Face Yoga
Experts Answered Yes! Does Face Yoga Work? | Luvly
Written by Meena Azzollini.Updated at 07 Aug 2024
Recently, the popularity of face yoga has been growing. Nearly three in ten respondents of the 16000 Americans surveyed for the annual MINDBODY Wellness Index in 2021 reported having an interest in face yoga or were already practicing face workouts to tone their face muscles.
Plenty of studies validate the many benefits of yoga for the mind and body. But what about face yoga? Does facial yoga work? Is face yoga real?
In this article, we will discuss these valid questions and show you how face yoga works. Do Facial Exercises Work? Studies say “yes”
In this 2018 study published in JAMA Dermatology, a group of 40 to 65-year-old women performed facial exercises for 30 minutes a day for eight weeks and then every other day for the next 12 weeks.
Abovementioned research, done by dermatologists from Northwestern University involved 32 facial exercises, including The Cheek Lifter and The Happy Cheeks Sculpting.
The study group attended two live, 90-minute muscle-resistant facial exercise training sessions initially with Gary Sikorski, founder of the Happy Face Yoga and an authority on facial toning exercises, who developed the program for this particular study.
The study results showed an improvement in the appearance of the participants, knocking off nearly 3 years from their faces. Upper and lower cheek fullness accompanied the youthful looks of the participants. The women in the study also reported being highly satisfied with the program and the results.While the Northwestern academic study shows the benefits that facial exercises offer, the authors of the study noted that larger studies are needed to confirm these findings, which may then give people a low-cost and non-toxic method of looking younger.
Yet, the Northwestern study is not the only study that has sought to research facial exercises, although it is one that is most cited.
How face yoga works, according to studies
In 2014, a systematic review by Aesthetic Surgery Journal looked at nine studies about the benefits of face yoga and facial exercises for facial rejuvenation. It found out that the results were inconclusive, however, positive outcomes were achieved in all the reviewed studies.
Following their recommendation, team from University of Mississippi Medical Center reviewed seven more studies in 2020.
They've found out, that facial exercises:
- improve the volume around the upper lip, cheek, and jawline
- decrease the appearance of wrinkles
- improve the tone and firmness of the skin.
A 2007 study in 10 men and women in Brazil has shown a significant reduction of the nasolabial folds in the patients. The distance between the nasolabial sulcus and the tragus reduced in one patient for a mean of as much as 4-6 mm. A Japanese study that sought to assess the effect of facial exercises on the mental health of elderly adults reported that facial yoga also improved:
- facial expression
- mental health
- mood of the participants
The exercise program included rhythmic facial movement, muscle stretching, facial yoga, and yogic breathing, practiced for 30 minutes twice a week for 12 weeks. What do experts say about face yoga?
Data from these studies suggest that both facial acupuncture and facial exercises have the potential to improve the skin laxity, wrinkle length, muscle thickness, and pigmentary changes associated with aging. Patients frequently reported improvement and experienced very few side effects. – Non-Traditional and Non-Invasive Approaches in Facial Rejuvenation: A Brief Review by Abigail M. Smith
If muscle underneath becomes bigger, the skin has more stuffing underneath it and the firmer muscle appears to make the shape of the face more full. – Emily Poon, Senior study author of the Northwestern study
The exercises in the study enlarge and strengthen the facial muscles so that the face becomes firmer, more toned and shaped like a younger-looking face. – Dr. Murad Alam, the lead author of the study
Since facial aging is associated with volume loss of fat and muscle mass, facial exercise and face yoga can presumably improve facial skin appearance by inducing underlying muscle growth. – Dr. Deepak Jakhar, author of the "Face yoga: Preventive aesthetic dermatology"
Why Facial Yoga Exercises Work?
Aging is the most common cause of facial changes that include sagging skin, muscle loss, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As you age, your face loses elasticity, and the fat pads that fit together to give shape to your face become thinner, which causes parts of your face to move downwards.
There is still a demand for more studies related to face yoga to provide the conclusive evidence it needs.
But whether it works can be based on the fact that exercise-induced muscular activity stimulates the growth of collagen and elastin, which is often lacking in aging skin.
Exercise is also known to stimulate the growth of muscles, particularly resistance training, which forms the basis of many face yoga exercises.Why Face Yoga May Work
Aging is the most common cause of facial changes that include sagging skin, muscle loss, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As you age, your face loses elasticity, and the fat pads that fit together to give shape to your face become thinner, which causes parts of your face to move downwards.
There is still a demand for more studies related to face yoga to provide the conclusive evidence it needs.
But whether it works can be based on the fact that exercise-induced muscular activity stimulates the growth of collagen and elastin, which is often lacking in aging skin.
Exercise is also known to stimulate the growth of muscles, particularly resistance training, which forms the basis of many face yoga exercises.
The Takeaway
Face yoga can be a wonderful, cost-effective method of improving your appearance and achieving healthy facial skin and muscle tone.
