Certain medical conditions, such as Bell’s Palsy, can cause weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face. Facial exercises can help to improve overall strength and tone of the muscles in the face, and this may benefit some patients suffering from muscle weakness in the facial area, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. No matter what the reason for your muscle weakness, facial exercises can help to strengthen facial muscles.
Eyebrow Lift
By utilizing a simple eyebrow lift exercise with added resistance, you can strengthen the muscles that control your eyebrows and forehead. Begin by placing each of your index and middle fingers just above each eyebrow and pressing down gently. Lift both of your eyebrows as high as possible while providing resistance to the movement with your fingers. Hold each repetition for a few moments before relaxing and beginning the next repetition.
Frown and Smile
Make an exaggerated smile as big as possible and hold for a five count before releasing. Next, make a frowning facial expression and hold for a count of five. Repeat these movements 1o times in succession. These exercises will work most of the muscles of the face.
Eye Exercise
Begin this facial exercise by closing your eyes as tightly as possible; hold it for five seconds. With your eyes still closed, open your eyelids wide by raising your eyebrows; hold this movement for an additional five seconds before relaxing. This exercise will help strengthen the tiny muscles surrounding the eyes. Do a total of 10 repetitions per session.
Lip Pucker
For this lip and cheek exercise, begin by puckering your lips as if you were going to whistle. Hold this lip posture for five seconds before releasing. Next, make the same puckering expression, but this time slowly move your lips back and forth from right to left. Make sure that you do not move your tongue during this movement. Repeat this lip exercise 10 to 15 times.
Mouth and Jaw Muscles
Open your jaw as wide as possible, and hide your teeth tightly behind your lips. Next, transition your lips into an “O” shape by pursing your lips together tightly but making sure not to close your mouth completely. Repeat this exercise for 10 to 15 repetitions per session.
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