Age and gravity contribute to sagging skin, and the complex network of muscles and tendons of the face can be exercised just like the rest of the body. Facial muscles can be toned and firmed with exercise. Isometric exercises combined with yoga are popular face-firming movements so add a few of theses exercises to your morning and evening routine for toning and firming benefits. The extra circulation from the exercise will give your face a rosy glow.
Face-Lift Exercise
The California Dental Specialty Group designed this exercise to keep the facial muscles toned. The sheet of muscles from the side of the nose to the upper lip (Quadratus labli) cause the skin to lose firmness through lack of exercise and age.
Start with the mouth slightly open while flaring the nostrils. Wrinkle the nose and draw the upper lip as high as possible, hold for 10 seconds and release. Repeat for 10 repetitions. Repeat, except use pressure from the fingers as resistance. Place the index fingers on the top of the cheekbones just under the eyes. Open your mouth slightly, flaring the nostrils and wrinkle the nose. Lift as high as possible while keeping a light pressure on the cheekbones. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat for 10 repetitions.
Smiling Fish Face
This yoga exercise is from Annelise Hagen, author of "The Yoga Face," and tones and firms the cheeks and lips. Start by puckering the lips, then suck in the cheeks like a fish and smile while holding this pose for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times. You should feel the extra circulation around the lips and in the cheeks.
Kiss the Ceiling
Work the jaw and neck muscles with this exercise, which can be done either standing or sitting. Holding your arms at the sides, tilt the head back slightly (your head should not be parallel with the ceiling), pucker up and try to kiss the ceiling. The muscles of the neck and jaw will feel tight with a stretching effect. Hold for 10 seconds, release and repeat 5 times.
Temple Dancer Eyes
This yoga exercise works the oribiccularis oculi, the muscles that surround the eyes. It firms the muscles, preventing sagging and fine lines from forming. Sit with the spine erect looking forward. Move only the eyes in this exercise, not the head. Look to the right, then center, then to the left and finally back to the center. Keep the head relaxed. Reverse the direction and repeat five times.
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