Facial Exercise

How To Improve Skin Tone With Exercise

March 15, 2016 by Natalie Taylor

A person’s skin tone speaks a lot about her. It’s often a reflection of her lifestyle, habits, and even health. Several factors can affect a person’s skin tone. These include genes, age, sun exposure, diet, and skincare routine.
Genes
A person’s genetic makeup is an unalterable factor and one of the primary determinants of her skin tone.
Age
The effect of aging on melanocyte activity and the cumulative effect of ultraviolet exposure leads to the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots. These spots, which can appear white or yellow, can result to a mottled, older skin appearance.
While hyperpigmentation is common in aging women, hypopigmentation can also occur. This results from the reduction of melanocytes. After the age 30, a person starts to lose 6-8% of her melanocytes every decade. This reduction in melanocytes also means a reduction in the protective capacity against the harmful UV rays.
Sun Exposure
Unprotected sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation as it stimulates the production of melanin. These hyperpigmentation spots can appear as darkened patches, ranging from brown to black in color.
Aside from being a major contributing factor to hyperpigmentation, sun exposure can also exacerbate existing dark spots, making them appear darker.
Diet
Although people’s skin tone varies depending on ethnicity, a study published in the American Journal of Public Health shows that diet plays a role in the improvement of skin tone. The researchers found similar effects across different cultures. They found out that a good diet is associated with attractive skin tone.
The study, which involves 35 students, showed that subjects who were able to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables over a specific period of time have a change in skin color, leaning towards a healthier golden glow compared to those who consume fewer fruits and vegetables.
Skincare Routine
Your skincare routine can also affect your skin tone. Using products that aren’t suitable for your skin type can cause skin darkening. For people with oily skin, the use of oil-based skin care products can lead to sallow skin. This appears as a yellowish tint that makes a person look sickly and older than her actual age.

Improving Skin Tone With Exercise

The idea behind facial exercise is simple. It lies on the premise that facial muscles are like other muscles in the body. The more you work them out, the leaner and tighter they become. For the proponents of facial exercise, regularly doing it can lead to improvement in skin tone and facial lift.
According to a facial exercise expert, working out your facial muscles can help improve their strength. These exercises highly benefit aging women especially that aging brings about certain changes in the skin like lost of collagen. Facial exercise helps counteract these effects by increasing heat and microcirculation in the skin.
With the improvement in blood circulation and strengthening effect, facial exercise leads to plumper skin. Plumping up volume loss turns out to be a good way to get rid of the spots that usually come with collagen loss. This boost in microcirculation from facial exercise also affects skin complexion, helping one achieve a healthier glow.

Facial Exercise For Starters

If you want to improve your skin tone without using chemicals or getting under the knife, you can try the following facial exercise routines:
1. Fish Lips
To do the Fish Lips, begin by sucking in your lips like a fish. Do this while you purse your lips. While your lips are still pursed, smile as hard as you can. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Relax before you repeat the process three times.
Another way of doing the Fish Lips is by sucking in your cheeks, pursing the lips, and then trying to hold the pose while wiggling the cheek muscles up and down.
2. Kiss Face
Begin by pouting your lips. With pouted lips, try to smile as hard as you can. Hold this position for 10 seconds before you relax. Repeat this three times.
There’s another way of doing the Kiss Face: with your lips pouted and trying to smile as hard as you can, try to move your cheek muscles up and down.
3. Whistler
The Whistler begins by making an “O” with your lips (think as if you’re about to whistle). While in this position, try to smile as hard as you can. Hold for 10 seconds. Relax and repeat three times.
You can also do the Whistler by making an “O” with your lips, smiling as hard as you can, and while in this position, wiggle your cheek muscles up and down.

Try doing these routines regularly and see how they can improve your skin’s plumpness and skin tone.

The Ultimate Facial Exercise To Improve Your Jawline

March 1, 2016 by Natalie Taylor

Image: Orin Zebest

Having well-defined jawline grabs attention. Just think of A-list stars like Victoria Beckham, Angelina Jolie, and Olivia Wilde. Their well-chiseled jawline make them look younger, stronger, and more attractive.
People with well-defined jawline have visible mandibular border and good bone structure. Although having a strong jawline is determined by genes, there are several methods on how you can have it.

