We know that getting the blood flowing through regular exercise is good for our bodies. But have you ever heard of doing a workout for your face? It’s an idea that’s gaining traction among people looking to ward off (or reverse) those stubborn crow’s feet.
Some people call it face exercise. Some call it face yoga. And some are calling it into question.
We talked with dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, and massage therapist Vickie Bodner, LMT, to better understand what moving your face can do for you.
Recently, researchers took a look at whether people could use targeted exercises to tone their facial muscles and look younger. The results are in, but they’re not so definitive.
The study tasked a small group of women aged 40 and older to devote time every day to a series of facial workouts. The exercises were intended to reduce wrinkles, help fill in hollow cheeks and minimize other signs of aging. These exercises focused on strengthening and building up underlying muscle in the cheeks, jawline, neck, eyelids and eyebrows.
According to the study, participants appeared about three years younger at the program’s end.
Awesome! Sign me up for some face yoga, right? Well … it may not be so simple.
“This study was the first to look at facial exercises and the appearance of aging,” says Dr. Khetarpal. “In considering the results, keep in mind that it’s a small group of highly motivated participants who were willing to do 30 minutes facial exercises daily.”
Wait, 30 minutes devoted to moving your face? Every day? That’s a tall order.
“Unless someone is highly motivated, it’s hard to sustain these facial exercises over a long period of time and achieve these results,” Dr. Khetarpal notes.
She adds that more and bigger studies are needed before dermatologists can recommend facial exercises as a viable anti-aging remedy. Future studies need to include a much larger pool of participants and a control group, as well as longer-term studies to address whether the benefits remained after participants give up the routine.
For those who don’t have the time to dedicate to a daily face exercise routine (especially when it’s not a proven win), even a quick face massage can have some solid benefits.
