You already go to the gym to lift and tone the muscles in your body. So why wouldn't you do the same for your face? 

Our facial muscles don't usually receive the same level of attention as the rest of our bodies, but face yoga is a new trend sweeping across the wellness world that's changing everything.

 

What is facial yoga, and does it really work?

Face yoga lifts and tones your skin through exercises that improve blood flow, strengthen your muscles, and release facial tension, according to Face Yoga Method.

When you consider that your face has almost 20 muscles—all of which are constantly expressing and emoting—exercising your face makes sense. By intentionally moving these muscles, stimulating blood flow, and promoting the production of collagen, facial yoga can help you maintain a glowing, toned appearance. 

It's like savasana for your skin. 

While more research is needed, mounting evidence indicates that face yoga can make you look younger and enhance your overall well-being. Some reports also suggest that face yoga made it easier for people to relax and fall asleep at night. 

Ready to hop on this trend? Keep reading to learn what is face yoga and how to get started. 

 

 

 

Facial yoga benefits 

If you're looking to improve your skin's appearance—without expensive creams or plastic surgery—face yoga has many potential benefits, including: 

• Minimizing the appearance of stress lines and wrinkles by releasing tension from the face 
• Widening eyes, tightening your jawline and lifting cheekbones by strengthening facial muscles
• Reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes on your face
• Smoothing out lines and wrinkles, like crow's feet, frown lines, and tear troughs
• Restoring a radiant glow to your skin by promoting circulation and blood flow
• Promoting mental health by combining deep breathing, muscle stretching, and mindfulness 

While most changes are subtle, many credit face yoga to chiseling their cheekbones, lifting their jaw, and lightening dark circles. Others say it's helped clear their complexion, reduce dark spots, or firm up the neck. 

 

 

Is facial yoga good for wrinkles?

Facial yoga can potentially reduce wrinkles' appearance by lengthening and strengthening facial muscles, promoting circulation, and reducing inflammation. 

 

 

Want to know what facial exercises work?

Here are some to help you get started: 

 

Crow's feet

1. Put your index fingers on the cheeks beneath your eyes.
2. Move your fingers to your temples and stop when you get to the outside of your eye.
3. Pull your skin and then squint for five seconds in an upward direction.
4. Do this five times.

 

Lip lines

Squeeze your lips together (like you're about to kiss) and then release. Repeat this for up to one minute. 

 

  

Cheek sculpt

1. Open your mouth nice and wide while covering your teeth and raising your lips.
2. Stay in this position for 10 seconds, and then release.
3. Repeat 50 times.

 

Under eyes

1. Create a "C" shape with your hand.
2. Place your index finger above your brow and your thumb beneath your nose.
3. Press down and sideways, keeping your eyes as wide as you can.
4. Hold for five seconds, squint your eyes five times, and then close your eyes to let them relax.
5. Repeat twice on both sides of your face.

Each set should take around 30 seconds. Over time, these exercises should help reduce puffiness under your eyes.  

 

Neck and jaw

1. Relax your shoulders down. 
2. Move your chin to your left and hold at a 45-degree angle. 
3. Pucker your lips and hold for 10 seconds while taking deep, cleansing breaths. 

Release and then repeat this sequence on the right. Do this twice on each side for up to 30 seconds. 

 

 

How often should I do facial yoga?

We recommend practicing face yoga twice daily—once to wake your muscles up in the morning and once before bed to release the tension from your day. Even if you do five minutes of face yoga, being intentional about your practice can improve your skin's appearance and overall health.  

 

  

Does facial yoga have side effects?

While face yoga is promising, there are some risks to consider. Doing the exercises incorrectly—or doing them too often—could potentially lead to more fine lines and wrinkles. Excessive face yoga could also end up loosening skin and reducing its elasticity. 

 

 

A few minutes of facial yoga daily is a fantastic way to rest, reset, and give yourself some TLC

Face yoga can restore your skin's youthful, radiant glow, but this practice goes more than skin deep. By promoting relaxation and deep breathing, these exercises can help you stay present, practice mindful awareness, and look and feel your best. 

Now that you know what facial exercises work, add a few to your next pampering session, and let us know how it goes! 

Like what you read? Sign up for our newsletter to get holistic living, beauty, and wellness tips sent straight to your inbox!