Though the jury is still out on exactly how effective face yoga is and its long-term effects, proponents of face yoga say that facial exercises make a difference. They reinforce the muscles in the face, neck, and scalp, strengthen and tone them, when done correctly.What are the Best Facial Exercises?
Facial exercises, such as cheek lifts, jawline exercises, and forehead smoothers, are effective in rejuvenating and toning the face. These exercises target specific muscles to lift and firm the cheeks, reduce forehead wrinkles, and strengthen the jawline, thereby reducing the appearance of a double chin.
Face yoga for jowls tightening works on toning up face muscles and helps make the area firmer and more defined. Simple routines like smiling widely, tilting the head back, and pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth can yield significant benefits when done consistently.
Additionally, exercises like the eye squeeze, lip pull, and neck lift help in toning the muscles around the eyes, lips, and neck, promoting a youthful appearance.
Techniques such as the puffer fish press, smile smoother, and temple lift improve blood circulation and muscle strength, contributing to overall facial rejuvenation. By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you can achieve a firmer, more toned facial structure and a naturally vibrant look.
Facial Exercises: Before and After
See our users' results here.Do Jaw Exercises Really Work?
Yes, jaw exercises in face yoga can be effective when practiced consistently. These exercises target the muscles around the jawline, chin, and neck, helping to tone and define these areas. By strengthening these muscles, jaw exercises can reduce sagging, improve the contour of the jawline, and help minimize the appearance of a double chin. Additionally, regular jaw exercises can improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, which can contribute to a more youthful and sculpted appearance.
However, it's important to manage expectations and understand that results can vary based on individual factors such as skin elasticity, age, and overall lifestyle. While face yoga can provide noticeable improvements, combining these exercises with a healthy diet, proper hydration, and a consistent skincare routine will enhance and sustain the benefits. Patience and regular practice are key to seeing and maintaining the results of jaw exercises in face yoga.
Do Face Yoga Results Last?
Face yoga results can last, but maintaining them requires consistency and commitment. Just like any exercise routine, the benefits of face yoga are most evident when practiced regularly over time. Performing these exercises consistently helps to tone and strengthen facial muscles, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall skin elasticity. However, if the exercises are stopped, the muscles may gradually lose their tone, and the benefits may diminish.
To achieve more lasting effects, it’s important to incorporate a holistic approach. This includes maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins, staying well-hydrated, and using good skincare products that support skin health.
Additionally, combining face yoga with other facial treatments such as regular massages, proper sun protection, and possibly professional treatments can enhance and prolong the results. Consistency, along with a comprehensive skincare routine, is key to sustaining the youthful benefits of face yoga over the long term.
Can a Face Yoga App Replace the Offline Class?
Let’s be honest: it’s hardly possible to match the effectiveness of a one-to-one expert-guided class with an online routine (which is equally true for traditional fitness or yoga). However, most face yoga exercises are really straightforward and easy to master, especially with video instructions and detailed explanations from the experts.
What makes an app even more attractive is affordability (a few dollars a month vs tens of dollars per class) and accessibility (you can follow your routine on vacation, in the plane, at 5 a.m. - no restrictions here).
App markets are flooded by face care apps, so take time to make a conscious, informed choice that fits your needs. Check the Luvly app rating, read the user reviews, and just try it firsthand - eventually, it’s you who will decide if it works or not.The Takeaway
Face yoga can be a wonderful, cost-effective method of improving your appearance and achieving healthy facial skin and muscle tone.
Though the jury is still out on exactly how effective face yoga is and its long-term effects, proponents of face yoga say that facial exercises make a difference. They reinforce the muscles in the face, neck, and scalp, strengthen and tone them, when done correctly.
FAQ
Does Luvly work?
We bet it does! There’s nothing magical or metaphysical about it - pure physiology, exercises designed by professionals, caring support, and complementary activities. It’s designed to work! Your efforts determine how quick and prominent the effect will be.
What are the disadvantages of face yoga?
Most of the disadvantages associated with face yoga originate from overdoing, incorrect technique, and inconsistency. To mitigate them, it's important to learn the correct techniques, start slowly, and be persistent without overdoing it. Consulting with a professional or following a structured face yoga program can also help ensure that you perform the exercises safely and effectively.
Does face yoga improve jawline?
Face yoga exercises can help tone and strengthen the muscles around the jaw, chin, and neck by targeting these areas. Regular practice of specific jawline exercises can reduce sagging, enhance muscle definition, and potentially minimize the appearance of a double chin.
How long does it take to see results from face yoga?
Results from face yoga can vary, but initial improvements in skin texture and reduced puffiness can be seen within 1 to 2 weeks of regular practice. More noticeable changes in muscle tone and facial contour typically appear after 4 to 6 weeks, with significant and lasting results, such as reduced wrinkles and lifted cheeks, generally taking about 3 to 4 months of consistent practice. To maintain these benefits, it’s important to practice face yoga at least 5 times a week, ensure proper technique, and complement the exercises with a healthy lifestyle.
