Face Yoga Really Works for Firmer, Toned Skin
Face yoga feels good, it’s free, and it works to make your skin look better: In a 2018 study, a small group of women ages forty to sixty-five practiced thirty minutes of face yoga every day for eight weeks, then every other day for twelve weeks. At the end of the study, they looked about three years younger according to a panel of dermatologists. When we met Soheila Ghassemi, an LA face yoga instructor and aesthetician with Dr. Barbara Sturm, for a facial earlier this year, her supple, radiant skin made us want to try the yoga along with the undeniably appealing array of serums and creams. “We have forty-three muscles in our face,” says Ghassemi. “A few easy moves can release tension, increase blood flow, and help firm skin.”
Face yoga is a long game, but the results increase over time, Ghassemi says: “Everyday commitment is crucial.” She also says it’s great for parts of the face and the neck, in particular, that are harder to address with medical treatments.
These are five of Ghassemi’s favorite easy stretches. “A few minutes in the morning or evening is all it takes,” she says. “Focusing on your breath maximizes results, and relaxing the face, neck, and shoulders is also key. And make sure your skin’s super hydrated beforehand.”
Moisturize and Warm Up Your Skin
“Layering on extra moisturizer before face yoga works in a couple of beneficial ways,” says Ghassemi. “It keeps skin supple while you’re stretching, and it also helps your products penetrate a little deeper. Start with a lightweight serum, then pat on eye cream, followed by a thin layer of face cream. Now you’re ready for your warm-up: Using both hands and with medium pressure, start by tapping your fingertips from forehead to the neck, making sure you cover the entire face. Do this once. Next stretch your head and neck forward and back. Then stretch the mouth by opening wide, then closing it three times. This helps to relax all the facial muscles.”
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1
Forehead Wrinkles
“This move relaxes the frontalis muscle and removes tension in the forehead: Make a fist with both hands and place them in the center of the forehead. Apply firm pressure and slide fists to the sides. Repeat four times.”
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2
“Eleven” Lines
“This move relaxes the procerus and corrugator supercilii muscle, reducing tension that causes ‘eleven’ lines between the eyebrows: Place index and middle finger at the innermost corner of the eyebrows. Apply firm pressure, then begin to spread fingers slightly apart horizontally. Take a deep breath in and slowly frown while breathing out for a count of five. Feel the resistance of the muscles underneath your fingertips. The key for this pose is not to try too hard. Make sure your forehead is relaxed.”
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3
Crow’s-Feet
“This move works the outer corners and lower section of orbicularis oculi and addresses the fine lines around the eyes: Place the middle and index finger just above the temples, close to the hairline, and pull up. Feel the stretch. Without moving the forehead, squint for five seconds and relax. Repeat three times.”
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4
Laugh Lines (Nasolabial Folds)
“This move works the zygomaticus major and minor, smoothing the nasolabial fold lines: Place both palms on the temples and pull upward. Make an O shape with your mouth, then stretch your face long at the same time. Press the upper mouth firmly against the teeth. Hold this pose for five seconds and relax. Repeat three times. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed, and keep breathing.”
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5
Neck and Jawline
“This move works the platysma and sternocleidomastoid muscles to help tighten up the neck and jawline: Turn your chin to the upper right side at a forty-five-degree angle. Pucker your mouth as if you were going to kiss someone. Hold for five seconds and relax. Repeat three times. Then do the same move on the left side.”
Cooldown
“Using both hands, tap your fingertips from the top of your head all the way down to the neck. Repeat three times. This helps to relax all the facial muscles.”
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of goop.
