7 Best Anti-Aging Facial Exercises

7 Best Anti-Aging Facial Exercises

Working out can transform our bodies and do wonders for our wellbeing, so it makes sense that certain exercises can also make a huge difference to our faces. Let's not forget that there are 43 separate muscles in the face, and exercising them consistently will improve their strength. Additionally, by correctly working each layer of the skin, blood circulation will be increased, which will deliver more nutrients and oxygen to important skin cells.

It can be tricky to know where to start with any form of exercise, so we’ve put together a list of seven simple aesthetician-approved facial exercises that can firm the skin and help you achieve a more youthful complexion.

1. The Eye Elevator

When it comes to facial exercises, the process is less "muscle pumping" and more gentle stretching and softening to release stress and tension. The best exercises will also hit particular acupressure points, which will promote blood flow to key areas of the face.

To give your eyes a lifted and brighter appearance, start by placing your index fingers along the top of your brows. As you squeeze your eyes tightly shut, raise your eyebrows and hold for three seconds. This process will open up the eyelids and reduce puffiness, which is why this is an excellent exercise to incorporate into your morning routine.

2. The Forehead Smoother

Place the palms of your hands on your forehead, ensuring that your little fingers are pressing on the area directly above your eyebrows. Attempt to raise your eyebrows, ensuring that your fingers are providing some resistance and keeping the area tight. Then simply relax your forehead. Start by doing 10 repetitions at a time before gradually increasing them over time.

3. The Tension Easer

Not only does muscle tension feel uncomfortable, it can also contribute to a dull complexion and the loss of the soft contours that give the face a youthful appearance. Take some cream or a facial oil in your hand and start by applying pressure on the center of your neck. Using a sweeping motion, move your hand under your ear, across to the back of the neck, down towards your shoulder, and all the way round to your collarbone. This simple exercise is an ideal way to unwind at the end of a long, tiring day.

4. The Smile Line Preventer

When the nasolabial folds deepen, our face can start to look sunken and drawn. Close your mouth and place your index fingers along your smile lines. Keeping your fingers in place, press your lips against your teeth and hold for a handful of seconds. Repeat the exercise up to 10 times.

5. The Masseter Muscle Stretch

Tension can both close our features and pull our faces downward, giving a more fatigued appearance. The masseter muscle is an important chewing muscle and is easily one of the muscles we all use most frequently throughout the day. As it can easily feel tight and overworked, stretching and relaxing it can make a huge difference. Simply place your index finger inside your cheek alongside your upper gums and, maintaining firm pressure, sweep down and around towards your lower jaw.

6. The Eye Wrinkle Eraser

Place your index fingers on the inner corners of your eyes and gently massage the under-eye area using circular motions. Gradually move from the inner corners to the outer corners, and then go from the outer corners to the inner corners. This process will help to reduce puffiness, making it an excellent facial exercise to do in the morning in combination with the Eye Elevator.

7. The All-In-One Face Firmer

If you’re looking for a one-and-done exercise that will cover just about every muscle in your face, this is the one for you. Beginning with a relaxed face, start reciting the vowels of the alphabet. Take care to really over-enunciate every letter and you’ll know if you’re doing it right because it will feel as though every muscle between your cheekbones and your chest has had a serious work out.

To level this facial exercise up a notch, start by massaging the muscles with a balm or an oil, such as this Soothing and Moisturizing Face and Body Oil. Combining these two steps will help you to release tension, ensure everything is drained, and firm the skin. What a dream team, right?

Facial exercises can be complemented by high-quality skin care products, particularly those with hydrating properties such as this Pro Repair Serum, which contains hyaluronic acid that can keep skin hydrated by holding more than 1,000 times its weight in water.