Different Ways To Achieve A Well-Defined Jawline

There are different ways to have a well-defined jawline. You can have it through surgical and non-surgical method.

Surgical Method

People who are not naturally born with a well-defined jaw often resort to surgery to achieve the desired look. Cosmetic surgery is a good option but results and types of surgery can vary from one person to another.
In many cases, it takes more than just one procedure to achieve the desired look. The following are the common procedures done to improve the look of the jawline:

Soft tissue envelope manipulation
Procedures that fall under soft tissue envelope manipulation include neck liposuction, face and neck lifting, and submentoplasty.
Mandibular augmentation
This is done through surgical procedures like chest implant, fat grafting, mandibular angle implants, and mandibular border implants.
Skeletal manipulation
Skeletal manipulation is achieved through procedures such as bilateral saggital split osteotomies, geniotomy, and LeFort I osteotomy.

While there are a lot people who have achieved their desired jawline through this method, cosmetic surgery is costly and can be time-consuming for some especially that you need to do follow-ups with your doctor.

Non-Surgical Method

The following are non-surgical ways to help you achieve a well-defined jawline:

Reduce salt intake
Salty food increases water retention which gives you a ‘swollen’ look. You can cut back on salt intake by avoiding processed food.
Use the right skincare products
This may seem a bizarre advice for improving your jawline but using the right skincare products like the right toner and moisturizer helps.
Toner can tighten the skin pores while moisturizer helps lock in the skin moisture. These products help in getting your skin taut.
Lose weight
Layers of fat can conceal your jawline so losing those excess pounds can help improve its look. It may not exactly turn your jawline the way you want it to be but losing the fat layers can help in making it more visible.
Get sufficient sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body releases cortisol (also known as the stress hormone). The hormone breaks down the protein collagen which keeps your skin elastic and smooth. It also triggers unhealthy cravings which can lead to weight gain.
Stay hydrated
Water helps in body metabolism and keeps your skin moisturized. It plays an important role in flushing the toxins out of your body and helps you stay within your healthy weight.
Try facial exercise
Doing facial exercise is an inexpensive, easy, and effective method of achieving your desired jawline. Facial exercises for a well-defined jaw usually target the following muscles: masseter, mentalis, suprahyoid group, and sternocleidomastoid muscles.
There are several facial exercises that can help you improve your jawline. There are routines like the Eye Opener, Furrow Smoother, Lower Eyelid Lifter, Kiss the Sky, and so on. But if you only want to focus on one facial exercise for your jawline, then you must try the facial exercise called Roar Like a Lion.

How To Do The Roar Like A Lion

Roar Like a Lion ‘works out’ 53 facial muscles and helps your jawline fight the effect of gravity.

To do the routine, begin by sitting upright on a chair with your palms on your thighs. Take a long breath through your nose and as you exhale, roll out your tongue and try to point it towards your chin. At the same time, roll your eyes upward (envision the look of a roaring lion). Stay on this pose for 4-10 seconds and then release. Inhale deeply and repeat the process. Do this a few times each day.
Having a well-defined jawline is something that many people aspire for. It’s not easy but definitely doable.

If getting under the knife is not your thing, then doing the facial exercise may benefit you. You just have to be consistent with the routine to achieve your desired result.

