Firm cheeks are a vital element for an appealing facial appearance. As people age, the firm fatty tissue above the cheekbones succumbs to gravity and begins to droop. A fold of skin usually appears between the side of the nose and cheeks, known as the nasolabial fold. Cheek lifts and the injection of fillers are common cosmetic procedures to used to reduce the appearance of sagging cheeks, but it is also possible to lift the cheeks and regain a more youthful appearance by exercising the facial muscles.
Brow Lift
Step 1
Place your index fingers in a curved position above your brows. Pull your fingers down toward the brow, until you can feel your brow bones beneath your fingers. While pressing down with your fingers, lift your brows as high as possible. Hold the pose for five seconds, release and repeat 10 times.
Step 2
Face a mirror. Curl your top lip outward, in a position sometimes known as a "trout pout," and attempt to touch your nose with your top lip. Use as much force as you can muster. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat four more times.
Step 3
Place the fleshy part of your palms on the side of your face. They should be positioned in front of your ears. Push your cheeks downward toward your mouth and hold. While pushing down, attempt to smile, as widely as possible. Hold while counting to six and repeat 10 times. According to Deborah Crowley, who developed the "Flex Effect" facial training program, this exercise will strengthen the zygomaticus muscle and lift the cheeks.
Step 4
Position your ring and middle fingers on the outer corner of your right eye. Hold while pressing firmly downward. Draw the corner of the mouth up toward the eye, which will contract the caput zygomaticum muscle. Crowley recommends this exercise to lift and smooth the area of the cheekbones.
Step 5
Draw your lips in, wrapping them over your teeth. Pull up the corners of your mouth in the direction of your temples. Hold while counting to 10. Repeat two more times. This exercise is recommended by Reinhold Benz in his book "Five Minute Face Lift."
Tips and Warnings
- Before performing facial exercises, drink a glass of water, and splash your face for several minutes with warm water. Warm hydrated skin is more pliable and easier to move than cold, dry skin. Facial exercises should be performed at least five times per week for optimal results.
References
- Seattle Face: Cheek Lift
- "Five Minute Face Lift"; Reinhold Benz; 1994
- "Carole Maggio Facercise"; Carole Maggio; 2002
- "Flex Effect Facial Resistance Training"; Deborah Crowley; 2002
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