Laugh lines are the wrinkles and fine lines that form from the corners of the mouth up to the sides of the nose. They are technically known as nasolabial folds or more commonly, “smile lines”.
These fine lines will form on the skin over time. Even younger people will begin to notice them on their face. Contrary to common belief, they are not actually caused from smiling. They appear from excess sun damage and other environmental factors, such as smoking.
Fillers can be injected into these lines to reduce the appearance, but strengthening the muscles in the face by exercise, is a safer and more cost effective option. It will not only reduce laugh lines, it will also help prevent new ones from surfacing as well.
Let’s take a look at several facial exercises that strengthen and smooth the muscles which create laugh lines:
1. Obicularis Oris Exercise
The obicularis oris muscle is the round shaped muscle of your mouth.
You can strengthen this muscle and smooth lines in the nasolabial area, by gently inserting your index fingers into each corner of your mouth. Gently pull out the corners of the mouth, no more than one quarter of an inch. Hold this pulled position for a few seconds and release.
You also want to strengthen in the opposite direction. To do this, press the corners of the mouth inwards with your index fingers, while resisting. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat the entire process up to 25 times.
2. Big Smile
You may not think that smiling can actually help reduce smile lines, but it can.
Smile as big as you can without opening your mouth. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds, then relax the face. Repeat this exercise up to 20 times.
3. Resistance
The muscles in the body are strengthened with resistance and the same holds true for facial muscles.
Apply resistance to your smile lines by pressing down on them with the tips of your index fingers. At the same time, smile as big as you can while opening the lips. Keep smiling for 10 seconds then release. Repeat this exercise up to 30 times for the best results.
4. Fish Face
You probably remember making this face as a child. Simply such in your cheeks like a fish and hold the position for around five seconds. Repeat three times.
5. Cheek Lift
Tightly form your lips into an “O” formation. While keeping them in that shape, try to lift the corners of your mouth into a smiling position. Hold that pose for five seconds and release. Repeat this movement five times.
Conclusion
Implementing facial exercise in your routine will definitely make a difference in the appearance of these lines. The only hard part, is to remember to actually do the exercises. Make an effort to incorporate them into your life at least three to four times a week.
You can make a habit out of doing them in the car on the way to work or maybe every morning before you apply your makeup. Bed time may work better for you, when you are taking your makeup off and applying your night moisturizer.
If you find that you are having a difficult time remembering to do these facial exercises, set a reminder on your phone. You will be alerted so you don’t forget to take care of yourself. After a short time, you will be used to incorporating these facial exercises into your life and you will just automatically do them.
For further reading on how to keep your skin looking its best, check out: The Easiest Home Recipes For Tightening Sagging Skin and 6 Facial Yoga Tricks For Younger Looking Skin.
Image: Flickr