Youre probably thinking, What kind of weird trend is everyone doing now?
An ancient practice called face yoga.
Face yoga is exactly what it sounds like: yoga for the face.
Olga Kozicka / Stocksy
Brendan Camp, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery centers.
Olga Kozicka / Stocksy
What Is Face Yoga?
But you might achieve the same results naturally by enlarging your facial muscles through routine exercise, he adds.
How Does Face Yoga Work?
You retrain your muscles by doing certain exercises to target specific areas.
Its the same process for your face, albeit on a smaller scale.
And like other muscles in the body, results only occur if youre working out consistently.
Furthermore, Dr. Tassavor adds that slim research speaks to the mental health benefits of face yoga.
However, there are some studies that report slight improvements in mental health attitudes after routine exercises.
She describesyogaas a medicine that made her happy and helped her function.
It also helped regulate her nervous system when she was in afight-or-flight state.
And parasympathetic is therelaxation response.
Those struggling with anxiety can use face yoga to regulate their nervous system and soothe their anxiousness.
And parasympathetic is the relaxation response.
Dr. Tassavor says the physical benefits of face yoga (i.e.
a slimmer face) greatly improve ones mood and overall self-confidence.
Botox, for example, is thought to improve mood through facial feedback.
Internal feelings drive facial muscles, which drive facial expression.
The reverse can also be true certain expressions can drive internal feelings!
Reducing tension in muscles we commonly tense in anger and anxiety can thus improve your mood.
How Do I Start Face Yoga?
The best way to start is to just go for it, Dr. Tassavor says.
There arent any safety concerns when it comes to facial yoga, but bothDr.
Campand Dr. Tassavor advise caution when stretching certain areas of the skin, specifically around the eye and forehead.
What Is the Best Face Yoga Method?
Every yoga exercise targets a specific area in the face, so theres no best method to choose from.
Its all about which area youre looking to improve.
Its one of Hagens top five exercises but is difficult for beginners as it triggers their gag reflex.
She recommends trying it first with water or saliva.
If youre looking for a subtle facelift, try Smelling the Cheese.
Press your fingers into your cheekbones with slight pressure and slowly move them upwards to your temple.
Dont stretch or pull, Hagen warns.
You have to put fingertip pressure on it because the face muscles can’t lift weights, she says.
New habits are best built around new ones.
And have a go at stick to it every day!
How Quickly Does Face Yoga Work?
Progress is slow, Dr. Tassavor says, with results that can take at least eight weeks to notice.
But if you are using face yoga as an emotional regulator or acopingmechanism, the timeline is different.
check that your routine aligns with your lifestyle so it easily fits into your life.
Precautions and Considerations
Not only is practicing face yoga safe every day but its also encouraged.
As with all exercise, consistency is the only way to see results.
However, you should be cautious of where on the face youre working out, Dr. Tassavor warns.
And, as always, consult a dermatologist or relevant expert if youre concerned about damaging your skin.
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