Face yoga is a natural anti-aging practice that involves a series of facial exercises to tone, lift, and rejuvenate the muscles and skin of the face. It focuses on improving facial muscle strength, circulation, and flexibility to help combat signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and dull complexion. Here is everything you need to know about face yoga:
ORIGINS
Face yoga has its roots in traditional yoga and alternative medicine practices. It has been popularized by a variety of practitioners and instructors who have developed specific exercises and routines for the face. Facial exercises actually have a long history of use in the treatment of certain health conditions that affect muscle control, including strokes and Bell’s palsy. As such, it seems to make sense that the same exercises would help slow down the look of aging skin, since studies show that age-related issues like sagginess (deterioration of facial tissue) are due in part to muscle loss.
BENEFITS
Face yoga offers numerous benefits, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, tightening and toning facial muscles, increasing blood circulation, stimulating collagen production, improving lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness, promoting a more youthful and radiant complexion, relieving tension, and promoting relaxation.
Exercise techniques
Face yoga involves a combination of facial exercises, massages, acupressure, and stretches. These techniques target specific facial muscles and areas of the face, such as the forehead, eyes, cheeks, lips, and neck.
Face Yoga Exercises
1. Eye-Opener
Use your fingers to form “binocular” shape around your eyebrows, cheeks and across the face. Lift your eyebrows without wrinkling the forehead too much, then squint and then lift them again. Aim to repeat about 50 times.
2. Forehead Lifter
Interlace your fingers over your forehead and apply light pressure while attempting to lift your forehead. Repeat 50 times, and/or hold for up to one minute.
Another way to do this is to place both palms on your temples, push your palms up and back to lift the sides of your face, then hold for five seconds and keep repeating.
3. Cheek Lifter
Open your mouth wide, keep your teeth covering your lips and lift your cheeks. Hold for 10 seconds, then return to normal. Aim to repeat 50 times. (Try not to squint while lifting.)
4. Neck and Jaw Stretch
Tilt your face upward slightly, then lift your chin up and forward at a 45-degree angle and over toward one shoulder, holding there for three seconds. Return back to center, then repeat to the other side. Repeat 20 times on each side, or aim to keep repeating for one or several minutes straight.
Another good way to stretch and strengthen your neck and jaw (only if you have no neck issues) is to tilt your head all the way back and hold, repeating for up to a minute.
5. Pucker Lips
Pucker your lips, loosen them slightly and repeat. Repeat for up to one or several minutes.
6. Smiler
Smile 50 times without wrinkling your eyes, then hold a soft smile for 50 seconds straight.
7. Massage + Face Savasana
Clean your hands and face with a gentle cleanser, then massage your face all over (you may want to use coconut oil to make this easier). Gently press your fingertips into your facial muscles to relieve any strain. Make sure to pay attention to your “third eye” (the space between your brows), massaging for 30 minutes and circling around your eyes. (You may want to try using your fits around your forehead and eyes too.)
Finish with a warm towel laid over your face as you lay down and relax.
Daily practice
Consistency is key when practicing face yoga. Regular daily practice, ideally for 15-20 minutes, is recommended to achieve noticeable results over time. Some individuals may begin seeing improvements within a few weeks, while others may require several months of consistent practice.
Complementary skincare
Face yoga should be complemented by a good skincare routine. Cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen are essential to maintain healthy skin. Additionally, using a facial roller or gua sha tool can help enhance the benefits of face yoga by increasing circulation and aiding lymphatic drainage.
Precautions
It’s important to approach face yoga with caution. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, particularly related to the face or neck, or if you have recently undergone facial cosmetic procedures, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a licensed face yoga instructor before starting a practice.
No quick fixes
Face yoga is not a magic solution for instantly transforming your face. It requires commitment and patience to see results. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that face yoga may not completely eliminate all signs of aging, but it can significantly improve the overall appearance of the face.
Professional guidance
While there are many online resources and videos available, it’s advisable to learn face yoga from a certified instructor or attend classes to ensure proper technique and guidance. They can provide personalized instructions based on your specific needs and goals.
Remember that consistency and regular practice are key components of achieving the best results with face yoga. Like any exercise routine, face yoga requires commitment and patience to see long-term improvements in the appearance and health of your face.
