The Ultimate Guide to Face Yoga: Does It Really Work?

In recent years, face yoga has become an emerging concept as a non-surgical method of treating the early signs of aging and obtaining a beautiful face with a firm chin. Derived from the elements of classical yoga, acupressure, and manual lymphatic drainage, this ageless procedure hits the tangled maze of facial and neck muscles.

It is stated that by practicing selected facial exercises for as little as five to fifteen minutes a day, one can eradicate fine lines and wrinkles, firm up lax skin, reduce swelling, reshape face, and much more. Celebrities and some influencers have also shared their face yoga routines on their programs and videos, which have helped in the increased curiosity of people.

The following article will consider some essential questions concerning face yoga and analyze its effectiveness as the anti-aging method. We will describe the supporting research, describe particular exercises, give detailed descriptions, present the best examples of before and after photographs, present more recommendations from the specialists, consider the most popular applications and the discussion on the web, etc. Keep on reading to get all the facts about this much talked about natural cure.

1. Is face yoga really effective?

Facial exercises in general are supported by moderate evidence as offering significant improvement in facial muscle strength and tone, facial fat, wrinkles, and sagging. But multiple experts agree that there are no high-quality studies on face yoga in particular.

Hence, one of the most common works of research is to have middle aged participants do face yoga for 30 minutes every day. At 20 weeks, objective measurements of facial skin elasticity, fat content and muscle contractile properties were found to be improved. Patients also stated that there is a significantly increased satisfaction with facial aesthetics.

However, these findings are only preliminary and still need further discussion as the sample was rather small and no control group was used. Even to assess efficacy, Frey argues that there is a need for better evidence from systematic reviews or randomized controlled trials.

Dr. Norman Rowe, a New York City-based plastic surgeon, adds that face yoga cannot on its own tighten loose skin or eradicate hereditary signs of aging. However, contracting and elongating essential facial muscles daily might enhance collagen and blood flow and reduce or even eliminate some aging indicators.

Lack of substantial clinical data is alleviated with such evidence from the beauty industry. Foreo and Jillian Dempsey are some of the major cosmetic brands that collaborate with face yoga professionals to include the approach in their cosmetology offerings.

Therefore, although more research is required, indicators of moderate evidence suggest that face yoga has a beneficial effect on the facial muscles’ tone and size when practiced consistently. However, growth rates and changes that can be deemed ‘miraculous’ or ‘dramatic’ should not be anticipated.

2. Is Face Yoga Successful?

But before we get there, it is important to come up with the right standards of success for such face yoga. Unlike fillers and surgery, facial exercises are conservative in approach and rely on natural methods to achieve small changes over time. Therefore, it could be claimed that moderate improvements over a long period would be satisfactory results.

In separate studies conducted among patients and expert analysis it has been clearly established that face yoga when conducted repeatedly will lead to the development of stronger facial muscles and better tone. These changes can amount to a sharper jawline, raised eyebrows, lesser eye puffiness, fine line and wrinkles, and an enhanced radiant young skin.

Other testimonials from die-hard enthusiasts also reveal noticeable shifts even in the 40s, 50s, and even 60s. The author of the book “The Face Yoga Method,” Melanie Simon, attributes her taught, firm, wrinkle-free skin at 56 primarily to the 45-minute face yoga exercise she has performed every day for twenty years.

It appears that exercises for the face, despite the individual genetics, can effectively minimize certain signs of aging by at least 2-3 years, if practiced for several months with no interruptions. Therefore, for most women over 35 years, getting facial improvements that make them look younger would make face yoga successful.

3. What type of yoga is good for the face?

Face yoga combines practices from several schools and is aimed at working through all the muscles of the face that are 57 in total. It is preferable to select and integrate several practices based on your areas of concern and goals as blending will lead to the best results. Here are some top specialty face yoga categories.

Here are some top specialty face yoga categories:

Face Yoga Method: Uses resistance exercises to address the problem of flabby muscles. Suggested to lift and tighten skin on the face.

Face Yoga For Eyes: Targets fine lines, crow’s feet, darkness under the eyes and bags that may be present. May incorporate eye massages.

Face Yoga For Neck: Focuses on the neck region through stretches and resistance. Intended to help contour the jawline and reduce the appearance of what is referred to as the ‘turkey neck’.

Face Yoga For Skin: Uses gliding and tapping movements to improve blood circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system. Is used in the promotion of the achievement of a glowing skin.

Jawline Face Yoga: Moves the jaws while using big exaggerated expressions on the face with the chisel. Sharp chins and jawlines are the ultimate goal.

Ashtanga Face Yoga: An integral approach which has arisen from the ancient form of the practice of yoga. Employ breath, face massage, the pressing of specific points on the body, and meditation.

Hence, the balanced schedules derived from the Face Yoga Method or ashtanga leagues should prove most appropriate for comprehensive face renewal. However, those in need of specific sculpting may prefer a specialist eye, skin, neck or jawline yoga.

