Whether we are in our 20s, 30s or 40s, all of us want a clear, radiant and youthful skin. So, we do all we can – from using facial scrubs and face masks to applying a hundred products hailed by celebrities and influencers. Lately, face yoga has become the talk of the town. Various celebrities, influencers and dermatologists have been hailing it for its benefits.
But when it comes to science, the research is conflicted. While face yoga may provide modest benefits, even these benefits take a while and a lot of work to become apparent.
Let’s learn more about facial yoga in this blog
How does facial yoga work?
First things first, let’s understand the different layers of our faces. The outermost is the skin itself. Under it are two layers of fat, precisely deep fat and subcutaneous fat, both of which give fullness to the face. Under these layers of fat are the muscles which are quite small.
As we age, our skin pulls downwards and we lose fat from the face, giving a hollow look to our face. In addition, the bones and the skin also become thinner.
This is where facial yoga comes to your rescue by targeting your facial muscles and making them more plump. Please note that facial yoga will not add back the fat but can improve the appearance to give your face a smoother and plump look. It can only tone, lift, and smoothen faces.
How does facial yoga help?
Boost circulation
Facial yoga improves blood circulation. It involves a series of gentle taps. You can begin by keeping your fingertips on the forehead and tapping the skin gently. Continue to do so on other regions of the face until you reach the jaw. Continue for 5-6 minutes.
Decrease jowls
The term ‘jowls’ is used to describe sagging and loose skin just below the jawline. You can do face yoga to reduce the appearance of jowls and make the region firm. Here’s an exercise that can help. Form a fist and place it on the outside of your jaw. Turn your head toward your fist for a good stretch in the neck. Press your jaw into the fist gently. Hold it for 30 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side.
Reduce eye strain
Do you have a 9 to 5 job that causes great strain on your eyes? If yes, facial yoga can be of help. Do the following exercise, while ensuring you are gentle. Place your fingertip on the inner corner of your eyes and then press down. Hold it for about 30 seconds. Following this, you must move your finger in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. Repeat this in the opposite direction.
Relax your face
Stress can manifest on your face. But there are exercises that can ease the tension and relax your facial muscles.
Just place your hands on your knees while you sit on a chair. Inhale through your nose and open your mouth sticking out the tongue. Try to stretch the tongue towards your chin. Relax your face and repeat the same 5-7 times.
Smoothened brows
Smoothened brows give a clean and clear appearance to your face. This exercise helps smoothen brows by targeting the large muscles at the centre of the forehead. To begin with the same, place your fingers on the frontalis muscle in an inward direction. Apply gentle pressure on the skin while slowly moving your fingertips towards the temples. Release and continue the same movement for 30 seconds.
Closing thoughts
Facial yoga does help but if you are expecting a complete transformation, it’s not possible. Facial yoga may slim your face, give it a plum look and reduce wrinkles, depending on the exercise. It can provide these benefits by boosting circulation, relaxing facial muscles and reducing eye strain. It is indeed better and has the upper hand as compared to other cosmetic procedures when it comes to the risks. However, you must know that facial yoga may not give long-lasting or significant, noticeable results. Keep your expectations realistic before you proceed with face yoga.
