin conditions such as rosacea and acne, and excessive force could strain or injure facial muscles. Consult a doctor if you are unsure.
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Cheek exercises
Puffed-Cheek Exercise
Puff out your cheeks and push the air from side to side. This exercise not only reduces chubbiness but also tones your facial muscles. It is one of the most popular exercises for the cheeks.
Smile and Hold
Smile as wide as you can and hold your smile for a few seconds, then release and repeat. This simple exercise works the muscles around your mouth and cheeks, promoting a natural uplift.
Lip Purse Exercise
Open your mouth and purse your lips together so that your teeth are separated. Exaggerate the movement as you say "OO." Then, change the sound to "EE," again using an exaggerated motion to stretch your lips. Do 10 reps of this exercise, alternating between "OO" and "EE," and repeat for 3 sets. You can also replace "EE" with "AH" for variation.
Cheek Lift Exercise
Sit or stand comfortably and tilt your head upwards towards the ceiling. Fill one of your cheeks with air and transfer the air from one cheek to the other, similar to the action of using mouthwash. Continue for 1 minute and relax. Repeat this exercise 5 to 10 times for best results.
Fish Face Exercise
Begin in a standing or sitting position with your head resting in a normal position. Raise your lower lip as high as possible by pushing your lower jawbone out. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds, then relax. Perform this lip pull exercise 10 to 15 times. The fish face exercise tones and stretches your cheek muscles.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to facial exercises. Incorporate these exercises into your daily routine and be patient, as it may take some time before you notice significant changes.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many exercises that can help improve your face muscles, including:
- Neck crunches
- Tongue twisters
- The smile and hold
- The OO-EE mouth
- The chin-up
Results may vary, but consistency is key. It may take some time before you notice significant changes, so be patient. Experts recommend doing facial exercises 6 to 7 times per week for the best results.
Improving your face muscles can help to tighten and firm your skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It can also help to prevent neck pain, jaw pain, and headaches. Additionally, facial exercises can improve blood flow to the face, supplying your skin cells with nutrients and leading to a stimulation of skin cell regeneration.
