Facial workouts have become a trending topic since many celebrities and public figures highlighted them as part of their self-care routine. But, are they actually effective? And if so, can they help you stave off the use of filler and Botox?
Have you ever thought about exercising your face muscles? Are facial workouts even a real thing? Facial exercises are the latest workout trend, inspired by studios like FaceGym and Skin Fit Gym in Los Angeles, in addition to many other online and physical studios.
If you’re wondering how exercising the muscles of your face would look like, then think about the awkward movements of physical therapy or those you might see in a barre class. Naturally, the objective is to attain the long-calcified ideals of physical perfection, manifested in vibrant, sag-free skin.
Does it look and sound ridiculous? Sure. But the truth is that research supports this. A Northwestern University study found that middle-aged women could have fuller cheeks and lifted brows only by doing facial workouts for 30 minutes daily constantly for 20 weeks! Worth giving it a try, right?
Let’s keep studies aside, are facial workouts really effective?
In short, yes — but you have to be committed to the regimen.
The face is like any other muscle in the body, to be able to see a difference, you need to keep to an exercise routine. This is the same for facial workouts, you must maintain a consistent face exercise routine in order for it to be effective.
It works wonders for face-tightening and revitalising parts of your face like your eyes, forehead, and cheeks that are prone to developing early signs of ageing. Try to fit in 15-20 minutes of facial workout each day if you can, or even 10 minutes before and after work to fit it into your busy schedule. Exercise may strengthen those muscles, making the entire face look more firm and youthful.
But will the day come when facial workouts replace Botox, fillers, or lasers for wrinkles?
NEVER!
As is frequently the case, celebrities are promoting their use of face exercise and attributing their glowing skin to their facial workout routine in order to bring attention to it. But a lot of these celebs are getting these facial training regimens done just before a significant event.
Facial workouts are more effective in delaying the signs of ageing, but they will be more difficult if you already have wrinkles or deep lines. This would suggest that this type of treatment does not produce long-lasting outcomes. On the other hand, if you don’t have the time to sit through numerous, lengthy facial sessions, if you can’t afford weekly treatments, or if you truly want to see a noticeable difference after just one session, Botox and other face fillers are more practical solutions.
5 most common facial workouts
The brow-raiser
For lifted brows
The cheekbone lift
For defined cheekbones
The Chipmunk cheek squeeze
For a slim face
The Jaw flex
For a toned jawline
The puffer fish press
For Wrinkle-free nasolabial folds
Celebrities following facial workouts routines
Madonna
Madonna has managed to keep her young appearance, and it is all down to her facial workouts. For more than a decade, she has been practising face yoga and more specifically anti-ageing exercise, and it shows! She is guided by a face workout instructor who knows which exercises are most effective for her.
Megan Markle
The Duchess of Sussex has beautiful facial features and consistently appears toned, but this is not only the result of her genes. To maintain her skin taut and her face muscles toned, she performs a variety of anti-ageing exercises for face every day.
“I swear it works, as silly as you may feel. On the days I do it, my cheekbones and jawline are way more sculpted. There’s a reason she is in high demand around awards season when every actress wants to look A-plus,” Markle expressed.
Gwenyth Paltrow
Gwenyth also keeps her face looking fresh and youthful without the use of Botox. She uses face yoga exercises to work all of the muscles in her face, so she does not lose her facial structure.
Cindy Crawford
This well-known supermodel also works out her face to keep it young-looking. She practises face yoga diligently, which is why she looks younger than her age.
“Over 20 years ago, I saw a woman doing exercises for her neck. She explained that if you keep those muscles toned, it helps preserve the line of your jaw. You can do these exercises anywhere, but I usually do them as part of my workout.
They’re simple to do—just lay flat on your back with your chin pointed up, and lift your whole head about an inch off the ground. Without putting your head back down on the floor, bring your chin to your chest. I do three sets of 10 repetitions, but you can build up to that!” Crawford said.
Ashley Graham
This well-known American model constantly massages and tones her face to keep her skin firm and vibrant. She usually shares her facial routine with her audience, and facial massage has always been on top of her list.
Tempted to give them a try but don’t know where to start?
Besides the many Youtube videos you can find, here are DDW’s favourites spots in town.
FaceGym
FaceGym is the only gym studio for the face. It is powered by high-performance, award-winning skincare, expert tool innovations and one-of-a-kind workout moves to kickstart the skin’s metabolism and provide a unique facial fitness experience for everyone, at every age.
Koko Face Yoga
Born and raised in Japan where face yoga has been popular, Koko Hayashi has been practising face yoga for over a decade and started teaching in 2018.
Her clients include Kim Kardashian and her class was selected as the most popular yoga class at The Yoga Expo 2019.
Face Workout By Mia via online classes
If they worked for so many people, it can work for you too, what are you going to lose anyway? You’ll either have a more glowing face or a nice laugh over the reflection of your unusual movements in the mirror while you’re trying to master the workouts!