Loss of tone leads to eventual elongation of the facial muscles. When the cheek muscles lose strength, the result is flabbiness or droopiness in the lower cheek and unattractive vertical lines on the face. In the same manner, when the upper cheek muscle begins to shift downward, the outcome is hollowness beneath the eye circle and cheek bones. Fortunately there are various exercises that will tone the cheek muscles and improve the appearance of sagging cheeks.
Cheek Raiser
In the book "The Flex Effect," facial exercise developer Deborah Crowley reveals a simple drill that, when performed daily, will help to lift sagging cheeks. To perform the exercise, place the middle fingers of each hand just below the lower eyelids. Press downward and hold firmly, while simultaneously contracting your upper cheek muscles by smiling widely and raising your cheeks as high as possible. Hold while counting to six. Repeat 10 times.
Cheek Press
The buccinator muscle is the muscle that controls the lower cheek area. In order to firm and fill the hollows of your lower cheeks, place your right thumb inside your mouth against the center of your left cheek. Pull your cheek away from your teeth as far as comfortably possible, then, by exerting the cheek muscle, try to draw your cheek back to your teeth, using your thumb to create resistance. Hold for six seconds, and repeat 10 times. Switch to the right cheek and left thumb and repeat.
Upper Lip Curl
While looking into a mirror, flex your upper lip outwards, in what is commonly called a "fish pout." Attempt to touch the tip of your nose with your upper lip. Hold the position while counting to 10, relax and repeat the exercise nine more times. This will strengthen your neck and lower cheek muscles.
Cheek Lift
For a simple exercise to firm the cheeks, fill your cheeks with air, and close your mouth tightly to prevent the air from escaping. move the air into your right cheek cavity, and hold it there for a count of 10, while using your cheek to exert pressure against the air. Move the air beneath your upper lip and repeat for a count of 10. Switch the air to your left cheek, and finally beneath your lower lip. Repeat the procedure five times.
Upper Cheek Raise
For firm upper cheeks, pull the corners of your mouth toward the outer edge of your cheekbones as if you were smiling as widely as possible. While holding the pose, position the side of your index fingers against the eye area where "crow's feet" wrinkles occur. Hold to a count of six and release. Repeat five times.
References
- A 2 Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness: Face Exercises
- Dermaxime: Free face exercises for the lips and cheeks
- "Flex Effect Facial Resistance Training"; Deborah Crowley; 1998
- "Five Minute Face Lift"; Reinhold Benz; 1991
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