As you age, your skin tends to sag and wrinkle around the eyes, cheeks, chin and forehead. Lifestyle habits, such as smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption add to the aging process. To perk up your face, do some facial exercises. This will tone the muscles beneath the surface to help lift the skin and provide it with a foundation that will make it appear smooth and reduce some of the effects of gravity.
Smooth the Forehead
Gently place one finger over each eyelid. Close your eyes and hold the eyelids in place while lifting your eyebrows. Hold this position for approximately 10 seconds then release. Repeat this three to five times to firm the muscles in your forehead and release some of the tension.
Lift Your Eyebrows
Place your middle finger on each hand beneath your eyebrows. Push up about a half inch, and hold this position for approximately 10 seconds. Release for the count of five, then repeat two more times.
Lift Your Lower Eyelid
One of the most common places to show your age is the area beneath your eyes. You'll need to be cautious not to press too hard on the tender tissue in the undereye area. Gently place the tips of your fingers on each hand at the top of your cheekbones. Hold your fingers in place as you tilt your head back with your eyes open. Close your eyes without moving your fingers and count to 10. Relax, and repeat two more times.
Reduce Droopy Eyes
Place your fingertips on your temples and gently tug toward the outside of your face. Hold the skin in place as you tightly squeeze your eyes shut. Hold to the count of 10, then slowly release. Do this three to five times.
Lift Your Cheeks
Place the base of your hands (the palm area closest to your wrist) on the top of your cheekbones. Widen your mouth in the biggest smile possible, until the muscles in your cheeks push your hands up. Hold your face in this position and push down on your cheeks to the count of 10. Relax, and repeat two more times.
Firm the Eye Area
With your eyes closed, lift your eyebrows as high as possible. Hold this position to the count of 10, then relax. Do three repetitions to help firm the eye area.
Lift Your Neck
Sit upright in a chair, keeping your back straight. Slowly tilt your head back until you are looking straight up at the ceiling. Keep your mouth relaxed but closed. Then slowly jut your chin and move your lower lip up so it covers your upper lip. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax. Do this exercise 10 times to help firm your neck.
Lift Your Chin
Remain sitting in the chair with your head tilted back. Slowly form an "O" with your lips and hold for 20 seconds. Relax and repeat at least three times.
Overall Face Tightening
Sit upright in a chair, facing forward. Slowly say your vowels with exaggerated movement in your lips. When you say "A" and "E," tighten your neck. With the letters "I" and "O," open your mouth as wide as possible to form the sound. For "U," crane your neck and extend your lips. Hold each vowel to the count of three and repeat for a total of five repetitions.
Tighten the Cheek and Jaw
Stand or sit upright. With your mouth closed, separate your teeth and suck in your cheeks. Hold to the count of three, and then smile wide with your mouth still closed. Hold for the count of three and repeat, alternating between sucking in your cheeks and smiling.
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