It’s the act of moving your facial muscle in silly ways to achieve a toner jawline, reduce wrinkles, improve blood circulation, ease tension and more
I don't have enough time to work out, and now the influencers, beauty experts and more want me to squeeze in time for face yoga and a facial workout. This was my initial reaction to the big fuss about the trend of moving facial muscles in silly ways in the hope of a toner jawline and reducing wrinkles. Don’t blame me for thinking so, we’re all time-starved after all, and the emerging trends are way too many. “It may seem silly, but it's an incredible way to get rid of wrinkles and get your face fit to look younger in the future,” said Karina Sulzer, founder and CEO, Skin Gym. “Fantastic skin is only as fantastic as the skincare products you use. That glow and healthy skin you get after a workout, imagine that all day, every day,” said Ryan Saddik, regional MEA manager, FOREO.
Why should I follow the trend?
Nadia Bartolomeo, director, Spa and Recreation, Ciel Spa, agreed that it is one of the must-do trends, “It has been popular for a while and hence brought to our attention. Face yoga and facial exercises are easy to perform while at home. It helps increase blood circulation, smoothens skin, reduces puffiness and firm the skin. It is also a great way to release tension so in the long run helps our mental health.” There are several reasons as to why we should follow the face yoga trend such as encouraging the activation of blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. “A facial workout has countless benefits, which include strengthening of the muscles in your face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, increasing blood circulation, releasing tension in your face and neck, and firming and tightening the skin. This routine will keep your face looking firm and young in the long term,” said Karina.
Always remember to use oil when performing facial massage; and when using any facial tool, do not pull on your skin.
Karina Sulzer, founder and CEO of Skin Gym
How much of a day's time does it need?
This is where we’re divided, and time becomes a concern. “It only takes between 10-25 minutes a day, while you’re doing your morning or evening routine. We have more than 50 muscles on our face and some which we are not using at all, so they weaken and lose their volume so it’s important we’re assisting the movement,” advised Yande Diouf, training manager and aesthetician, IXORA Organic Beauty. “For quick results, you should try doing it three-five times a week, at least a 10 minute session,” advised Karina. Typically, a facial massage requires 20 minutes, with FOREO BEAR, you can tone your face instantly within 90 seconds, “The anti-aging devices uses the combination of microcurrents and T-Sonic pulsations for firmer, smoother, younger-looking skin by stimulating and lifting over 69 muscles in the face, to help you achieve a contoured, chiseled appearance,” added Ryan.
And the few face asanas you should be aware of include
Nadia’s list includes the Smiling Fish Face (firms and tones the lips and cheeks), Face Tapping (increases circulation for natural glow) and Baby Bird (firms jaw, neck and stretches shoulders). Yande advised getting familiar with Simha Mudra (Lion Pose), Jivha Bandha (Locked Tongue Pose), Jalandhar Bandha (Chin Lock), Mouthwash Technique and Cheek Uplift. “Padmasana relaxes your body and relieves stress for a healthy glowing skin; Paschimottanasana improves skin elasticity, improves skin complexion, and reduces wrinkles. Ustrasana stimulates blood flow to the head and removes toxins from the blood leaving you with a radiant skin,” added Ryan.
Face yoga strengthens face muscles and will build and tone the atrophied muscles. This will then result in less wrinkles and reduce puffiness whilst creating a more defined face contour and improving skin complexion.
Yande Diouf, training manager and aesthetician, IXORA Organic Beauty
Dos and don’ts to keep in mind
“Do it consistently for results – just like any other form of exercise. Do not pull or wrinkle the skin, use hands to protect wrinkling the skin,” said Nadia. Always prepare the skin by starting with a cleansing routine. You’ll see better results if you stay consistent in your skincare routine. “The eyes are the most delicate area of the skin so it’s imperative that you don’t press hard or pull the skin around this area,” said Yande. Nancy Hoang, beauty expert and entrepreneur, Palace Beauty Centre, who has been promoting facial massages in the city since 2000, agreed, “A good product is the key, whether it is tool you are using, a serum or an oil; for in the end the product you use for a massage is what provides nutrition to your skin.” “As at-home treatments continuously rise in popularity, I recommend facial toning daily to achieve the best possible result for those looking to plump and awaken tired skin without the invasive procedures,” said Ryan. He added, “However, while facial activities may stimulate your muscles, if you want to cut down on face fat, I don’t recommend plastic surgery or procedures for a younger appearance. Plastic surgery is not the only way to turn back the clock on your skin, which is exactly why we put non-invasive treatments at the center of our philosophy, empowering people to embrace their uniqueness and simply enhance their natural beauty.”
Facial workout and massages improve blood circulation, tighten the skin, strengthen facial muscles, and ease tension; it can also improve mental health.
Nancy Hoang, beauty expert and entrepreneur, Palace Beauty Centre
Let’s get started with the basics
Firm Neck: Press the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Then look upwards with your chin to the ceiling and swallow. Repeat five times.
Forehead Wrinkles: Frown and then lift your brows as high as you can. You can also use Skin Gym’s Gua Sha tool for added effect, and perform short strokes, almost like ironing out the wrinkles. Repeat five times.
Jawline: Tilt head backwards, pucker your lips and push them forward. Hold for a few seconds and repeat five times.
(As told my Karina Sulzer, founder & CEO, Skin Gym)
Devote anywhere between 10-30 minutes. As a beginner, start out with a few minutes focusing on one-two areas of the facer and build up to 20/30 minutes, incorporating the full face.
Nadia Bartolomeo, director, Spa and Recreation, Ciel Spa
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