Facial yoga has gained popularity recently, with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Kate Moss, and Gwyneth Paltrow endorsing it. It involves stretches and exercises to strengthen the facial, neck, and shoulder muscles, similar to full-body yoga.

Supporters claim that facial yoga can reduce tension and stress, as well as tone and lift areas that may have weakened over time. A pilot study in JAMA Dermatology found that participants aged 40-65 who did facial exercises for 30 minutes daily or every other day for 20 weeks saw improvements in cheek fullness and a decrease in apparent age.

Research in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that facial muscle exercises can improve mood and reduce stress. Stretching and massage may also have positive effects on health, possibly even reducing the appearance of scars.

While there is promising evidence, more large-scale trials are needed before facial yoga can be considered a proven anti-aging technique.

4 face yoga exercises to try at home

Consult your healthcare professional before starting facial yoga. If you decide to give it a try, here are some exercises to begin with.

Cheek puff

Purse your lips, puff out your cheeks, and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat for tightening cheek muscles.

Eye rejuvenator

Gently tap under your eyes, moving towards the inner and outer eye corners for lymphatic drainage and reduced dark circles.

Fish face

Purse your lips, suck in your cheeks, and hold for 30 seconds to target the jawline and cheek muscles.

Anti-frown agent

Press and release your fingers along the eyebrows for 5 seconds to prevent frowning.

This article was inspired by a question from Alex Maddox: “Should I do facial yoga?”

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