The Benefit Of Committing To Daily Facial Exercises

February 16, 2016 by Natalie Taylor

Image: Alex

Why the Skin Sags

Aging
Skin sagging happens as a result of several factors; one of which is aging. As a woman ages, the skin loses its supportive connective tissues (collagen and elastin) which give the skin its youthful and plump look. As a result, skin becomes looser and starts to droop. Couple this with the weakening of the facial muscles, the skin sagging becomes more apparent.
Other factors leading to skin sagging include unprotected sun exposure, weight loss, and smoking.
Unprotected Sun Exposure
The harmful UV rays from the sun break down the skin fibers known as elastin. The cumulative effect of unprotected sun exposure only start to become obvious as the person ages. Aside from skin sagging, exposing yourself to the sun without sunscreen leads to skin pigmentation. It also increases your risk of skin cancer.
Smoking
Smoking affects the blood supply to your skin, giving it an uneven skin tone. In a study conducted, it shows that smoking increases the risk of of facial wrinkling. The severity of skin wrinkling depends on the person’s smoking pack years.
Weight Loss
If you lose weight as you age, then it can also be a factor that leads to skin sagging. This happens because as you age, your skin also loses its elasticity. Hence, it no longer springs back the way it used to, leading to skin sagging.

Remedies for Skin Sagging

There are surgical and non-surgical methods to get rid of sagging skin.
Surgical Method
Facelift is a surgical procedure on which excess facial skin is removed in order to attain a younger-looking skin. In most cases, it is done with other procedures like forehead lift, browlift, eyelid surgery, removal of cheek fat pad, and necklift.
Non-Surgical Method
There are also non-surgical methods for getting rid of the sagging skin. These non-surgical methods include:
1. Botox injections
Made from the purified version of the botulinum bacteria toxin, Botox injections can relax the facial muscles, helping get rid of the crow’s feet and frown lines.
2. Chemical peels
Most chemical peels make use of an acid solution to get rid of the dead cells from the outer layer of the skin. Some people experience a stinging sensation after application but it’s said to lead to smoother and firmer skin after a few days of use.
3. Microdermabrasion
It’s a type of procedure that makes use of tiny crystals to get rid of the outer layer of the skin. Regular sessions of microdermabrasion is said to help reduce fine lines and skin pigmentation.
4. Thermage
This procedure entails the use of heat into the skin in order to trigger the production of collagen. The only downside to thermage is that it can be painful.
5. Facial exercise
Facial exercises are sets of facial movements done to get rid of the sagging skin. They are based on a premise that facial muscles are just like other muscles of the body – they need to be ‘worked out’ to keep them firm.

Benefits of Facial Exercise

Unlike other methods for getting rid of sagging skin, facial exercise doesn’t cause pain, require several appointments with a doctor, and it doesn’t cost that much. You can do it at home on your own or with the help of an expert.
Committing yourself to daily facial exercise can benefit your skin in several ways. These benefits include:
Clearer complexion
Because facial exercises entail some pushing and pulling of the skin, it improves blood circulation to the face. Blood brings oxygen and nutrients and helps take away waste products. As a result, you get clearer and healthier skin complexion.
Detoxifies the skin
Because facial exercise helps in getting rid of toxins and other waste products, it’s also a way of detoxifying the skin.
Relieves tension
Muscle tension can trigger the development of wrinkles. Doing regular facial exercises can help relieve muscle tension. It loosens the connective tissues, relieving the tension and stress of the facial and neck muscles.
Improves collagen production
Skin sagging happens as we age because we are losing an important protein called collagen. But through regular muscle activity, which happens when you do facial exercise, you can boost collagen production. This keeps your skin young-looking.
If getting under the knife or painful procedures aren’t your thing but would like to have young-looking skin, then look no further than committing yourself to daily facial exercise. It’s an effective yet pain-free way to achieve a youthful glow no matter what your age is.

Why You Need To Commit To A Daily Facial Routine

January 5, 2016 by Natalie Taylor

Image: Martina Rathgens

The skin is the largest organ of the body yet we often neglect it especially when we were younger. But as our age advances and as the signs of aging start to become visible on our skin, we begin to realize the value of having a daily facial routine and staying committed to it.
Having a facial routine is a way of pampering our skin. Besides, it’s our first line of defense against the harmful UV rays, bacteria, and pollutants. They are basically exposed to harmful elements 24/7. Without commitment to a facial routine, it would be easier for these harmful elements to break into the skin, causing damage not just on the outside but also on the inside.

