We have all heard of yoga and the benefits of regular practice on our mind, body and general wellbeing. But have you heard of Face Yoga?
While traditional yoga has long been celebrated for its transformative effects on the body and mind, Face Yoga offers a fresh perspective by concentrating on the intricate network of 43 facial muscles. This gentle exercise, performed with and without the fingers, is designed to tone, stretch, and invigorate these muscles, promoting more supple, plumper, and fresher-looking skin.
What are the benefits of face yoga?
'Face yoga could help to counteract sagging caused by atrophy, lack of exercise or simply from the ageing process.'
For those looking to enhance their skin's natural beauty as they age, Face Yoga could be a game changer, offering a natural alternative to cosmetic procedures. Beyond its skin benefits, Face Yoga also helps combat the stresses of modern, busy lifestyles by boosting circulation and blood flow. This gentle practice alleviates the tension and strain your facial muscles endure, especially during stressful times.
How to do Face Yoga
So, how does it work? Face yoga targets the face muscles in the way that you would the muscles of the rest of your body - sculpting and firming - with the aim of lifting and plumping. The focus should be on lifting and expanding, using the fingers or contorting the neck, mouth and head to work the muscles. Akin to traditional fitness routines, regular sessions done over weeks are said to yield the best results.
Does Face Yoga actually work?
One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to Face Yoga includes: Does face yoga get rid of a double chin? Or does face yoga help jawline slimming or improve a person’s facial profile? Danielle Collins, an auther and trainer (known as 'The Face Yoga Expert') says Face Yoga can help to tone the lower face: “I talk a lot about how connected everything is in the face and body – your posture affects your neck, which affects your jaw, which affects your lower face, and so on. One of the things we try to do in Face Yoga is understand those connections and use them to release tension, reduce puffiness, and lift and tone the face. A classic example is your tongue. You probably don’t focus much on your tongue when you are thinking about skincare or facial exercises. But in fact, working with the tongue is amazing for exercising the lower face. As we strengthen the tongue, it helps with breathing and posture. It also helps the lower face look and feel more toned.”
Is face yoga safe for sensitive or problem skin?
It may sound like the perfect addition to your daily routine, but Face Yoga may not be for everyone. In a recent interview, Sofie Pavitt, a New York-based skincare expert and licensed aesthetician stated; ‘If somebody is dealing with cystic acne, hormonal breakouts, redness, rosacea or sensitivity, something like face yoga can exacerbate these skin conditions.’
Despite this, Face Yoga has inspired a global fan base, many of whom say the exercises have toned and lifted their features, softened fine lines, and even reduced facial asymmetry. With cosmetic surgery treatments currently trending across social media, Face Yoga could be a safer alternative for those who want to give their face a rejuvenating lift without surgery. For some, the path to radiant beauty could lie right at their fingertips.
*We would recommend that you seek advice before starting Face Yoga, particularly if you have sensitive or problem skin.
Are you a practitioner of Face Yoga? You might like some of our organic, toxin-free, calming face oils and serums below:
