Having an asymmetrical face is extremely common where one side of your face will not perfectly mirror the other side. In fact, only 2% of the population has symmetrical faces. While most faces are asymmetrical and appear broadly symmetrical, people seem to prefer and perceive more symmetrical faces as attractive. Evolutionary scientists proposed that symmetrical faces may be indicative of better health of an individual. This may explain why people desire symmetrical faces in their partner as it would prove beneficial to their child to come from good genes. However, recent studies have disputed this theory that facial symmetry is indicative of good health. Interestingly, the attraction to symmetric faces may be related to the way human beings are wired. There is growing evidence humans find symmetrical objects and patterns more attractive and that we find it easier to process symmetrical stimuli, possibly explaining why we are attracted to symmetrical faces. Which brings us to the question: why are faces commonly asymmetrical? There are a few reasons for facial asymmetry, which is barely noticeable to most people. Genetics, sun damage, and aging can contribute to an asymmetrical face. Lifestyle habits like poor posture, smoking, and sleep positions (sleeping on your stomach) can also result in facial asymmetry. Unfortunately having a tooth extracted or using dentures can also change the way your face looks resulting in one side looking slightly different from the other. However, any new, noticeable facial asymmetry can be a sign of a serious health condition like stroke or Bell’s palsy, which needs medical attention. For most people, facial asymmetry is the norm and exists in some form or the other. Suppose you are concerned about certain asymmetrical features of your face. In that case, you can either fix it with painful cosmetic interventions or practice regular facial exercises—a natural alternative to developing a more balanced façade.

How Face Yoga Helps with An Asymmetrical Face

There are 57 interconnected muscles on your face. Weakness in any of these muscles or uneven muscle tone can cause asymmetrical features. Fat deposits, sagging skin and wrinkles can also accentuate facial asymmetry. Face Yoga exercises consist of repetitive movements that target specific muscles of the face and neck, which can help reduce uneven facial features and restore some symmetry. These workouts are like resistance training which tighten and firm up weak muscles and help get rid of fat deposits, resulting in toned muscles. They also correct sagging skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, giving your face a natural facelift and a balanced appearance.

Face Yoga Exercises for Face Symmetry

Face yoga exercises for facial symmetry should be practised on both sides of your face even if one side is stronger. Consistent practice will help build your weaker side so it is as strong as the other side of your face. Here are 5 face yoga exercises you can try to fix asymmetrical facial features.

The Half Wink

This exercise targets the muscles of your upper cheeks and the delicate tissues around the eyes. How to do it:

1. Start by holding half a wink with one eye where you are almost squinting.
2. Use the fingers of both your hands to gently pull the skin above and below your eyes.
3. Hold this position and as you feel the resistance, close your eyes as tightly as you can.
4. Hold for a second and release.
5. Now repeat these actions with the other eye.
6. Repeat 20 times on each eye.

The Cheek Puffer

The exercise is simple and easy to practice. It helps balance uneven cheeks, lips, and nose. How to do it:

1. Take a deep breath and hold the air in your mouth while your cheeks puff up.
2. Move the air from left to right and right to left to tone muscles on both sides of the cheeks. Do this for 20 seconds and release.
3. Repeat the exercise again for another 20 seconds.

Another variation of this exercise:

1. Take a deep breath and hold the air in your mouth while your cheeks puff up.
2. Instead of moving the air, just hold it for 5 seconds with both cheeks puffed up. Release.
3. Repeat 10 more times.

The Face Stretch

With this exercise, you are targeting the muscles of your lower face and bringing it into symmetry. How to do it:

1. Hold your head straight and move your gaze upwards.
2. Tilt your face back following your gaze.
3. Cover your bottom lip with your upper lip.
4. Smile widely, while your face is tilted upwards. This creates resistance around your mouth.
5. Repeat again 20 times.

Cheek Toner

This facial exercise corrects any noticeable imbalance between your cheeks. Make sure you don’t move your head during this workout and keep your head back. How to do it:

1. Place three center fingers of each hand on your upper cheek muscles and press down gently.
2. Use your fingers to pull your cheek muscles gently downwards.
3. At the same time, raise your lips and smile as hard as you can. This creates resistance to the tension placed by your fingers.

The Great Yawn

This exercise helps fix an uneven jawline using the natural mouth movement when you yawn. It helps to open your chin muscles. How to do it:

1. Open your mouth as if you are yawning.
2. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Do not squint your eyes or raise your forehead.
3. Relax and repeat again for 10 seconds.

Tips And Tricks to Make Your Face Look More Symmetrical

One of the quickest ways to fix an asymmetrical appearance is with clever make-up and using contours and highlight techniques. Another technique is to highlight the positive aspects of your face so that it takes away unnecessary attention to any noticeable imbalance. Hairstyles and haircuts that create more balance can also help your face look more symmetrical. What you wear, such as eyeglasses, hair accessories and the style of your clothes also add to the illusion of symmetry. While these are temporary measures, they can help you achieve the appearance of balance, especially during those weeks and months before the results of daily face yoga exercises begin to show.