10 Face Yoga Exercises for Youthful Skin

If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to age like fine wine while others, well, age like milk, I’ve got the answer for you. It’s not just good genes or a miracle cream (though those help); it’s Facial Yoga. Yes, just like how your body needs movement to stay toned, your face has muscles too. And just like your thighs, they sag if you don’t work them out. Here’s where Face Yoga exercises come in—your non-invasive ticket to a natural facelift !

What Exactly is Face Yoga?

Facial yoga is essentially what it means, face yoga. If you will, imagine performing stretches, poses, and exercises with the 43 muscles in the face to ensure there are no loose or wrinkle-formed tissues. The objective is to incorporate aimless movements that enhance the relevant muscles of the face, the blood circulation and relaxation of the tensed muscles. Most facial exercises, in the same manner, that one is focused on their core when prolonged on a plank (do not get me started on the mad amount of pain it inflicts), focus on shaping and toning the cheeks, jaw and forehead regions. While exercising requires complete focus and discipline, one can perform face yoga exercises even indoors, while engaged in other activities such as watching a movie.

The best thing about these beauty-enhancing face muscle conditioning therapies is that it does not rely on chemical enhancements to elevate the skin radiance. No need to put on the lotions or sketchy medicines, use that pretty face with all the muscles you have harboured yet!

Where did Facial Yoga Originate and Why?

Facial yoga was first documented in Ayurveda, an Indian 5,000-year-old system of natural medicine. And in Ayurveda, the balance among the three entities; Body, Mind, and Spirit is maintained with the skin also being considered. Furthermore, As per Ayurvedic concepts, aging should not be confined to the domain of wrinkles, rather it is the overall condition of the largest organ in one's body, the skin. Practicing facial yoga improves blood flow and decompresses muscle tension, which is why it fits adequately into Ayurveda’s primary intent of healing. The history of the face yoga exercises takes also from the physical movements and breathing of yoga – pranayam, which is a technique that involves different yoga postures. L.N. Joshi in one of his research describes pranayam as “a yogic technique where breathing is controlled voluntarily”. In due time, Ayurvedic specialists and yoga instructors recognized an opportunity to incorporate these facial exercises with more traditional ensuring practices designed to combat aging and fatigue.

Vibhuti Arora, in her article “Who Founded Face Yoga” writes that as part of its practice, Traditional Chinese Medicine utilized a particular "Gua Sha" technique wherein it was believed would improve one's blood circulation. It is often said that the ancient inhabitants of Egypt enjoyed luxuries especially in relation to skincare. Such practices included some form of physical workout for the face and manipulation of the face with hands and while using enriched engravings made out of jade and other stones.

While facial yoga became more popular globally in the 21st century, it’s essentially been practiced in different forms for centuries. And as modern skincare leans towards holistic, natural approaches, the popularity of face yoga for jowls and other aging concerns has skyrocketed. Even top models and wellness influencers like Gisele Bündchen and Meghan Markle swear by it.

Benefits of Facial Yoga

I know what you’re thinking right now. “Are a few silly facial expressions enough to help uplift my droopy jawline?” Well, yes! As the name suggests, facial yoga is all about patience. No, it is not a simulated miracle cure nor a temporary solution to enhance appearances, but over time, one will notice an impressive outcome that makes one look fresh, healthy, and most importantly, normal.

Here are some amazing benefits:

1. Tightens Sagging/Saggy Skin: You know those jowls we all dread? Face yoga for jowls is a game-changer. Exercises that target one’s lower face can help lift and firm the skin, reducing the dreaded appearance of sagging.

2. Improved Circulation: As is with any form of exercise, When you get blood flowing to a specific area, it helps oxygenate the skin and leverage fresh nutrients. This gives you that natural, post-yoga glow (without the need for a filter).

3. Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines: When you exercise the muscles around areas like your forehead, mouth, and eyes, you can actually smooth out wrinkles and prevent them from becoming more pronounced.

4. Tension Reliever: We carry an insane amount of stress in our facial muscles. Tension in the jaw, forehead, and even around the eyes can contribute to wrinkles and aging. Face yoga helps release that stress, leaving you looking refreshed.

5. Natural and Non-Invasive: Who needs needles when you have face yoga? This is a completely natural and side-effect-free way to look younger. Unlike artificial methods that can potentially hurt your skin, face yoga is natural and safe.

Key Techniques and Exercises in Facial Yoga

Alright, let’s get to the fun stuff— face yoga exercises you can try right now. These are simple, effective, and the best part? You can do them anywhere! (But maybe avoid trying them out on public transport. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.)

1. The Jawline Juggler:

- Target: Jowls and jawline.

- How: Tilt your head back slightly. Now push your lower jaw forward, feeling the stretch in your chin and neck. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.

- Why: This is your go-to exercise for face yoga for jowls. It tones the muscles around your jawline, reducing that droopy look we all dread.

2. Cheeky Lift:

- Target: Cheeks and nasolabial folds.

- How: Smile as wide as you can (I know, it sounds ridiculous), but keep your lips closed. Place your fingers on your cheekbones and gently push up as you resist with your cheeks. Hold for 10 seconds, repeat 10 times.

- Why: It’s like a mini facelift for your cheeks!