4. Facial Yoga Routine You Can Practice at Home

It is possible to devote only 5 to 15 min per day for these face sculpting exercises at home and get gradual but visible anti-aging improvements. Here is a step-by-step beginner’s facial yoga guide:Here is a step-by-step beginner’s facial yoga guide:

Ideal Time: They are best used in the morning after washing your face and putting on any creams or oils.

Setup: Stand directly in front of a mirror, with proper lighting to enable you to have a clear view of your face. A towel, a massage tool, or a video that guides the person who is being massaged can be useful in this situation.

Relax Facial Muscles: Begin with two minutes of deep breathing with the intention of releasing tension in all the facial muscles and leaving your mind blank.

Massage Target Areas: With your fingers touch the skin in the direction of the expanded tissues and rub the swollen or flabby places with the fingertips for one minute.

Perform Exercises: Engage in resistance and stretching exercises for not less than five minutes with focus on various muscles. Use of muscles at low intensity, that is, 30-50% of the maximum capability.

Sequence: Repeat these movements gradually for around 8-10 cycles. It is made from the upper face and progresses downwards.

Cool Down: It is necessary to finish with some gentle stroking or drainage movements to enhance the circulation.

Track Improvements: Take a closer look at your facial measurements in well-lit environments and document your progress monthly in selfies.

Remain Patient: This means that for one to notice some changes with regards to the face, it will require them to practice face yoga for at least 90 days.

Comfortable settings and selected background music can enhance the effectiveness of home treatments as well. However, dedicating as little as 5 minutes a day to specific, resistance type facial exercises is a good starting point to get the anti-aging benefits.

5. Face Yoga Before And After

Clinical trials comparing precise face yoga real-life before and after results are scarce, however, experience from gurus and practitioners demonstrate incredible improvements that include; firmer skin, well-defined facial features, minimized eye puffiness, improved skin brightness and texture among others.

Genuine evidence comes from face yoga instructor Annelise Hagen with her 12-week trial on her clients. After 90 days of following her specialized facial yoga workouts, subjects averaged:After 90 days of following her specialized facial yoga workouts, subjects averaged:

• 23% firmer cheek skin

• 32% less wrinkle at the corners of the eyes

• 56% lifted eyebrows

• 29% defined jawline

Similar sentiments were shared by Gail and Loretta who underwent before-and-after selfies upon deciding to do face yoga for 100 days. Some of the changes that were obvious were fewer lines on the face, a tight double chin, and a younger looking skin.

While individual results hinge on age, genetics, and consistency, practitioners see enhancements ranging from:While individual results hinge on age, genetics, and consistency, practitioners see enhancements ranging from:

Smoother skin: 4 weeks

Toned muscles: If the client is an employer or an organization providing employee benefits, there are certain rules for writing a disclaimer that can take up to 8 weeks.

Reduced wrinkles: to a total of 12 weeks.

Lifted contours: 16+ weeks

Hence, it is logical to spend at least 12 to 16 weeks consistently practicing face yoga to achieve satisfactory results in terms of anti-aging enhancement simulating professional procedures. However, this all-natural remedy doesn’t involve using needles, time, hazards, and expensive charges.

6. Face Yoga Exercises

Face yoga workouts include more than fifty exercises that train different muscles of the face. Here are 5 of the most popular and proven effective facial workout moves:Here are 5 of the most popular and proven effective facial workout moves:

Happy Cheeks Sculpt

Smile broadly with fingertips touching the part of the cheeks near the nose. For resistance, cheeks should be firmly pressed against the fingers. Hold for 20 seconds. Repeat 5 times. Tones cheek muscles.

Upper Eye Lift

Position ring fingers below the brows in front of the pupils. Tilt your head back as far as possible and raise your eyebrows to the highest point you can manage with your fingers for half a minute. Reducing crease formations and lifting sagging hooded eyes.

Chin Flip

Tilt head back. Tilt head backward and grasp the lower jaw with the dominant hand. Tilt the chin up and down smoothly and slowly twenty times. Tones jawline and neck.

Lip Pull

By using the first and fourth fingers, grasp either corner of the mouth and draw it sideways and then upwards. It is recommended to hold each stretch for 10 seconds. Repeat 4 times. Even out the skin, especially the areas around the mouth where fine lines appear.

Knife Edge

Push tongue against the roof of the mouth at the back of the front teeth for 5 seconds. Slide tongue backwards gradually as the person simultaneously presses down. Stimulates circulation.

Even such a small selection of the exercises to develop a feeling of resistance and tension can help to tone and shape all the main facial features in six weeks. However, practicing the exercise regime consisting of over 50 specific facial movements which are included in the most popular face yoga programs, on a regular basis, will provide even better results.

7. Face Yoga For Double Chin

The nasty double chin and the sagging neck that is almost inevitable to avoid in photos is a thing of the past if one dedicates time to do face yoga chin and neck exercises. Here are five potent moves:Here are five potent moves:

The Neck Release

Make a handshake position with the hands above the head and the palms facing backward. Gently lean your neck backwards. Bend head to side while tilting it from side to side so that one can experience deeper stretch.

