Expression lines mark the onset of skin ageing. While there are treatments to prevent their appearance and reduce their visibility, some people are turning to facial gymnastics exercises that could help to firm up the face. Discover them in this article.
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Facial wrinkles: which facial gymnastics exercises to firm up the face?
Summary
Published December 13, 2024,
updated on December 16, 2024,
by
Marie, Scientific Editor
—
8 min read
What exactly is facial gymnastics?
In response to the initial signs of skin sagging, some individuals, eager to quickly eliminate them, turn to aesthetic medicine while others opt for a less invasive technique: facial gymnastics. As the name suggests, this is a gentle practice designed to strengthen the facial muscles in order to maintain its firmness. There are several types of exercises, most of which work the orbicular muscles, around the eye contour, and the masseters, the jaw muscles. These exercises are believed to increase the production of collagen and elastin, the protein fibres responsible for the skin's suppleness and elasticity, and to stimulate blood flow.
According to some sources, gymnastics in general could improve the stress response. Indeed, a study conducted with 109 volunteers who have been regularly practicing yoga exercises for five years and 109 controls showed a lower expression of inflammatory markers, such as TNF-α and IL-6, in the individuals from the first group. An improvement in the biochemical and haematological profile, including lipid levels and advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), associated with tissue ageing, was also noted in individuals practicing gymnastics. It thus seems possible that facial yoga, a specific form of gymnastics, may have similar effects and could delay skin sagging.
Several studies have specifically investigated the impact that facial gymnastics could have on signs of skin ageing. Although some positive results have been achieved, none of the studies used a control group or a randomisation process. Moreover, these were solely unique case reports or small panels of less than ten people. Finally, the evaluations of the effectiveness of facial gymnastics were purely subjective, carried out by the authors and/or the patients themselves, without any measurement instruments. Therefore, more extensive research, conducted on a large scale and implementing a rigorous protocol, is necessary to conclude on the effectiveness of facial yoga in preventing and acting on skin sagging.
The available data to date is insufficient to determine whether facial exercises have an effect on skin ageing.
What facial gymnastics exercises exist?
While the effectiveness of facial gymnastics exercises on wrinkles has not yet been scientifically proven, it can still be interesting to know which ones are regularly performed. Before performing these exercises, it is recommended to position oneself in front of a mirror to monitor the movements and to apply a moisturising cream to the face, in order to soften the skin. Finally, to hope to see results, facial gymnastics exercises must be practised over time and on a daily basis.
Facial gymnastics for the eye contour.
There are three main types of facial gymnastics exercises for the skin around the eye contour.
To firm up the skin around the eyes.
This exercise is designed to tone the periorbital muscles and firm the skin of the eye contour. Gently close your eyes while slightly contracting the eyelids, as if you were looking at the base of your nose. Hold this contraction for 2 to 3 seconds before releasing and reopening your eyes. Then fix your gaze on an object in front of you to relax the engaged muscles. Repeat these movements 5 to 6 times, then finish with a relaxation by softly fluttering your eyelashes, with your eyes open.
To combat dark circles and puffiness.
To reduce dark circles and bags under the eyes, stimulate blood circulation with a gentle massage. Place your index and middle fingers under each eye and perform gentle pumping motions in circular movements. Start from the inner corner of the eye and progress outwards, taking care not to pull on the skin. Practice this exercise for 1 to 2 minutes.
As an additional measure to rejuvenate the gaze.
This exercise targets the orbicularis muscles and helps to alleviate tired eyes. Close your eyes and place your index fingers on your temples. Apply gentle pressure while slowly blinking, resisting against your fingers. Repeat this movement 10 times to strengthen the muscles and improve the tone around the eyes.
Facial gymnastics for the contour of the lips.
To strengthen the muscles around the lips and prevent the onset of wrinkles, start by inflating one cheek with air, then transfer it to the other cheek. Alternate this movement 5 to 10 times. Next, inflate both cheeks simultaneously and push the air behind your upper lip, holding this position for 10 seconds. Finally, release slowly by exhaling while keeping the cheeks and lips relaxed.
Facial gymnastics for the oval of the face.
This exercise aims to strengthen the jaw muscles and firm up the facial oval. Slightly lower your lower jaw and place a finger on your lower molars to provide resistance. Attempt to close your mouth while maintaining this resistance with your finger. Repeat this movement for 1 to 2 minutes. Once completed, relax the muscles by gently turning your head from right to left, with your mouth slightly open and your head slightly tilted forward.
Facial gymnastics for the cheeks.
To enhance the cheekbones and restore volume to the cheeks, place your fingers on your cheekbones applying a gentle upward pressure. At the same time, smile broadly to feel the muscles contract under your fingers. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Facial gymnastics for the forehead.
To prevent forehead wrinkles, place your fingers in the centre of your forehead. Apply a gentle pressure while trying to raise your eyebrows. Hold this contraction for 5 seconds before releasing. Repeat this exercise 10 times to strengthen the muscles and improve the elasticity of the forehead.
Sources
KITAHARA T. & al. Loss of skin elasticity precedes to rapid increase of wrinkle levels. Journal of Dermatological Science (2007).
WATSON R. & al. Review Article: A new wrinkle on old skin: the role of elastic fibres in skin ageing. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2010).
LAMBERT J. & al. The Effectiveness of Facial Exercises for Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic surgery journal (2014).
SRINIVASAMURTHY N. & al. Effect of Yoga Practice on Levels of Inflammatory Markers After Moderate and Strenuous Exercise. Journal of Clinical and Diagnosis Research (2015).
GIESLER A & al. Association of Facial Exercise With the Appearance of Aging. American Medical Association (2018).
PHYS J.K & al. Effects of Facial Exercise for Facial Muscle Strengthening and Rejuvenation: Systematic Review. The Korea Society of Physical Therapy (2021).
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