Facial Exercise

Facial exercise myths may be confusing. There are a lot of differing opinions on the subject and it may be difficult to decipher the pros from the cons.

The practice of using facial exercise has been around for ages. You most likely have heard that facial exercise does nothing to improve the appearance of the skin.

On the contrary, you may also have heard that facial exercise is the only method to combat the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

While keeping is in mind, let’s take a closer look at debunking several popular facial exercise myths:

Myth 1 : You Can’t Improve Your Skin By Doing Facial Exercise

This study reveals that a facial exercise routine was performed for thirty minutes, every other day, for a duration of twenty weeks. This study group produced favorable results. The participants noticed a marked improvement in 18 out of 21 facial features.

The skin started to regain the appearance of fullness, where there had been loss of muscle mass, due to age. The improvements were mostly noticed in the bottom half of the facial area.

The most important point to keep in mind that consistency is key and you won’t see results right away. It takes time to see the changes in your skin. Just keep at it and don’t give up. You will eventually see an improvement.

Check out this article for more details on facial exercise.

Myth 2: It Is Hard To Do Facial Exercise

Facial exercises are not hard to do but they may require some practice, until you get used to doing them.

This article states that once you become familiar with your routine, it is best to let gravity take over.

It is recommended to do the exercises while laying down. This will help pull the muscles back, instead of down, if you are sitting or standing.

Myth 3: Skin Care Products Work Better Than Facial Exercising

A solid skin care regimen is crucial to warding off signs of aging. Using products by themselves, is not going to be as effective, if you don’t combine it with facial exercises.

The best way to integrate these two anti-aging methods, is to apply all of your serums, creams and moisturizers, while you run through your facial exercises.

Your skin will absorb the products and the blood flow will be increased, due to the exercises.

Some products, such as your moisturizer, may have enough “slip” to glide over the skin. If this is the case, then try performing your exercise routine along with the product.

Be mindful not to put too much drag on the skin when doing the motions. Doing so can be damaging to the skin.

Conclusion

In addition to using facial exercises to battle the signs of aging, taking care of your body as a whole will also improve the appearance of your skin.

Your body needs to be fully hydrated at all times to have a natural radiance. It is best to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water every day. Your skin will plump up, which will in turn smooth out any fine lines and wrinkles.

Staying hydrated also decreases bloating, because it removes toxins from the body. It will also help to decrease dark circles and eye bags, as well.

Always protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. Wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. This will help prevent the ultra violet rays from penetrating the skin and causing premature aging.

For further reading, check out: 6 Super Foods For Skin Radiating Benefits and 7 Ways You Are Causing Skin Damage.

Image: Flickr

If you see two chins in the mirror, don’t fear. A double chin can happen to anyone, especially as we start to age.

When we get older, the amount of elasticity in our skin decreases and our neck muscles become weaker. When this happens, it can cause sagging and loose skin under our chin, on our neck and elsewhere on our face. This will give the appearance of having a double chin and make us look much older than we actually are.

Of course, being overweight is another reason that a double chin can present itself, but it is not always the case.

You are probably asking yourself, what can be done to remedy having two chins. There are a number of exercises and other methods that can help tighten up the skin. These movements can be done virtually any time you have a few extra minutes during the day, or you can also set a routine of doing them every morning and at night before bed time.

Let’s take a look at some simple exercises that will help firm up your two chins:

Ceiling Kiss

The following movement is a super simple exercise, that is recommended by Livestrong. This movement is very easy to remember.

1. First, stand up with your back straight, with your arms hanging at each side. Lean your head back and look at the ceiling.
2. While your head is back, pretend to kiss the ceiling. You will want to do this in an exaggerated form, by puckering and reaching your lips out as far as they will go.
3. Hold this position for five seconds. Then, relax your face, put your head back to the starting position and repeat the movements thirty times.

Jutting Jaw

The exercise listed below is similar to the Ceiling Kiss, so it should be easy to remember.

1. Stand or sit with your back straight. Lean your head back and look at the ceiling.
2. While your head is back, take your lower jaw and move it in an upward and forward motion, as far as it will go.
3. Hold this position for ten seconds. Relax, move your head back to the starting position and repeat ten times.

Stick Out Tongue

This article reveals that doing the following exercise will strengthen the hyoid muscle, which causes loose skin under the chin.

