Facial exercises that work on the neck focus on toning the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the platysma, according to the book, "Structure & Function of The Body." Toning and stretching the muscles of your neck may help decrease loose skin and wrinkles, while defining the shape of your neck. Facial yoga exercises, as well as exercises that work your jaw, will help to strengthen your neck muscles. Consult your doctor prior to starting any exercise program.
Baby Bird
The Baby Bird, a facial yoga exercise, may help decrease the formation of jowls and tone your neck muscles, according to the article, "Facial Yoga," on the TIME magazine website. Look up and to the left as you press your tongue firmly against the roof of your mouth. While holding this position for 10 seconds, swallow hard three or four times. Repeat the exercise on the right side. Continue to alternate sides until you complete five repetitions on each side.
Lower Lip Lift
The lower lip lift focuses on the platysma muscle, which covers the entire front of your neck and helps control the movements of your chin and lips. Lift you lower lip up as far as you can toward your nose. Hold for five to 10 seconds. If you look up while holding this position, you will engage other neck muscles as well, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Looking up and to the side wile doing this exercise will allow you to engage the muscle on the sides of your neck.
Foodless Chewing
Chewing without food in your mouth may help reduce loose skin on the neck, according to Dr. William Jaremko, a dermatologist in Olean, New York. He states that no research has proven or disproven the use of exercises to tighten loose skin or diminish wrinkles, but that many of his patients state they work.
Kiss Kiss
Puckering your lips while you kiss in various directions will help tone the muscles around your jaw line and neck. Begin by puckering your lips and pressing them out as far as you can. Hold this position for five seconds. Relax your lips for 10 seconds. Repeat while you tilt your head up, turn your head to the right and turn your head to the left. Relax your lips and return your head to a neutral position -- looking straight ahead with your chin level to the floor -- prior to moving to the next position. You should feel the muscles in your neck stretch as you change head positions. Finally, move the pucker from side to side 10 times.
References
- "Structure and Function of The Body"; Gary Thibodeau, PhD and Kevin Patton, PhD; 2008
- TIME: Facial Yoga
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Isometric Exercises for Strengthening Your Neck Muscles
- Dr. William M Jaremko; Dermatology; Olean, New York
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