We’re in a society where we want quick results overnight. Just think of your favorite celebrities and how quickly they bounce back to shape after giving birth. They’re even strutting the Victoria’s Secret runway within a few weeks postpartum (Seriously? Why couldn’t we have all been that lucky?!). Wanting to find some quick anti-aging results, many opt for risky procedures including a full facelift. But what if we want to see visible results without putting ourselves in harm’s way? Besides following a regular skin care regimen and eating the proper foods, there are other ways to improve the look of aging skin. One popular anti-aging method that is popular amongst celebrities including my new favorite royal, Meghan Markle is Facial Exercises or as some may say Facial Yoga. We seem to always exercise our bodies hoping to see results, but have we been forgetting to exercise those 52 muscles in our face that we tend to forget?
Here are some facial exercises that are quick and simple and can be done anywhere (although some of these funny faces you may want to do at home or you may end up on some teenager’s social media!)
SQUEEZING THOSE LIPS
Begin by placing your hands on the top of the jawline at the laugh lines applying pressure of your face. You will push your lips together only using lip muscles and not those hands. Repeat.
GIVE SOME FISHY KISSES
Just like you were going to give those cute little fishy kisses you’ve done as a child, you will start by sucking in your cheeks in between your teeth and hold. Repeat.
TAKE AFTER A BLOWFISH
You know how a blow fish can fill themselves up with air? You’ll do that same. Begin by puffing up your cheeks while shifting the air from one cheek to the other. When releasing the air, you will create an ‘O’ with your lips repeating the process by shifting the air from side to side.
THE SURPRISE
To help diminish the appearance of unwanted fine lines around the eyes, you will open your eyes nice and wide in a ‘surprised’ look (just imagine if you did win that multi-billion-dollar Power Ball! Hopefully you won’t forget your favorite Aesthetic Writer!). Pulling the skin back gently with your hands, continue to widen your eyes. Relax and repeat.
SAY YOUR VOWELS
Begin by placing your hands on your cheeks applying pressure. You will then start reciting your vowels…A…E…I…O…U. If you want to add a little extra to your exercise you can add the ‘sometimes’ vowel ‘Y’. As you recite your vowels you will overly exaggerate the movement of mouthing the letters.
Performing these facial exercises not only will improve circulation but will lead to a younger appearance while shredding excess fat that tends to be stored on your face and neck. Another benefit of facial yoga is the release of tension in your jaw, brow and forehead (As animated as I am when speaking, I can’t even imagine how much tension is being released!). Continuously performing these easy exercises will help slow down the appearance of aging by smoothing out those annoying lines on your forehead, it will tighten sagging skin including your jowl, as well as lift those cheeks…just imagine the natural facelift you’re giving yourself! To begin seeing visible results incorporate these in your daily routine making sure to remember a couple of important tips: Always start with properly cleansed hands and once you begin each exercise you will hold for 15-20 seconds and repeat at least six times until you move on to the next. I find it easiest to do these in the evening as I am alone watching tv (otherwise it does cause some laughter in my home!).
Keep your skin cells healthy and work out all the layers of your skin by performing daily. So, sit back, get nice and comfortable, turn on your favorite show and begin exercising your way to younger, tighter looking skin!
