We often read comments on social networks from users who disbelieve Facial Yoga or who think that it does not work for older people and that is why today we are going to review this so that you understand what Facial Yoga is and why it works.
We have already written at length about what facial yoga is and its benefits. But to summarize it we could say that it is a practice of specific exercises designed to tone and strengthen the muscles of the face . Like traditional body yoga, face yoga uses a series of movements and poses, combined with breathing techniques, to improve circulation, reduce tension, and promote a younger, healthier appearance.
Does Facial Yoga really work?
Here we will be blunt, Facial Yoga works . But this is not a biased opinion based solely on personal experience but is supported by different scientific studies that have proven it over time.
Why does the face wrinkle?
First we have to understand why, over time, wrinkles appear on the face. It is worth noting that the facial muscles under the skin of the face contract regularly, especially the orbicularis around the eyes, which forms visible wrinkles even in children. As we age, the skin loses elasticity due to a decrease in collagen and elastin. Collagen, a protein that holds tissues together, and elastin, which keeps skin elastic, decrease over time, causing skin to sag and wrinkle. Exposure to the sun and smoking accelerate this process, causing premature wrinkles.
Wrinkles significantly influence the perception of aging. Contrary to popular belief, people who smile a lot may appear older because the repeated contraction of facial muscles accentuates wrinkles. This was confirmed in a study in Japan during the pandemic, where people wearing masks were perceived as older.
To understand this and measure it, the secret of Botox is precisely the paralysis of the facial muscles by preventing the nerves from sending signals, making expression wrinkles less visible. However, this effect is temporary.
Facial Yoga does rejuvenate the face
Facial exercises , although they involve muscle contractions, do not aggravate the situation any more than regular facial expressions do, since skin with less elasticity does not easily recover its initial smooth state. That is why Facial Yoga works as long as a routine is maintained over time, this has been scientifically proven.
In 2018, the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) - a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association weekly since 1883 - published a study of women between 40 and 65 years old with wrinkles caused by from the sun, the group was given initial training in how to do facial exercises with muscular resistance (contractions) and then they were taught a 30-minute facial exercise program that they had to do at home every day for five months. The result was an improvement in the facial appearance of the volunteers . The before-and-after photos showed increased tone in the upper cheeks and transformations in 18 other facial features.
On the other hand, the massages performed in Facial Yoga can relax the muscles that we contract without realizing it, such as the eyebrows or the muscles around the mouth. Tight muscles produce more puckering and wrinkles, while a relaxed face appears younger.
In a study , carried out in 2023, it was found in patients who underwent eyelid surgery, both upper and lower, to eliminate bags and excess skin. A curious side effect of this operation was that they no longer needed to raise their eyebrows to open their eyes, which had become necessary with aging. This change caused the expression lines on his forehead to disappear.
Facial Yoga can affect our mood
We already know for sure that Facial Yoga helps rejuvenate the face. But there are also those who go further by explaining how facial expression affects our mood and mental health. In 2018, in a study led by Doctors Okamoto R, and Mizukami K. carried out in Japan, participants underwent 30-minute facial exercise sessions twice a week for a period of 12 weeks. These sessions included yogic breathing techniques, rhythmic facial movements, muscle stretches and facial yoga. The results of the study revealed positive improvements in mental health, facial expression, and tongue muscle power.
Although the evidence in this case is limited, we cannot rule out these results. After all, Charles Darwin himself wrote about this topic in his book "The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals", where he analyzed the main expressive actions in humans and animals. From his analysis, he identified a series of facial expressions that he considered universal, associated with suffering, tenderness, fear or shame.
In summary, does Facial Yoga work or not?
After the journey we have taken, we can affirm that Facial Yoga helps reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate the face. Although results are achieved in a few months, as various studies have shown, a routine must be maintained over time. At the same time, we can be sure and calm about something, it has no adverse effects and is 100% natural.
If you came this far and want to get started in the world of Facial Yoga, we leave you a 15-minute routine for you to try and ourYouTube Channel where you will find more specific facial routines.