Facial exercises are a safe alternative to plastic surgery and other medical procedures, and they can also help to tone the muscles of your face. The human face is composed of more than 40 small muscles, which need to be exercised just as other muscles of the body do. Building muscle tone in the face offers several health benefits, including improved facial tone and less flab, fewer wrinkles, and even improved speech.
Upper Face Lift
Exercising the upper face muscles can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead, and reduce the drooping effect of years of gravity. The key to working out the muscles above the eyes is to provide slight resistance. To perform this exercise, place your index fingers above each eye. Next, lift your eyebrows as high as you can while resisting the movement with your index fingers. Hold the movement at the top for three to five seconds before relaxing. Do a total of 10 repetitions, up to three times per day.
Lip Exercise
By strengthening the muscles that control the lips, you can tighten the area surrounding your mouth and reduce the appearance of wrinkles at the corners of the mouth. Place a finger in your mouth, and proceed to suck on it as hard as possible for a count of five, then relax. Repeat this movement nine more times per session.
Cheek Workout
Exercise your cheeks to help firm and tone this area of the face. Begin by placing your three middle fingers on each one of your cheeks. Next, proceed to smile as wide as you can while resisting the movement with your index fingers. Hold each smile for three to five seconds before releasing. Do at least 10 repetitions per session.
Lower Lip Lift
Working out your lower lip can help to reshape the lower half of your face, including your chin and upper neck area. Start by lifting your lower lip as if you were pouting, and hold it for five to 10 seconds. To work out the neck area at the same time, tilt your head back slightly while you perform the exercise. Make sure to use an exaggerated pouting expression in order to achieve the greatest muscle-building benefit.
"O" Exercise
This exercise will work all of the muscles that control the mouth. Begin this exercise by opening your jaw wide, your lips covering your teeth. Next, slowly transition your lips into an "O" shape, and hold for a few moments. Repeat this exercise 10 times per session.
Member Comments