Work those face muscles

Experts always emphasise the importance of regular physical exercise. But what about other parts of your body which may also need toning and uplifting?

When it comes to our face and having smooth, tight facial skin, we usually do not think beyond measures like facial creams and serums. For extreme measures, we think of surgery, fillers or Botox. 

But even without using expensive products or going under the knife, it may be possible to tighten your face and neck skin with facial exercises, although it lacks scientific study which can prove that these can be solid alternatives to chemicals or surgery.    

Facial yoga or facial exercises have been the new skincare trend for the last few years. Not only are they supposed to reduce lines and wrinkles, these exercises are supposed to reduce under eye puffiness and swelling as well. 

These exercises may improve blood circulation and help to release any tension on the face and neck as well. It can also benefit the skin on the neck and help it become firmer. 

Here are some exercises you can try on your own.

Smoothing the brows and the under eye area

Place your fingers on your brows and under the eyes. Apply soft pressure and try to slightly lift the brows. Repeat a few times but be mindful about not pushing too hard. 

This exercise may help reduce wrinkles and under eye puffiness.

The smile soother

Make an 'O' shape with your mouth, hiding your teeth, and push back your cheeks with the palm of your hands. Repeat six times. This exercise may help to tone your skin and reduce wrinkles.

The cheekbone lift

This exercise may help you lift your cheekbones. Place your fingers on your cheeks, lightly lift the skin and gently smile with your mouth. Hold for five seconds and then release.

Other exercises include closing your eyes and cupping the upper part of the head with both hands and gently pulling the forehead skin back. You can also try placing three fingers by folding the thumb and little finger on your eyebrows and pulling them up.  

It would be wise to start slow and consult a dermatologist or at least watch some videos to know the proper techniques of facial exercises. 

Also, before starting, it would be better to put on a bit of cream, serum, or oil so that the fingers can glide easily. Dry skin is also more prone to damages. 

If you are worried about reducing chin fat, or want to have sculpted cheeks or a more prominent jawline, the current Ovid-19 lockdown is a good time to work on defining your facial structures. 

As with any exercise, you have to be patient to see results. It will take three to four weeks before you would notice any change.

If you are not sure about starting these exercises, you could also do simple neck stretches like the ones we usually do during warm-ups, such as gently rocking your head from side to side, bringing your chin to the neck and pulling up, etc.