The face is not immune to the forces of gravity and starts to sag and lose tone as a natural part of the aging process. Exercising facial muscles tones and firms the face. Facial muscles respond to exercise just like any other muscle in the body. Therefore, many of the same body exercising tips apply to facial exercises. An added benefit to facial exercise is the rosy glow you get from the increased circulation and blood flow to the surface skin.
Set Aside Time
To get the maximum results from face exercises, you need to set aside time in the morning and evening to practice. Annelise Hagen, author of “The Yoga Face” and a facial yoga instructor, recommends 10 to 15 minutes in the morning and evening.
Use Proper Form
Each exercise should be done using the proper form. Follow instructions on how to move your muscles and how long to hold the movement. Making bizarre contorted faces is not facial exercise and can cause facial spasms or damage, according to the Nov. 13, 2007 issue of "Time" magazine. Make sure to lift and tighten the muscle and then relax and breathe.
Personalize Your Program
Everyone’s face is different and therefore face exercises should vary to fit the needs of the individual. Some people have fuller jaws with more loose skin and sag in this area, while others may have droopy eyelids and furrowed foreheads. Choose a selection of facial exercises that target the specific areas on your face that you want to improve.
Use Clean Fingertips
Use your fingertips and avoid scratching your face with your nails. Wash your hands and do not press on acne cysts. If you have acne, wait till your skin is clear before working areas that are prone to breakouts. Putting pressure on large acne cysts can cause inflammation and swelling.
Take Pictures
Seeing results is the best motivation tool. Take a before picture and then take pictures at regular intervals to chart your progress. Having visible markers, helps keep you motivated. Author Annalise Hagen recommends having pictures to help document which muscles are being firmed.
Consistency
With any exercise program, consistency is important for progress. Being committed to working with your specialized program for 3 to 6 months will guaranty getting results. Lack of consistency impedes progress and reduces the amount of muscular toning.
After all facial muscles are firmed and toned, you still need to maintain a workout routine. Muscles only stay toned with a regular exercise program.
Face-Lift Exercise
The California Dental Specialty Group recommends a smiling exercise to increase muscle tone in the quadratus labli, the sheet of muscles running alongside the nose to the upper lip.
Stand in front of a mirror. Start with the mouth slightly open, flare the nostrils and wrinkle the nose drawing the upper lip high. Hold for 10 seconds and release and repeat for 10 repetitions. Next, repeat the same exercise, but now use your index fingers placed on top of your cheekbones for resistance. Repeat for another 10 repetitions.
Jaw Exercise
This exercise works the neck and jaw muscles. Stand or sit with the back straight. Holding your arms at the side of the body, tilt the head back and look at the ceiling. The head should not be parallel with the ceiling. Pucker the lips and try to kiss the ceiling stretching the neck and jaw muscles. Hold for a count of 30.
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