3. Forehead Smoothie:

- Target: Forehead lines.

- How: Place your hands on your head, with your fingers spread. Now raise your eyebrows while pressing down with your fingers to resist the movement. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat.

- Why: This is perfect for smoothing out those pesky forehead lines and preventing new ones from forming.

4. The Lion's Roar:

- Target: Whole face, especially stress relief.

- How: Take a deep breath in, then open your mouth wide, stick your tongue out, and exhale loudly like you're roaring. (This one is fun, I promise!)

- Why: It releases tension from the entire face and stretches muscles you didn’t even know you had.

5. Eye-opener/mini v:

- Target: Crow's feet and eye bags.

- How: Place your index fingers in the shape of a V on both the corners of your eyes. Gently pull the skin taut, then squint your eyes. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat.

- Why: This helps to lift and firm the skin around the eyes, reducing puffiness and fine lines.

6. The Puffer Fish:

- Target: Cheeks and smile lines.

- How: Puff your cheeks out with air and hold. Now, gently transfer the air from one cheek lining to another. Do this for 10 seconds, then release.

- Why: It’s a fun way to tone and firm your cheek muscles, preventing sagging.

7. Neck Lift:

- Target: Neck and jawline.

- How: Tilt your head back and pucker your lips like you're trying to kiss the ceiling. Hold for 10 seconds and relax. Repeat.

- Why: It’s like a facelift for your neck!

8. Sculptor’s Jaw:

- Target: Jawline and double chin.

- How: Turn your head to one side and push your jaw forward. You’ll feel the stretch along your jawline and neck. Hold for 5 seconds, then switch sides.

- Why: This is excellent for reducing a double chin and defining your jawline.

9. Brow Lifter:

- Target: Brows and forehead.

- How: Using your index fingers, press down just above your eyebrows. Try to raise your brows against the pressure. Hold for 10 seconds, relax, and repeat

- Why: This tightens the skin above your eyes, giving your brows a lifted appearance without the botox.

10. Lip Plumper:

- Target: Lips and mouth area.

- How: Pucker your lips together and hold for 5 seconds. Now smile wide. Hold again. Repeat.

(I couldn’t resist but add this. You know what is the reason for his immaculate skin now)

- Why: It smooths out laugh lines and plumps the lips, giving you that “just kissed” fullness.

Dos and Don'ts of Face Yoga

Like all good things, facial yoga comes with its own set of rules. Here’s what to keep in mind before you dive face-first into your new skincare workout:

Dos:

- Be consistent: Like any exercise, results come with regular practice. Aim for at least 10 minutes of face yoga a day.

- Use a natural oil or serum: Adding a bit of slip with something like the Blue Nectar Anti Aging Face Serum can help prevent skin tugging.

- Start slow: If you're new, start with 3-4 exercises and gradually add more as your muscles strengthen.

Don’ts:

- Don’t overdo it: Just like you wouldn’t overwork your body at the gym, be gentle with your face. Overstretching can lead to more harm than good.

- Don’t pull or tug: Always use gentle movements. Harsh pulling can lead to premature sagging.

- Don’t skip your skincare: Face yoga is amazing, but pairing it with a natural, Ayurveda-inspired skincare routine will give you the ultimate glow.

How Does Ayurveda Analyze This Situation?

According to Ayurveda, balance is essential, and face yoga is about restoring the equilibrium of the skin. It is more than just looking good; it is about looking healthy. It is said in Ayurvedic tradition that the skin is the “canvas of overall health.” As we practice face yoga, we release the tension that blocks circulation and we are also provoking healthy energy known as prana into movement away from the body and as a result, the skin becomes healthier and more beautiful.

When you add facial yoga to your list of hygienic practices, it is not simply for the sake of exercising your face. Instead, it is part of an ancient art of caring for oneself. There is beauty in the knowledge that Ayurveda helps us appreciate: skin care does not begin and end with skin: it helps to respect every aspect of the body. hydrated and well-nourished!

Wrapping it Up (Face First!)

Adding face yoga workouts to your schedule is a wonderful alternative to cosmetics for maintaining young and healthy skin. Although it is not a cure-all, it is certainly preferable to surgery or implants. Additionally, it is enjoyable! You can do it any time you want—almost anywhere (okay, maybe not everywhere)—and, most importantly, it does not cost anything!

As such, these exercises are worth a shot. In the future, you will appreciate it, and maybe you will even be able to get some of your friends interested in it. Because let’s be honest, a little extra glow would not hurt anyone.

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Shubhr Kumkumadi Tailam Skin Brightening Face Serum for Glowing Skin, Dull & Damage Skin Repair

Shubhr Women's Saffron & Sandalwood Face Cream for Collagen Boost And Deep Moisturizer

Women Shata Dhauta Ghrita Face Cream For Skin Glow & Firming(19 Herbs, 1.76 Oz)

Kumkumadi 24K Gold Face Serum for Advance Skin Repair & Firming (24 Herbs)

References:

1. Joshi, L. N., V. D. Joshi, and L. V. Gokhale. "Effect of short term'Pranayam'practice on breathing rate and ventilatory functions of lung." Indian J Physiol Phamscol; 1992; 36 (2): 105 108 (1992).

2. Face Yoga 

3. Who Founded Face Yoga?