If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media lately, chances are you’ve noticed people pulling funny faces in the name of beauty. Welcome to the world of face yoga—possibly your next favourite wellness practice. This simple, relaxing routine promises a natural way to keep your face toned and vibrant without going under the needle. So, let’s dive into what face yoga is, how it works, and how you can easily incorporate it into your daily routine.
What’s Face Yoga, Anyway?
Think of face yoga like a workout, but designated specifically for your face. It’s all about exercises and massages designed to wake up your facial muscles, improve blood flow, and boost your skin’s natural elasticity. It’s gentle, calming, and surprisingly effective!
Unlike pricey cosmetic treatments, face yoga is 100% natural—no needles, no surgeries, just you and a bit of mindful movement. Plus, it’s an easy and affordable way to take care of yourself while catching a break from the stresses of daily life.
Who’s Doing Face Yoga? (Hint: Some Very Familiar Faces)
Face yoga isn’t just a wellness trend—it’s a favourite among celebrities who swear by its natural benefits. Meghan Markle has openly credited face yoga for her radiant complexion, incorporating facial exercises to enhance her cheekbones and jawline. Jennifer Aniston attributes her youthful appearance to regular facial workouts, while Gwyneth Paltrow features face yoga sessions on her Goop platform. Even Madonna has embraced these exercises to keep her facial muscles toned and expressive.
On the teaching front, Sadie Nardini stands out with her innovative approach. Known for her expertise in yoga and anatomy, she developed the Face HIIT program—a series of high-intensity interval training exercises tailored for the face and neck. This program aims to lift, tone, and rejuvenate facial muscles in just minutes a day. Nardini combines her knowledge of yoga and fitness to create routines that are both effective and accessible, helping individuals achieve a natural facelift without invasive procedures.
Sadie Nardini’s Face HIIT program is transformational, according to her students.
Does Face Yoga Really Work?
Actually, yes! Studies, like one published in JAMA Dermatology in 2018, showed real results. Women aged 40-65 who practiced face yoga regularly for about 20 weeks saw noticeable improvements. Their cheeks looked fuller, and they appeared about three years younger by the end of the study.
Other studies back this up, suggesting face yoga can increase skin thickness and elasticity, meaning fewer wrinkles and firmer skin. Plus, the extra blood flow gives you that fresh-faced glow we all love. Beyond beauty, face yoga can reduce muscle tension, helping you feel relaxed and refreshed. It’s particularly beneficial for those who carry tension in their jaw or experience temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, as certain exercises can enhance jaw mobility and alleviate associated pain.
Five Easy Face Yoga Moves to Try Now
Ready to give it a go? Here are five easy exercises to get you started. Many of these exercises were popularized by facial fitness experts such as Gary Sikorski, founder of Happy Face Yoga; Fumiko Takatsu, creator of the Face Yoga Method; and Annelise Hagen, author of The Yoga Face.
- The Cheek Lifter
- Open your mouth wide in a big “O.”
- Smile big and lift your cheeks up. Repeat 10-15 times.
- Open your mouth wide in a big “O.”
- Happy Cheeks Sculpt
- Smile gently without showing teeth.
- Purse your lips together and lift your mouth corners upward.
- Hold for a few seconds, then relax. Do this 10 times.
- Smile gently without showing teeth.
- The Eyebrow Boost
- Gently place your fingertips under your eyebrows.
- Try closing your eyes while pushing eyebrows upward.
- Hold for about 5 seconds. Repeat 10-12 times.
- Gently place your fingertips under your eyebrows.
- Neck Stretch
- Gently tilt your head back and look up.
- Press your tongue firmly to the roof of your mouth.
- Hold for 10 seconds, repeat five times to tone your neck.
- Gently tilt your head back and look up.
- Forehead Smoothie
- Put your fingertips above your eyebrows.
- Slide your fingers upward toward your hairline with gentle pressure.
- Repeat 8-10 times to smooth forehead lines.
- Put your fingertips above your eyebrows.
Face Yoga Videos to Practice With
Want to try one of Sadie Nardini’s face yoga exercises? Watch her free ‘Cheek and Lip Plump and Massage’ video here.
You can also try this 2-minute face yoga exercise by Fumiko Takatsu, creator of the Face Yoga Method.
Finally, here’s Face Yoga Expert, Danielle Collins, with 10 Face Yoga Moves To Do Each Morning.
Keeping It Safe and Simple
Face yoga should be relaxing, not strenuous. Start slow, maybe 10-20 minutes daily, four to five times a week. And make sure to always wash your hands and face beforehand to avoid irritation!
Remember, gentle is best—especially when it comes to the area around your eyes. Don’t strain or tug too hard; the goal is to relax and energize your muscles, not tire them out. If you have sensitive skin or any health concerns, checking in with a dermatologist before attempting any exercises is always a good move.
To See Results, Stay Consistent
You know how sculpting those abs takes a considerable amount of time and commitment? It’s the same with face yoga. Like any wellness practice, consistency is key. You might feel relaxed immediately, but visible changes usually take a few weeks or months. Everyone’s skin is unique, so patience is essential. The real beauty of face yoga is how it makes you feel—inside and out.
Find Your Natural Glow With Face Yoga
Face yoga isn’t just about looking younger; it’s about feeling great and embracing a natural way to care for yourself. So give these exercises a try, stick with them, and enjoy the calming effects of this gentle practice. Your face (and your stress levels) will thank you!
About Kyneret:
Kyneret has been practicing and teaching yoga for over a decade, with a specialization in Yin and Restorative Yoga. She has always been intrigued by the remarkable healing powers of yoga and all the emerging scientific research that supports it. Her journey as an instructor at Modo Yoga Maple began in 2012. In November 2017, she decided to set off on a nomadic travel adventure while working remotely and has since been active within the Modo community as a blog writer. When not writing, Kyneret is fully immersed in the daily adventures of travel life and actively seeks out as many yoga experiences as possible to further her knowledge and skills.