Your facial muscles need regular exercise to ensure they are strong enough to support the skin of your face, and to promote a healthy complexion through enhanced blood flow, says the Fitness Health Zone website. As you age, your facial muscles naturally lose strength and tone. Most cosmetic surgeons report that the only way to eliminate the effects of aging is through surgery, but through regular workouts, avoiding the sun and eating a healthy diet, you may be able to help prevent or reduce the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin.
Exercise for the Eyes
As you age, skin naturally loses its elasticity and is less able to return to normal after facial expressions, such as smiling and squinting, cause fine lines to form. The skin around your eyes is very delicate and, therefore, more prone to fine wrinkles than other parts of the face. While this exercise alone won't erase crow's feet, it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, notes the Shape Your Face website. Studies have shown that regular facial exercises can improve muscle strength--and, therefore, skin support--by up to 250 percent and boost circulation and collagen production, which enhances your skin's elasticity, according to GetRidOfEyeWrinkles.com. Half close one eye as if you are winking at someone, hold for a second or two, relax and repeat on the other eye. It's best to do this exercise in front of a mirror in order to ensure you aren't closing the lid all the way or scrunching the skin around your eye excessively.
Exercise for the Upper Eyelids
As you age, blinking alone isn't enough to keep the muscles in your eyelids toned and strong and this can cause folds in the skin. You can strengthen and stretch the muscles by placing your index fingers along the curve of each eyebrow and gently lifting your brows up, notes the Eva Fraser Facial Fitness Center. Hold in the raised position then slowly lower your lids against the resistance. Hold for about five seconds, then gently open over a count of three.
Exercise for Frown Lines
Every time you move your eyebrows--in surprise, confusion, deep thought or when laughing--the skin on your forehead creases. Over time, these creases can become ingrained. However, regular facial exercises increase circulation, which flushes toxins away and oxygenates the skin for a fuller, firmer appearance. Fitness Health Zone recommends placing your fingers over your eyes and very gently pulling down to create resistance then raise your eyebrows. Hold for a few seconds, relax and repeat 10 times. This exercise is similar to a sit up in that it contracts and flexes the muscles in your forehead.
Exercise for the Jaw Line
The jaw line is often one of the first places to show sagging skin, but exercises can help strengthen the muscles for a firmer appearance, says the TargetWoman health and lifestyle website. Sit up straight and slowly drop your head back to allow you to look at the ceiling. Bring your lower lip up over your top lip as much as you can--you should feel the skin pull tight over your jaw bone. Hold for five seconds, relax and repeat five times.
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