Facial Exercises For Shallow Cheeks

As you age, you may experience lines forming around your lips and your skin may appear thinner and become dry. Upper eyelids sometimes take on a hooded effect, and the area under the eyes may appear hollow. Hollowness around the eyes and cheeks is often due to a loss of underlying fat, and the weakening of facial muscles. Targeted exercises that work the facial muscles can diminish the appearance of shallow cheeks and also increase circulation to the area, which improves skin tone and renders a more healthy, youthful appearance.

Cheek Lift

Place the three middle fingers of each hand vertically on each side of your nose. You middle finger should be approximately level with your nostrils; your index finger will lie on the top of your cheekbones, and you should find the ring finger is just above your lip. By using your thumbs, grab as much flesh on each side of the face as possible. Contract your cheek muscles to lift your cheeks directly upward, toward the center of your eyes. Hold your cheeks in the raised position for the time it takes for you to mentally say "I am delighted to see you." Relax your hold and repeat 20 times. This exercise was formulated by Louise Annette as part of her "Ageless if You Dare" program. For best results, repeat the exercise every other day.

Fuller Cheeks

Grasp a chunk of flesh along your cheekbones. Your three middle fingers should be placed on top of your cheekbones pressing the flesh down away from your eye sockets, and your thumbs should be under your cheekbones. Open your mouth slightly, and move the corners of your lips out toward your ears as though you are smiling widely. Relax, and repeat 20 times, each time encouraging the movement of the muscles by stating "It is wonderful to be happy." Repeat every other day for full cheeks.

Wink

Deborah Crowley, author of "Flex Effect Facial Resistance Training," recommends an exercise she has named the "Wink" for smoothing and lifting the cheek area. The wink exercise should be performed by working one side at a time. Position your third and fourth fingers just below the outer corner of one eye. Apply pressure and hold, pressing downward. Contract the muscle by drawing the corner of your mouth up to meet with the corner of your eye, as though executing a lopsided grin. While your mouth corner is raised, count to six. Repeat on both sides 10 times. For optimal results, Crowley recommends performing the exercise five times per week.