Facial yoga stimulates the muscles of the face, many of which become numb and weak as we age. By strengthening your muscles and engaging them in resistance training, you can help your body increase skin circulation by allowing it to regenerate skin cells and become firmer, counteracting the visible signs of aging.
Now that you understand how face yoga works, here are some quick and easy exercises you can add to your morning routine to start achieving that youthful definition.
1. Softer forehead
This exercise uses acupressure to release tension at key points on the forehead. With consistent practice, this relaxing motion will help prevent wrinkles and smooth out stubborn lines on your forehead.
Steps:
- Make two fists and place them on the forehead.
- Apply pressure with the joints of the middle and index fingers.
- Maintain pressure as you slowly slide the handles to the sides.
- Finish at the temples by gently applying more pressure.
- Repeat four times.
2. Jaw stretch
By tightening your jawline with this neck-tightening exercise, you can prevent fine lines, trim any unwanted fat in your jawline, and stabilize a selfie’s biggest enemy: the double chin.
Steps:
- Purse your lips to the side until you feel a stretch in your cheek.
- Turn your head to this side and raise it to a 45-degree angle.
- Hold for 3 seconds to feel the stretch in your neck.
- Repeat once and then switch to the other side.
3. Manual facelift
While smiling a lot is a good thing, it can also leave you with fine lines. This general exercise helps smooth nasolabial folds (smile lines) and promotes circulation to the face for a youthful, healthy appearance.
An alternative to Yoga facial fillers, medium lifts
Steps:
- Put both hands on your temples.
- Push your palms up and back to lift the sides of your face.
- Make an “O” shape with your mouth and drop your chin.
- Hold for 5 seconds and repeat two more times.
4. Cheek filler
Round cheeks are a hallmark of a young and “childish” face. Lift your cheek muscles and push against your skin’s natural gravity to give them a fuller, fuller appearance.
Steps:
- He closes his lips tightly.
- Suck on your cheeks, forming “fish lips” with your mouth.
- Hold this position for up to 10 seconds.
- Repeat 5 times.
5. Temple elevation
Drooping eyelids are another common sign of aging. By lifting your temples regularly, you can help smooth sagging skin and folds near your eyes.
Steps:
- Raise one arm above your head, placing your fingertips at your temples.
- Place your ring finger on the corner of your eyebrow.
- Press down to lift, and then lower your head toward your shoulder.
- Hold this pose for a few seconds.
- Repeat on the other side.
6. Full face
This advanced yoga exercise effectively engages the entire face. It has the effect of toning, defining and activating the cheeks and lower regions of the face. As you stretch, you should feel a slight burn at the corners of your mouth and cheeks, the kind of burn that comes from a good workout.
Steps:
- Make an “O” with your mouth and fold your lips over your teeth.
- Smile with the corners of your mouth.
- Put your fingers on your cheeks and apply firm pressure.
- Close your eyes and move your chin away from your face.
- Hold for 20 seconds and repeat three times.
7. Firmer eye
By “stretching” your eyes and applying pressure to the surrounding areas, you can help fill in the lines that come from the dreaded crow’s feet. This exercise can also wake you up in the morning by softening eye bags and soothing puffy eyes.
Steps:
- Form a “V” with your fingers and place them on your eyebrows.
- Apply pressure and, without tilting your head, look up at the ceiling.
- Raise your lower lids to form a wink.
- Relax and repeat six more times.
- Finish closing your eyes for 10 seconds.
8. Giraffe neck
Because the surrounding skin is thinner, the neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Daily stretching of the platysma muscle in the neck can help firm up the natural tension in the joint and even smooth out the jawline and mouth area.
Steps:
- Place the fingertips on the collarbone.
- Tilt your head back and purse your lips tightly.
- When the head is tilted back, project the lower lip and place the fingers on the collarbone.
- Bring your head closer to your chest and repeat two more times.
- Hold for four deep breaths.
Does Face Yoga really work to fight aging?
There is evidence that facial yoga can work to fight aging. A Northwestern Medicine study showed that a 30-minute daily facial exercise, done for more than 20 weeks, could make middle-aged women look three years younger. Participants reported measurable, fuller cheeks and firmer skin.
But like any form of exercise, you need to commit to the regiment to effectively strengthen these muscles. For best results at home, experts suggest doing face yoga up to six days a week for about 30 minutes a day.
Because it requires no equipment, face yoga is a simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive way to achieve skin-improving results. To complement your anti-aging exercises, select a perfume or cologne that can give you a fresh, radiant and youthful aura.
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