Creating Daily Facial Routine

Every woman’s facial routine is unique. It largely depends on one’s needs, choice of products, and commitment. A woman in her 20s who works at home basically has a totally different facial routine from someone in her 40s and is a top executive of an international company.
While there are differences on what makes up a woman’s facial routine, there are basically four (4) things that comprise these routines. These include cleansing, protecting, exfoliating, and moisturizing.
Cleansing
Cleansing is one of the most basic parts of a woman’s facial routine. It helps keeps a woman’s face fresh and clean as it gets rid of the bacteria, pollutants, excessive sebum, and dead skin cells.
When cleansing, make sure to choose a non-soap cleanser and water. This is because soap-based products tend to clog the pores, causing breakouts.
Protecting
One of the reasons why you should commit to a daily facial routine is to ensure protection from the skin-damaging UV rays and other environmental factors. Hence, part of the routine should be the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. The product to use should also have a critical wavelength rating of 350nm or higher. This ensures better skin protection from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before heading outdoors and re-applied every hour or more frequently when perspiring or when swimming.
Exfoliating
Exfoliating products are typically used at night to get rid of dead skin cells that cause uneven skin texture. Exfoliating three times a week using products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic acid helps get rid of the top layer of the skin, making it highly useful for women with dark spots.
Moisturizing
Each time you wash your face, you are stripping away your skin’s natural moisture, making it look dry in the long run. A dry skin is more prone to damages. It also makes the signs of aging more visible.
A way to hydrate the skin is through using moisturizing products in the morning and in the evening. Moisturizers make fine lines appear less obvious, control oil production, and prevent skin sensitivity.

Making Facial Exercise as Part of Facial Routine

There may be creams available to keep your skin young-looking but nothing beats the natural way of doing it. If the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet are bothering you, then facial exercise should be part of your facial routine.
These exercises can easily be done at home or with the help of an expert. Unlike expensive night creams, incorporating facial exercise in your facial routine doesn’t require you to spend a lot of money.
Some of the facial exercises that offer anti-aging benefits include the V which is good for drooping eyelids and crow’s feet, the smile smoother for sagging skin and cheek lines, the flirty eyes for drooping eyebrows and eye hollows, smooth the brow for the horizontal forehead lines, and the giraffe for loose skin on the neck.
Every woman who values their skin should have a daily facial routine that they can commit to. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 50s. Having a facial routine is a way of expressing gratitude for the amazing protection provided by our skin.

How To Get That Non Surgical Facelift Without Using Product

December 22, 2015 by Natalie Taylor

Image: Dima Bushkov

Women in particular have long been searching for the fountain of youth. While this is yet to be found, women in history have found ways to preserve their youth – from Cleopatra with her daily donkey milk baths to the daily white wine baths of Mary, Queen of Scots.
In modern times, science has made it possible to keep the youthful glow without getting into any milk or white wine baths. There are facelift surgeries and anti-aging products.

The Risks of Facelift Surgeries

Also known as rhytidectomy, facelift surgeries are cosmetic procedures designed to make one look younger. This is done by reshaping the lower third of the face and by removing the excess facial skin. With some facelift surgeries, the underlying tissues are involved to achieve plump and healthy-looking skin.
While many can attest that these procedures are effective, they come with certain risks. These include complications like bleeding, bruising, infection, inflammation, redness, scarring, and damage to the nerve muscles. With these and other things that come with invasive procedures, more women are now considering non-invasive ways to achieve the youthful glow.

The Cons of Using Anti-Aging Products

In response to the growing need of non-invasive solution for achieving youthful skin, skincare companies have come up with anti-aging products.
There are tons of anti-aging products that one can choose from. There are those that promise to lift, tighten, and contour the face. There are also those that claim to provide results overnight or in just a few minutes.
Anti-aging products may be non-invasive solutions for achieving young-looking skin but they can be pretty expensive, with some products costing hundreds of dollars each. Also, not all of these skincare products live up to their promises.
If going under the knife or using anti-aging products is not your thing, then you still have another option to achieve your desired facelift. This one is inexpensive, doesn’t require surgeries, and above all, have been attested by many women to be effective in achieving young-looking skin. This non-invasive procedure is called facial exercise.

