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| source: edition.cnn |
Let me start with this: I was skeptical. The idea that scrunching, puffing, and stretching my face in front of the mirror could replace skincare or even tighten my cheeks felt… borderline ridiculous.
But then I started noticing the buzz, influencers showing off before-and-afters, wellness gurus swearing by it, and even dermatologists casually mentioning it on podcasts. So I did what any curious, slightly tired-looking person would do: I dove in headfirst and researched the heck out of face yoga.
Turns out, there’s more to this trend than duckfaces and TikTok.
The Science (and Skepticism) Behind Face Yoga
Our faces are built like a layer cake: skin on top, fat pads underneath, and muscles at the base, all draped over our bones. According to Dr. Anetta Reszko, a respected dermatologist in New York, what happens as we age isn’t just about wrinkles, it’s about muscle atrophy and fat pads shifting. This is what gives us that saggy, sunken look that no serum can fully fix.
Face yoga, in theory, targets that deeper layer, the muscles. By training them, you’re essentially giving your face a workout. The idea? Bigger, stronger facial muscles can lift the skin and add back youthful volume.
One small 2018 study by Dr. Murad Alam at Northwestern University looked into this. After 20 weeks of daily 30-minute exercises, participants (mostly middle-aged adults) saw fuller cheeks and a more lifted appearance. It’s not a miracle replacement for Botox, but for those of us who are needle-averse or budget-conscious? It’s an intriguing alternative.
What Face Yoga Can Actually Do
Okay, so it might not erase 10 years overnight, but consistent face yoga has some legit perks:
1. Lymphatic Drainage and De-Puffing
Ever wake up with a puffy face? Same. Dr. Reszko explains that our faces hold a lot of lymphatic fluid, and lying down all night doesn’t help. Gentle facial movements (like in face yoga or gua sha) can help stimulate drainage and reduce swelling.
2. Improved Blood Circulation
A bit of movement gets the blood flowing, which can give you that post-workout glow, but in your face. While the effect is usually temporary, it can help you look more awake and refreshed.
3. Tension Relief
If you tend to clench your jaw, furrow your brow, or hold stress in your face (hello, me), this might be your secret weapon. Face yoga teacher and author Annelise Hagen says many of us don’t realize how much our emotional stress shows up in our facial muscles. Her classes are part movement, part mindfulness, think “lion’s breath” and “smiling Buddha face.”
It’s More Than Just a Facial Workout
Here’s what I didn’t expect to find: the emotional and meditative benefits. There’s something incredibly grounding about taking 10 minutes a day to check in with your face, not to judge it, but to reconnect with it. I know that sounds woo-woo, but it’s real.
Just like in traditional yoga, face yoga invites awareness. It forces you to slow down, breathe, and be a little more present in your body (or face, in this case). Over time, I found it helped me soften some of the unconscious tension I didn’t even realize I was carrying.
But Is It Safe?
For the most part, yes. Experts like Dr. Alam and Dr. Reszko agree: unless you’re aggressively rubbing or tugging (especially around the delicate under-eye area), face yoga is pretty harmless.
That said, don’t expect it to magically erase deep wrinkles or treat skin conditions. For more dramatic skin concerns, acne, hyperpigmentation, or loss of elasticity, it’s best to check in with a board-certified dermatologist. Think of face yoga as a supplement, not a substitute.
My Take (After Weeks of Face Puffing in the Mirror)
I won’t pretend it gave me a facelift. But I did notice subtle changes, especially in how much more relaxed and open my face felt. My cheeks felt more lifted, and I caught myself smiling more (intentionally or not) throughout the day.
But more than the physical changes, I loved the ritual of it. It’s free. It’s empowering. And it’s something I could do anywhere, no tools, no products, no tech.
Is it the secret anti-aging weapon? Probably not. But as a mindful self-care practice that doubles as a skin boost? I’m in.
Final Toughts: Face Yoga Works Best For:
Mild lifting and toning (especially the cheeks)
Reducing puffiness and fluid retention
Promoting circulation and skin glow
Relieving jaw and forehead tension
Mindful connection with your face and emotions