Does Face Yoga Work? Understanding the Before and After Results

Understanding Face Yoga and Its Purported Benefits

In recent years, face yoga has emerged as a popular natural anti-aging technique. By performing targeted facial exercises, face yoga aims to tone muscles, improve skin quality, and combat issues like wrinkles. But does it really live up to the hype?

Proponents claim you can exercise your way to a fresh, youthful visage. Skeptics argue moving your face cant possibly smooth lines or lift sagging bits. So what does the science say about face yoga before and after regular practice?

How Does Face Yoga Work?

Face yoga works by using your hands and facial muscles to perform various exercises. Repetitive motions strengthen and tone all 57 muscles in the face and neck. This leads to visible changes like:

• Firmer skin
• Brighter complexion
• Reduced eye bags/puffiness
• Lifted jowls/cheeks
• Fewer wrinkles

Key Benefits of a Face Yoga Routine

A regular face yoga practice promises to deliver the following anti-aging perks:

Tones Facial Muscles

Like the body, the face contains many tiny muscles that sag, droop and weaken over time. Face yoga tones these muscles for a visibly slimmer, more taut and contoured appearance.

Increases Collagen Production

Collagen provides the support structure for youthful skin. Face yoga boosts collagen levels which helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles from the inside out.

Improves Blood Flow

Nutrient-rich blood flowing to your facial tissues promotes a healthy, radiant facial glow. Face yoga actions deliver freshly oxygenated blood for brighter, clearer skin.

Reduces Puffiness

Gentle lymph draining motions help stimulate circulation to decrease puffy eyes, under-eye circles, double chins and facial bloat.

Prevents New Signs of Aging

Consistent face exercise can keep your complexion looking youthful and delay the formation of fine lines and wrinkles associated with repetitive motions and expressions.

What Does the Research Say?

Despite plenty of anecdotal praise for face yoga, theres limited scientific evidence on its effectiveness. Small studies show potential benefits but more research is still needed.

Short-Term Improvements

A 2020 literature review found facial exercise programs led to modest improvements in facial muscle thickness, fat volume and firmer skin after 8 to 20 weeks.

Versus Anti-Aging Creams

A 2018 study had middle-aged women perform a 20-minute face yoga routine or apply a wrinkle cream twice daily for 8 weeks. The face yoga group showed significant facial skin improvements comparable to the cream.

Longer-Term Effects

A 2021 study followed over 100 middle-aged women practicing face yoga exercises for 20 weeks. At the end, 90% had visibly firmer skin and improved facial contouring that continued 6 months later.

Choosing a Face Yoga Routine

You can create your own customized face yoga program or follow an established regimen. Options include:

YouTube Videos

Search free YouTube face yoga workouts for 10-30 minute sequences focused on areas like eyes, jawline or full face. Great for beginners.

Online Programs

More formal paid programs like Face Yoga Method offer multiple progressive workout levels plus tutorials to ensure proper technique.

Apps

Face yoga apps like Face Yoga - Facial Exercises let you build routines and track progress. Some sync with wearable devices to monitor heart rate.

Books

Best-selling books like The Face Yoga Method by Danielle Collins offer step-by-step face exercise guides you can practice anywhere.

5 Face Yoga Exercises to Try

Ready to attempt face yoga? Start with these 5 beginner friendly exercises performed daily.

1. Forehead Smoother

Place all fingers on forehead, smoothing outer edges up toward hairline. Repeat 6 times. Targets forehead lines.

2. Cheek Lifter

Place index fingers high on cheekbones below eyes, lifting up gently. Open mouth wide. Hold for 20 seconds, 6 reps. Firms sagging cheeks.

3. Upper Lip Pull

Place index fingers below nostrils, above upper lip line. Stretch lip upward toward nose. Hold 20 seconds, repeat 6 times. Targets nasal folds.

4. Chin Sculpt

Form OK sign with thumb/forefinger. Place under chin, pushing skin upward. Turn head side to side 6 times. Defines jawline.

5. Neck Tightener

Drop chin to chest. Turn head slowly ear to shoulder 6 times each side. Lengthens neck skin.

Results May Require Patience

Daily practice is key to achieving noticeable face yoga transformations. Consistency over several weeks or months will condition facial muscles and build collagen for cumulative improvements.

Avoid overdoing new motions, pulling too aggressively or holding breaths as this could strain delicate facial tissues. Ease in gradually and be patient during your first 4 to 6 weeks practicing.

Should You Try Face Yoga?

Early research indicates face yogas potential for nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. Though unlikely to rival cosmetic procedures, a regular routine may enhance skin tone, elasticity and definition.

Benefits seem to increase with longer practice time as you train facial muscles. Its a simple, no cost, low risk approach possibly worth attempting.

Pay attention to before and after selfies to gauge improvements. Combine with other skin nourishing habits like proper hydration, nutritious eating and sun protection for maximum anti-aging effects.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.