Aging can affect your face in a number of ways---one is increasingly sagging skin. In addition to wrinkle creams, facial exercises marketed to reduce wrinkles have emerged in an attempt to tighten now-sagging facial skin. Understanding if these exercises work---and under what circumstances they can be detrimental---can help you to determine if they are right for you.
Significance
As you age, your skin begins to lose the elastic fibers that keep it looking toned and taut, according to DERMA Doctor, a skincare resource website. As a result, you may observe fine lines and wrinkles that ultimately lead to sagging skin. The premise behind facial exercises is that, just like a bicep curl, you can tone the muscles in your face to make your skin appear tighter and more toned.
Types
In addition to facial exercises that involve manipulating the face into various positions, assistive devices have emerged that promise to exercise the facial muscles, according to DERMA Doctor. These mask-like stimulators are applied to the face and use electrical current or other means in order to stimulate the facial muscles. Other facial exercise techniques include using the hands to manipulate the muscles underneath the facial skin.
Effects
Although many may hope facial exercises are the "magic bullet" that can tighten the facial muscles, these muscles mechanically do not operate the same way as your larger muscle groups, according to Dr. Jennifer Walden, a plastic surgeon writing on Real Self. The facial muscles tend to be flat and small---meaning they cannot be built in the same way the arm or leg muscles can. Dr. Walden said you may be able to achieve a "mild" toning effect from the facial exercises, but this may not provide a noticeable difference.
Expert Insight
While muscles do exist in your face, exercising them may have a counterproductive effect, according to one physician. "You can't build your facial muscles the way you would your biceps---nor would you want to," said Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a former president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery writing on Oprah.com. "Just think about Botox---it works by weakening the muscles in your face; contractions form fine lines. I certainly wouldn't recommend trying to make those muscles stronger."
Benefits
While facial exercise may not prove the ultimate wrinkle fighter, facial exercise may have other benefits, according to Your Plastic Surgery Guide. Aestheticians, dermatologists and other skin-care specialists may use facial exercise to stimulate circulation, which can bring nutrients to the skin. Facial exercises also may encourage lymphatic drainage, which can temporarily make the skin appear less puffy. However, facial exercises as a wrinkle fighter have not been conclusively proven beneficial.
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