Body + Mind is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through some of the links on our site.
Face yoga is taking the wellness world by storm as a natural approach to facial rejuvenation. This growing practice involves targeted exercises that work the muscles in your face the same way a workout routine tones your body. By strengthening and supporting these muscles through intentional movement, proponents say you can achieve a more sculpted appearance without turning to needles or surgery.
Just like targeted workouts tone your body, deliberate facial movements can isolate and strengthen the muscles beneath your skin. This approach offers a gentler alternative to invasive procedures like Botox or cosmetic surgery for those seeking anti-aging benefits without needles.
The routine itself combines specific exercises with manual massage and acupressure. Each element plays a distinct role in addressing different aspects of facial wellness, from building underlying support to releasing tension and improving circulation.
As you age, your face naturally loses fat and muscle mass, which contributes to sagging and wrinkles. Stimulating growth in these areas can help counteract those changes and improve how you look and feel.
With consistent effort, you may notice smoother fine lines and wrinkles as the underlying structure becomes more supportive. Danielle Collins, who founded a well-known facial workout program, explains that the exercises support the muscles under your skin, helping smooth those lines. The massage component boosts circulation and releases tension, while acupressure techniques support stress relief.
Lymphatic drainage offers another major advantage worth understanding. Your lymphatic system is responsible for moving substances through your body, but sometimes it doesn’t flow properly. When fluid accumulates and results in puffiness, gentle pressure can encourage movement. Licensed esthetician Kylee Kintis explains that this drainage helps reduce that heavy feeling and sculpt your features, creating a more lifted, brighter quality.
Mindful movements and acupressure may also help prevent headaches, clear congested sinuses and even enhance your sleep quality. That’s because the connection between mental calm and skin comfort runs deep. For some chronic conditions, stress management and movement alleviate psoriasis flare-ups, demonstrating just how intertwined our emotional state and skin health really are.
While findings on face yoga are still underway, existing research looks promising. A well-known 2018 study published in JAMA Dermatology followed middle-aged women who performed facial exercises for 30 minutes daily for 20 weeks. The results showed a modest but noticeable improvement in their appearance, particularly in the fullness of their upper and lower cheeks.
Newer research supports the broader idea that physical activity helps maintain healthy complexions. When you work out, increased blood flow transfers metabolic heat to the skin, which supports its overall function and vitality. Studies have even found that regular physical activity can restore microvascular function in older adults to levels comparable to those of much younger people.
Additional research specifically examines facial benefits, with one of the primary claims being that the technique can improve skin elasticity by stimulating underlying tissue and increasing blood circulation to the area. Other reports suggest these movements help soften lines and reduce tension held in your features.
Although these analyses are encouraging, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations. The field needs more large-scale, long-term investigations before anyone can make definitive claims about results.
Ready to give face yoga a try? This beginner-friendly routine targets key areas and takes just minutes each day. You can perform these four movements in front of a mirror to help you maintain proper form.
Form your mouth into an “O” shape and pull your upper lip over your teeth. While holding this, smile to lift your cheeks and position your fingertips on the upper part of each cheek, right under your eyes. Lower your cheeks by releasing, then smile to lift them back up. Do 10 repetitions, and on the last one, hold the lifted position for 20 seconds.
Close your mouth and smile while rolling your lips outward. Use the corners of your mouth to lift the tissue in your cheeks upward. Position your fingertips at each mouth corner and slide them up along your cheekbones, holding for 20 seconds. Release and repeat the full movement three times total.
Make an “ahh” sound with an open mouth, then tuck your lower lip and the corners inward, gripping them firmly. Extend your jaw forward while tilting your head back slightly. Scoop your jaw upward about an inch, then open and close it 10 times while maintaining this position. Hold the final upward scoop for 20 seconds to work the jaw and neck.
Position three fingers from each hand just under your eyebrows to prop your eyes open. While smiling, push your eyebrows downward against your fingers to create resistance. Roll your eyes upward as you close them, then release and relax. Complete 10 full repetitions to work the forehead muscles.
A few simple strategies can help you perform the movements safely and get the results you’re looking for.
If you’re curious about what to expect or how this fits into your routine, here are answers to some of the most common questions people have when they’re getting started.
Time frames for seeing results vary widely depending on factors like your age, current condition and how regularly you commit to the routine. Consistency matters more than intensity when building tone in your features. Keep in mind that what you experience will be unique to you and may differ from what others report.
These movements offer a natural alternative for those who prefer noninvasive methods, but they work differently from procedures like Botox or fillers. The approach focuses on strengthening tissue and improving circulation rather than temporarily paralyzing areas or adding volume. Some people use both approaches, while others choose one over the other based on their personal preferences and goals.
Yes, overdoing any workout can cause strain. Stick to the recommended repetitions and avoid pulling or tugging your complexion too hard. If you feel soreness that lasts more than a day, scale back your routine until your body adjusts.
Face yoga combines physical benefits and mindfulness to support your whole self. Whether you’re drawn to the potential aesthetic improvements or the stress-relieving aspects, this technique offers an accessible entry point into holistic self-care.
Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter, and at any time you may unsubscribe. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.
