Your face is usually the focus of first impressions. If you are not happy with the shape of your face, you might feel self-conscious and lack confidence in social situations. In addition to losing weight, you can take other steps to try to achieve a slimmer face.
Weight Loss
You might find that the first place you lose weight is in your face when following a weight-loss program, according to GoodHousekeeping.com. Or you might find that the first place you gained weight is the last place you lose weight. If that place happens to be your face, then you might find yourself feeling frustrated and impatient. Eventually, losing weight should result in a slimmer face. However, when combined with other efforts, you might see results quicker and the results may be more lasting.
Diet
Drink at least nine 8 oz. glasses of water a day, according to the Good Housekeeping website. When you don't drink enough water, your body goes into preservation mode and retains the water it does have, making your face look puffy. Regularly drinking enough water reduces water retention because your body trusts that a continual supply exists. Eat three servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables every day because they contain water and fiber, which makes you feel full and decreases your chances of overeating. Consume at least 1,200 mg of calcium from food every day as studies have shown that adequate calcium may decrease water retention and lead to a greater loss of body fat. Decrease your sodium intake by avoiding processed foods and table salt. Sodium causes water retention and makes your face look bloated.
Fitness for Your Face
While you might feel that your facial muscles get enough of a workout from everyday activities such as talking and eating, you might want to try specific facial exercises. Chewing gum can be good exercise for your face, although be careful not to overdo it as it could strain your jaw, according to the website Green Herbal Remedies. You might be surprised to learn that you can do yoga with your face. One example is to purse your lips while you smile to reduce fat from around the lips. Another example involves sitting in a chair with your back straight. Stick out your tongue as far as possible, keeping your eyes open. Hold for 60 seconds and repeat as you are able.
Other Factors
A lack of sleep and excessive stress disrupt your hormone-producing endocrine system, according to FacialExercisesGuide.com. Hormones affect how much fat you store. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Smoking will make your face saggy and wrinkly because it depletes the body of Vitamin C which is responsible for making skin-firming collagen and elastin (See Reference 2). Drinking alcohol causes the liver to work overtime to detoxify the body, time that could be spent metabolizing fat (See Reference 2). Cut back or quit smoking and drinking to achieve a slim, healthy-looking face.
Warning
Your genetics play a big role in determining the shape of your face. No matter how much you diet, exercise or make lifestyle changes, you cannot change your bone structure. Be aware that certain medications such as prednisone can make your face look puffy. If the benefits of the medicine outweigh the side effects, then you might just have to come to terms with the shape of your face.
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