You shape your body to fend off the inevitable sag that comes with age. In just the same way, doing regular facial exercises can tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles and improve your complexion without surgery or injections. According to Saga, even plastic surgeons agree that applying the same techniques you use to tone up your body can have dramatic results on your face.
Jaw and Chin
No amount of toning will deliver results if you're carrying extra weight and, when it comes to the face, excess pounds usually go straight to your chin--or chins. Saga suggests doing this exercise in conjunction with a healthy diet. Sit up straight and gently ease your head back so you're staring at the ceiling. Bring your lower lip up and over your upper lip, reaching it as close to your nose as possible. Hold for a slow five seconds then repeat. It might not be a cover girl pose, but do this exercise twice daily and you'll soon be on your way to the cover girl's razor-sharp jaw, and one chin, instead of several.
Cheeks
Cherubic cheeks might look adorable on small children, but if you're old enough to drive and vote, you're probably after a more contoured look. And, says FacialExercisesGuide.com, it's easy to achieve. Place all fingertips of each hand firmly over the lines that run from the corner of your outer nostrils down to the corners of your mouth. Then, smile widely, flashing those pearly-whites and maintaining pressure with your fingertips to add resistance and make your muscles work harder. Hold for about five seconds. Repeat 30 times.
Eyes
Squinting in the sun, applying and removing makeup and staring at computers for long hours all take their toll on the delicate eye area. But you don't have to resort to a surgical lift. Facial exercise expert Eva Fraser recommends doing this exercise twice, every day, at least five days a week. Stand in front of the mirror and lightly rest your index fingers just under your eyebrows then raise them as if you're surprised. Hold your raised brows in place with your fingers then slowly lower your eyelids. Count to six then release over a count of three and repeat.
If you're tight for time, the express version, suggested by FacialExercisesGuide.com, is easier to do on the run. Simply raise your eyebrows in surprise, taking care not to wrinkle your forehead. Keep this expression for 10 seconds, relax and repeat four more times.
The Whole Face
A whole face exercise gives your cheeks, jowls, chin and neck a workout all at once--think of it as the cross-trainer for your face. According to FacialExercisesGuide.com, it can be tricky to do at first, so relax before tilting your head back to look at the ceiling. Then, rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth and swallow. Repeat with your head tilted slightly to the left and then to the right. Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth at all times, and repeat four times in all three directions.
To boost blood circulation and activate collagen and elastin production for firmer skin, TargetWoman recommends lightly and quickly tapping your fingertips over your face. Try doing it when applying your morning or evening moisturizer and do two beauty tasks at once.
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