Facial Exercise: Non-Invasive Way to Achieve Non Surgical Facelift

Facial exercise involves movement of the different facial muscles with the aim of toning them. This is based from the premise that since facial muscles are not just attached to the bones but are also to the skin and other facial muscles, moving them can lead to toning other muscles and the skin. This then leads to a firmer look and young-looking skin.
The following facial exercises are among the best ways to minimize facial wrinkling and sagging without undergoing surgery or paying for expensive facelift creams:
For the Eyes
The skin around the eyes is very delicate. It is prone to wrinkling as you age. The wrinkles can appear around the eyelids and as the time goes by, these creases can go deeper. To keep this from happening, you can do the following facial exercises:

Begin by placing your fingertips on your temples. With eyes closed, look up and down as far as possible, with your fingertips providing resistance to the movement. For best results, repeat this for 10 times, twice a day.
Start by closing your eyes and visualize yourself in total calmness. Stretch your eyelids as far as possible without opening your eyes. Hold this pose for 5 seconds and then release. Repeat this for five times a day.

For the Forehead
Doing facial exercises regularly can tone the muscles on your forehead. The following routines can prevent and reduce the appearance of frown lines:

Place your index finger just above your eyes. Try to pull it down while you raise your eyebrows. Repeat this for 5 times a day, for several days in a week.
Grin as wide as possible and bring your eyebrows up. Hold this for a few seconds before repeating it. For best results, repeat this for 10 times in a day.

For the Cheeks
Well-toned muscles around your cheek area can give you a more youthful look. You can achieve this by trying the following facial exercises:

With your mouth closed, suck your cheeks towards your teeth and hold it for 10 seconds. Relax and repeat this for 10 times.
In an upright position, begin by twisting your lips inwards. After you do this, puff your cheeks and try to smile in this position then relax. Repeat this for 10 times.

For the Lips
Facial exercises can firm the muscles surrounding your lips. They help prevent and get rid of the fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. The following exercises can help:

Begin by sitting upright with your lips pursed then try to lift your lips towards your nose. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then release. Repeat this for 5 times.
Start by sticking your index finger in your mouth. Suck it as hard as possible and then slowly remove it. Repeat this for 10 times.

For the Neck
The neck area requires specific routine to keep its skin firm and young-looking. The following exercises can help you achieve that:

In an upright position, put your index finger on your neck and then gently pull the skin downward as you slowly lift your chin. Do this for 10 times.
Start with your head lift back, with chin pointing towards the ceiling. With lips closed, do the chewing motion for 30 seconds. Take a rest for 10 seconds before doing it again. For best results, do this for 20 times.

There are certainly a lot of ways to keep your skin young-looking without splurging on products or exposing yourself to certain risks with invasive procedures. Facial exercises are among your best options. They are simple, non-invasive, and more practical ways to achieve the youthful glow. Try doing the suggested facial exercises and you’ll notice the difference in no time.

12 Hacks & Home Remedies To Naturally Prevent Wrinkles

December 8, 2015 by Natalie Taylor

Image: Bev Sykes

Aging is a natural process that we all go through and wrinkles are among the first few signs of it.
Wrinkles are creases or folds in the skin that result from the loss of collagen. They are also results of other factors like sun exposure, dehydration, smoking, and genetic factors.
We cannot stop the clock from ticking but we can do something to reverse the signs of aging. Here are the best hacks and remedies to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging:

1. Oils

Forget expensive anti-aging creams or pore-clogging moisturizers as there are natural oils found right inside your kitchen to help keep your skin remain supple and young-looking.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antioxidants that provide the body with protection from the damages brought by free radicals. Suitable for all skin types, coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Olive Oil
Olive oil isn’t just for cooking; it can also serve as a massage oil and moisturizer. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and E that fight the skin-damaging free radicals. The oil can be applied directly on the face or can be mixed with honey and glycerin for better skin benefits.

