There’s no denying that some high-end skincare products and treatments are effective at reducing signs of ageing on the skin, but there are other options.
One of which is a daily exercise routine that targets the muscles on the face to tighten and lift the complexion, according to Karin, founder and lead instructor of Glowinface Face Yoga programmes.
Speaking previously to Express.co.uk, she explained how face yoga “helps to erase wrinkles and sagging skin”, and is easy to build into a routine with just three simple exercises.
There’s no special equipment required, just a spare 10 minutes to activate the 57 muscles on the face, which according to Karin, account for 60 percent of one’s face structure.
While people of any age can try it, this form of yoga is particularly effective on aged skin that has started to sag under the influence of gravity.
Karin claimed: “The most visible issues during the ageing process are the wrinkles, sagging skin, dryness and dull complexion.
“The point of face exercises is to activate the muscles with the right moves and in this way improve blood flow to every cell and improve lymphatic drainage.
“In this way, face exercises help speed the regeneration process, boost skin’s collagen and elastin and most importantly – release tension and strengthen your facial muscles – no other technique (massage, cupping, gua-sha) can do that.”
But before giving it a go the expert issues a stark warning to women, urging them to ensure they use a mirror to do the movements correctly, or risk creating more wrinkles.
How to do facial yoga
Karin’s three main exercises are known as “Cat Eyes”, “Total Facelift” and “Bye Bye Double Chin”. She said: “Make sure you hold each exercise for 30 seconds and repeat it three times. It will take you less than 10 minutes, and you’ll already feel your face working!”
Cat Eyes
This movement focuses on the upper portion of the face to target wrinkles around the eyes, lift the eyelids and eliminate puffiness under the eyes.
- Place the palm ends on your temples and embrace the head with your fingers
- Check in the mirror to ensure the palm ends cover the end of the eyebrows
- Press into the muscle with the palms first, then press backwards and up
- Close and squint your eyes intensely until you feel your muscles below working
- Your neck, shoulders and other facial muscles should be relaxed
Total Facelift
This movement tones all 57 muscles on the face and neck and is best done in the morning to boost energy levels and clear the mind.
- Make a long and narrow O with your mouth, then hold for a few seconds
- Pull your upper and lower lip inwards over your teeth firmly and hold it
- Hold the chin with your finger to keep your O long and narrow
- Lift your cheeks from the corners of your mouth like you would like to smile
- To avoid creating eye wrinkles while doing this, place your fingers on the temples, then press into the muscles and up
Bye Bye Double Chin
Karin said: “Facial exercise Bye Bye Double chin firms and tones the muscle groups in, around and under the chin which helps to raise the sagging cheeks and strengthen the entire jaw”.
1. Smile, open your mouth and make an “aaaa” sound.
2. Put your lower lip and corners over your lower teeth and press them inward
3. Start pushing your jaw outwards – as far as it goes and try to lift the cheeks
4. For this to work, you must feel the resistance between your cheeks pulling up and your jaw pushing out
5. When your jawbone can’t get any further, cover the area around the mouth with two fingers on both sides to prevent wrinkles and hold
