Many individuals are now having a more positive attitude towards the ageing process. Anti-aging treatments and practices aim to slow or reverse natural skin ageing, while pro-aging is a more balanced approach. It's about making little tweaks and modifying our behaviours as we get older to maintain our skin looking its best.
While there are several methods for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness, face yoga is a simple, free, and portable option.
The practice of face yoga is not only a relaxing skincare ritual, but it contributes to a smoother and more firm-looking complexion. Discover the advantages of face yoga and how to perform it yourself.
What is Face Yoga?
Face yoga is a technique for engaging the muscles in your face, providing both physical and emotional advantages. According to Shrankhla Holecek, an Ayurvedic specialist and creator of UMA Oils, this technique involves mindful muscle movement for both physical and emotional benefits.
Taylor Worden, a celebrity esthetician and creator of Taylor Worden Skin, defines face yoga as a sequence of massages that tone and train facial muscles. "It's great for anyone, especially for those that are scared of Botox and fillers."
Holecek suggests that these exercises, based on ancient yogic teachings, might enhance both physical and mental health. "Within Ayurveda, yoga is a practice that is not only about keeping the physical body in shape but is a core way of strengthening one's connection within self and the environment one lives in," she said.
What Are the Benefits of Facial Yoga?
Current research on the advantages of face yoga is limited, and further scientific studies are required to demonstrate the long-term impacts. However, according to Holecek, doing face yoga may improve the flexibility and tone of your face. "The most immediate benefits of face yoga will be in the appearance of a more firmed visage, greater skin clarity, and an overall more rested appearance," she said.
More Sculpted Look
Massaging the face stimulates the skin and muscles, which may assist improve circulation, ease stress, reduce puffiness, and tighten the muscles for a more sculpted appearance, according to Worden.
A smoother complexion.
According to Holecek, improved circulation promotes collagen formation, which is responsible for the plump, young appearance of the skin. Facial yoga may improve skin texture, firmness, and overall appearance.
A convenient practice.
Face yoga is not only physically beneficial, but also convenient. Unlike other spa facials or intense anti-aging skincare routines, you may practise facial yoga anywhere and at any time since the only instruments necessary are your hands. It also helps to enhance presence and provides a moment of self-care while delivering the messages.
How To Practice Face Yoga
To get the maximum advantages, you must maintain consistency in your practice. "You have to do this six days a week for 20 to 30 minutes to see results," said Worden. The good news is that you can do it anywhere, at any time.
If you're not sure what kind of workouts to undertake, YouTube videos and apps make it simple to follow along. The Face Yoga app provides personalised routines depending on skin type and concerns. Holecek also recommends rubbing your face and doing whatever feels comfortable.
"There are few wrong ways to do face yoga," she goes on to remark. "You can start just by following your intuition and working on parts of your face that seem like they need more TLC, such as the joint, near your earlobe, and where your upper and lower jaws meet." These are the parts of the face that are often the most tense, so rubbing them in a circular motion with mild but strong pressure will help release the tension right away.
Step 1: Wake Up Your Face.
Extend your tongue and take a few deep breaths. It will feel odd at first, but it is well worth it. This activity helps your whole body become aware, particularly your face muscles, making it an excellent option to begin with.
Step 2: Crease out fine lines.
Spend some time creasing out fine creases on your face, such as the vertical lines between your eyebrows. Push your brows apart with your fingers and thumb, in the opposite direction that they go when you frown or squint. This works best for me when I add a few drops of face oil to the motion.
Step 3: Stretch your eyelids.
Eyelids tend to thicken with age, so a little stretching may help maintain them healthy. Look up and elevate your brows at the same moment. Gently shut your eyes while still gazing up.
Step 4: Smooth out Crows Feet.
To gently stretch out the crow's feet, place your fingertip on the temple and your thumb on top of your cheekbone. This is another activity that goes well with the use of facial oils.
Step 5: Improve Laugh Lines
This is a great one to try in front of a mirror. Suck the insides of your cheeks in, as if you were making a fish face. Hold for a few seconds with your eyes wide open. If your eyes begin to moisten (which should not hurt), blink and exit the stance.
Step 6: Define your Jowls.
Put two fingers on your closed lips to keep air from escaping, and then fill your cheeks with air until they blow up. Hold for a few seconds before releasing with a smooth breath. This will lift everything in your face, avoiding drooping that occurs with age.