1. While keeping your lips relaxed, stick your tongue out as far as you can.
2. Try to touch the tip of your nose with your tongue.
3. Repeat this movement five times.

Conclusion

When you implement the above exercises into your daily routine, you will begin to see a difference in the way your chin looks. If you are diligent and keep up with these exercises, you will eventually see your two chins turn into one. You will have the definition in your jaw and chin area that you have been trying to achieve.

In addition to adding facial exercises into your lifestyle, there are other things you can also do to help you look younger.

A major factor in the way our skin ages is the food we eat. Keep a healthy diet of mainly green, leafy vegetables, healthy fats and lean protein. Avoid eating too much sugar and processed foods. The more natural your diet is, the better your skin will look.

Hydration is also a key factor in maintaining healthy, youthful looking skin. When we drink plenty of water, our skin is plumped and facial sagging is reduced.

Another important point that should be followed by everyone, is to always wear a sunscreen when going outdoors. This will protect your skin from the damaging ultra violet rays of the sun, which can cause premature aging, as well as cancer. Always wear sunglasses and a hat for extra protection.

For further reading, check out: Facial Tapping – What Are The Benefits And Does It Really Work? and Facial Yoga – The Best Exercises For Toning Facial Skin.

Image: Flickr

Facial yoga is simple. Basically, the premise behind it is, if we strengthen the muscles in our face, it will make our skin look less droopy and wrinkled.

It is also believed by many, that performing facial yoga exercises will plump the muscles under the skin. This will in turn make our skin smoother and look younger, overall.

There are a number of facial yoga exercises that will help tone the face and neck. The key to great results is consistency.

A recent article stated, that a study conducted by Northwestern University, revealed that there was a reduction in the signs of aging, by performing facial yoga. This study was conducted with over twelve women, who performed facial exercises for a half an hour per day, for eight weeks. After the initial eight week period, the participants performed the facial yoga for thirty minutes for an additional twelve weeks.

After the study was completed, the cheeks of the participants were fuller and therefore plumped up the wrinkled skin on the surface of the skin. The skin around the eyes was also firmer, which smoothed out fine lines and crows feet.

The skin of the participants in the study also appeared to look brighter and healthier. It was speculated that the healthy glow was due to an increase in blood flow, due to the exercises. It wasn’t proven in the study, but the doctor who conducted it, could not rule out that possibility.

Let’s take a look at the best exercises for toning facial skin:

Full Facial Yoga Exercise

This exercise will work out the muscles in the entire face, including the temple area, the area around the eyes and the cheeks. Perform this facial yoga while lying down.

Open your mouth to a long “O” position and cover your top and bottom teeth with your lips. While your mouth is open, try to smile and lift your cheeks in an upward motion.

While doing this, place your palms against the sides of your face, with your pinkie fingers resting on the outer corners of your eyes. Put pressure on your temples with the rest of your fingers and slide in an upward motion, until the eyes are slanted upwards.

Next, close your eyes and move your chin in an upward motion. Once you feel a tightening in the scalp and cheeks, hold that position for twenty seconds and repeat three times.

Jaw Definer Exercise

This is the easiest facial yoga movement you will ever do.

Simply open your mouth as wide as you can and stick out your tongue. Hold that position for one minute. Repeat three times.

Cheek Toner Exercise

This is a very effective facial yoga exercise that will help plump and define the cheek area as well as smooth out the lips.

With your lips pursed together, suck in your cheeks like you are making a fish face. Hold for three seconds and repeat five times.

Conclusion

Now that you have a deeper understanding of the benefits of facial yoga and how to perform the exercises, you are well on your way to a more youthful appearance.

Another bonus is that it can be conveniently performed at many times during the day. Set a reminder on your phone every day, so you remember to do them and before you know it, facial yoga will become a regular part of your day.

Facial yoga is definitely worth trying. It is non-invasive and is absolutely free.

In addition to facial yoga, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Protect your skin from the sun by wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30-50. Keep your eyes protected from the sun, by wearing sunglasses outdoors. This will help prevent crows feet and further skin damage from the sun’s UV rays.

For further reading, check out: The Best Anti-Aging Facial Exercises You Can Do At Home and What Causes Crow’s Feet And How To Minimize Them.

Image: Unsplash