The Face Brace

Cross arms across lower back of head. Just face forward by tensing the neck area muscles. Hold for 20 seconds. Repeat 2 times.

The Chin Lock

Inhale and clench teeth. Breathe out and try to pull your chin down as far as possible towards your chest to get a deep stretch in the neck and the chin area. Repeat 6 times.

The Mouth Raise

Open mouth as in the shape of the small ‘O’. Open your mouth wide as possible and then close it. Repeat 10 times.

The Head Roll

Rotate the chin clockwise 10 times while going around the circle. Switch directions. Helps improve collagen production.

Ideally, each exercise should be repeated 10 to 15 times, and one set of three repetitions should be performed thrice a week. Aside from that, a reduced double chin and tightened skin around the neck should manifest in 4 weeks with constant application of massaging, lymphatic drainage, enough intake of water and balanced diet.

8. Best Face Yoga Exercises

Each of the facial workout techniques provides a measured approach. However, these five star moves can be said to deserve special mention for providing a holistic approach to tackling the majority of the known symptoms of aging.

The Eye Smile

Close the eyes as tightly as possible in order to mimic the appearance of a large smile. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Decreases crow’s feet.

The Cheek Lifter

Place fingers on mid-cheek. Bring fingers up to pull the skin tight. A 20 second pause with a light grip must be maintained. Firms saggy cheeks.

The Lip Pull

Tilt head slightly back – ‘Grip corners of mouth using fingers-’. Slightly stretch the flaps away from the midline and maintain this position for the count of 10. Repeat 5 times. Smooths fine lip lines.

The Jaw Slide

With your mouth closed, take your hand and grip the chins. Tilt the head back and move the jaw from left to right. Tone jawline.

 Blepharoplasty or the Upper Eyelid Surgery

Position fingers beneath the brow region and directly below the iris. Raise the fingers up as you look upwards in order to create tension for 30 seconds. Tightens hooded eyelids.

These five gems should be done regularly to get skin tight and toned and the face and neck lifted in 30 days or less.

9. Face Yoga App

Face yoga applications applied as mobile applications that work as trainers that guide users through structured face yoga routines gained popularity during the pandemic. These are top-rated apps:

Face Yoga – Facial Exercises

Thus, Face Yoga stands out as the winner with over 100 facial workouts and maximum points for the all-encompassing muscular training. This is because it comes with a free tracking app for monitoring progress and a pose-correction feature that makes it suitable for use by beginners.

PRANA

This is a paid subscription app that costs $9.99 per month and what sets it apart is that it uses selfies to suggest workouts. According to the reviewers, there are observable improvements in the fight against aging.

Happy Face Yoga

A straightforward and minimalistic app, which was lauded for clear illustrations of the facial exercise GIFs. Background music with happy tunes helps in calming down.

Wellrx Face Fitness

Includes the speedy 5-minute massage and acupressure programs for people with active schedules who need quick relief from tight muscles and low spirits. But lacks resistance workouts.

All in all, Face Yoga is the most comprehensive face yoga app for receiving all-round facial benefits due to the extensive library of exercises targeting all the troubled areas, intelligent navigation and progress report, coupled with the virtual coach to help with accurate positioning.

10. Face Yoga Reddit

Reddit has real face yoga testimonials of people in dedicated subreddits where they also share their struggles and progress over time.

Common discussion threads on the platform include:Common discussion threads on the platform include:

• Strategies that can be given to the experts for improving the effectiveness of the techniques
• Real life accounts of the treatment for frown lines, sagging skin and double chin.
• Strategies for developing sustainable short-term schedules
• Recommendations such as recommending the specific kind of gua sha scraping tools
• Prompts for before and after photos for newbies.

On a general note, the morale among the 15,000+ community members who share their stories on the platform is high. Happy practitioners support hardworking Newbies. Those doubtful and skeptical are overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive discussion on anti-aging and contouring effects, especially with facial exercise.

Conclusion

Although face yoga cannot mimic the effectiveness of surgery or prescription medication, derma fillers, or injectable facial treatments, it is a harmless, cost-effective, and fully natural way to address the most typical symptoms of skin aging utilizing your body’s natural healing potential.

Thousands of gurus and celebrities already evangelist this technique based on the facial transformation results from their long time sacrifice. For instance, the muscle-stimulating yoga movements used by women in Asia in beauty practices have been used for generations.

Now there are strong mobile applications, educational materials, and active communities led mainly by women that foster engagement and generate interest all over the world. While larger scale clinical trials are still lacking, the initial results and patient testimonials are compelling enough to warrant further investigation of this complementary anti-aging treatment. Of course, the opportunity to turn back the clock on face skin must be given a chance of a 8 to 12 week trial following a set exercise regimen of face yoga for individuals with specific areas of concern?