2. Bananas

As natural sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, bananas can be used as a facial mask to reduce the fine lines. Bananas can be used alone or can be mixed with other ingredients like avocado and honey for maximum benefits.
When applying mashed bananas as a facial mask, make sure to leave it on the face for at least 20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

3. Avocado

Rich in healthy fat (monounsaturated fat) and vitamin E, avocado is an ideal food item to be used as a facial mask to reduce or prevent the appearance of wrinkles.
To turn avocado into a mask, you will need half of the fruit, 2 tablespoons of fresh cream, 2 teaspoons of flaxseed, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix them altogether, apply it on the face, and leave it for half an hour before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

4. Fenugreek

The seeds, leaves, and the oil of the fenugreek work for various skin problems including wrinkles. They are rich in vitamins and minerals which help keep your skin supple and young-looking when used regularly.
You can grind fenugreek leaves to turn it into a paste or boil fenugreek seeds in the water. You can then apply the paste, water boiled fenugreek seeds, or oil directly on your face. You can leave it overnight before rinsing it off with lukewarm water in the morning.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains a substance called malic acid that helps reduce the wrinkles by improving the skin’s elasticity. Aloe vera can be used alone or with other ingredients like vitamin E.
When using aloe vera as a facial mask, simply cut the leaf and apply the gel directly on your face. Leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Aloe vera gel can also be mixed with contents from vitamin E capsule. Vitamin E is known for its beneficial effects on the skin and by mixing them altogether, you can achieve a well-moisturized and younger-looking skin.

6. Egg White

Egg whites contain proteins and essential vitamins that can tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They can be applied directly on the face and left to dry up. You can massage your face for a few minutes before washing off the egg white with lukewarm water.

7. Honey

Women have been using honey for years as part of their skin care routine. Not only it is readily available, it also contains essential nutrients that provide the skin with a natural protective mask that creates a moist healing environment for the skin. When used regularly, honey can make you look years younger.
Honey can be used as it is or mixed with other skin-friendly ingredients like avocado, papaya, banana, yogurt, or whole milk.

8. Carrots

Carrots are rich in vitamin A which helps promote collagen production, keeping your skin elastic and young-looking.
To use carrots on your face, you can boil 2 to 3 large carrots until they become very soft. You can then add honey and turn it into a paste. Apply it directly on your face and leave it for at least half an hour before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

9. Lemon

The citric acid in lemon doesn’t just make it a good exfoliant for getting rid of blemishes but also an effective remedy for reducing fine lines and dark circles under the eyes.
You can directly apply lemon juice on your face and leave it for 10-15 minutes or add it to a teaspoon of yogurt, vitamin E oil, or honey for better results.

10. Water

Drinking water is one of the simplest yet one of the most effective ways to keep the signs of aging like wrinkles at bay. The appearance of fine lines and creases on your skin aren’t just results of aging but also of dehydration. By keeping yourself well-hydrated, you can keep your skin moisturized and elastic, keeping it wrinkle-free.

11. Sleep

Getting sufficient sleep isn’t just beneficial for your heart health but also for your skin. Sleep promotes the production of human growth hormone (HCG). The latter helps in the growth of body tissues including the skin. Skipping sleep doesn’t only interrupt the production of HCG, it also triggers the release of the stress hormone cortisol which slows down growth of body tissues.
To keep your skin young-looking and wrinkle-free, make sure that you sleep on your back. Habitually sleeping on your side can cause wrinkles on your cheeks and chin.

12. Facial Exercises

Facial exercises work on a premise that facial muscles are just like other muscles of the body. They need to be ‘worked out’ to prevent them from sagging. Unlike laser therapies and other forms of treatment meant to keep wrinkles away, facial exercises can be done at home and don’t leave you broke.
Some of the best things in life can be found just within your reach. When it comes to anti-aging solution, you don’t really have to dig deep into your pocket to pay for expensive yet temporary solutions. There are natural remedies, such as those outlined above, that can be found easily right inside your home. They may not be free but they cost way less than a trip to a dermatologist.