Your normal facial expressions give you character, but they can also cause lines and wrinkles to form. Other causes of aging around the lips include smoking, poor nutrition and the natural loss of the elastic tissue, collagen, that occurs as you grow older. Facial exercises can help work the muscles and improve oxygen-rich blood circulation to the lip area and entire face for a lifted, more youthful look. Though facial exercises are not a quick method that will fade lines like more invasive surgery and cosmetic injections will, this method can give you gradual improvement over time. Facial exercises are also free to do and can be done almost anywhere you wish.
Step 1
Face a mirror if you wish to make sure you are moving the right facial muscles. Curl your upper lip, while raising and protruding your lower lip. Hold this position for a count of four, before relaxing and repeating.
Step 2
Compress your lips together and then pucker them as much as possible while attempting to whistle. Hold this position for a count of five before relaxing. Repeat this exercise five to 10 times.
Step 3
Wash your hands carefully with soap before touching your face to avoid spreading any pathogens. Place the index finger of each hand at the corners of your mouth. Pull your lips down to create muscle tension, while attempting to smile. Hold this position for a count of five to 10, relax and repeat 10 times or more. You should feel the muscles pull during this exercise, as tension is created.
Step 4
Pull in your upper and lower lips so that they are covering your teeth. While holding this position, attempt to smile for a count of three to six, relax and repeat. This exercise helps to lift the corner of your mouth.
Step 5
Pucker your lips forcefully as if you are kissing someone, while keeping your nostrils tight and not flared. Hold this position for a count of three to six, relax and repeat as many times as you wish.
Tips and Warnings
- Using moisturizer on your skin before exercising may help to reduce friction between your hands and face, preventing excessive pulling on the skin. Wash both your hands and face after exercising to avoid blocked pores due to natural oil and pathogens from your hands. Continue doing facial exercises regularly for several months to see improvement.
- Facial exercises are not yet proven to help reduce lines and wrinkles and are even thought to cause them if done incorrectly. Consult a facial exercise expert to learn proper techniques. Wrinkles have several causes, and you may require additional treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror
