Loss of muscle tone associated with aging can cause the face to appear saggy and drooping. Loose muscle tone can cause jowls to hand and create an appearance of a double chin, report doctors at the National Institutes of Health. While little can be done to tighten the skin, toning the underlying muscles in the face can help to provide better support and reduce the signs of aging.
Step 1
Rub massage oil or a light moisturizer into your hands to allow your fingers to glide over your skin and to avoid stretching the skin.
Step 2
Place your three middle fingertips on top of your eyebrows. Use both hands and press gently but firmly on both brows at the same time. Pull down on your brows while trying to raise them to work the small muscles in your forehead. Hold the move for a count of 10 and release. Repeat 10 times.
Step 3
Push out your lips as though you're going to place a big kiss on someone's cheek. Try to smile without letting go of the pucker; you'll feel the tightening in your check muscles. Hold for 10 seconds, release and repeat 10 times.
Step 4
Stick an index finger in your mouth and suck on it as hard as you can while counting to 10 to strengthen your lip muscles. Slowly release and repeat the exercise 10 times. Work the muscles above the lip by covering your teeth with your upper lip before inserting your finger.
Step 5
Close your mouth and press your teeth together. Push your tongue against the roof of your mouth while it's still closed and apply pressure as hard as you can for a count of 10 to feel the muscles under your chin contract. Release your tongue and then repeat the exercise 10 times.
Step 6
Tighten your chin muscles to tone the lower face. While you're tightening up on your chin, stick out your bottom lip as if you're pouting. You should see your chin become white and dimpled. Hold for a count of 10 and release, repeating 10 times.
Tips and Warnings
- Perform facial exercise in front of a mirror to make sure you're doing them correctly and getting the most benefit from the effort. Include light facial massage in your daily facial workouts to separate the muscles in the face and loosen the muscles so they can heal and strengthen.
- Facial exercises alone will not work unless they are accompanied by a healthy diet that includes sufficient amounts of vitamin C and water for hydration. Wear sunscreen and hats when out in the sun to maintain your tighter facial skin and avoid causing additional sagging and damage to the outer skin layer.
Things You'll Need
- Massage oil
- Mirror
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