What Is Face Yoga—and Should You Be Doing It?

I first heard the term when I interviewed San Francisco makeup artist Christina Choi for episode 75 of the podcast (Master Your Makeup After 40). Even without her flawless self-applied makeup, Choi has a pore- and line-free face that belies her 40-plus years. So I asked her what, besides cosmetics and good sleep, is responsible for her youthful radiance.

Face yoga, she told me.

Yep, you heard that right. Yoga, but not the kind that’s done on a floor mat.

While scientific studies are still catching up, many beauty experts like Choi are adding this interesting practice to their self-care routines. Celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna and Meghan Markle have all been vocal about incorporating face yoga into their routines.

“Face yoga is a great way to combat the signs of aging in a natural way,” says face yoga expert Danielle Collins, who has authored books and created online courses on the topic. “It helps to tone and sculpt the facial muscles, improve circulation and boost collagen production—all of which can lead to a more youthful appearance.”

At More Beautiful, we don’t like the term “anti-aging.” But if you’re looking for a fun new beauty trick that may help to make your skin look clearer and more firm, why not give face yoga a try?

Proponents claim it can improve muscle tone and elasticity, leading to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They also suggest it can boost collagen production, a protein that helps keep skin plump and youthful. Face yoga may also improve circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, further promoting a healthy glow.

Unlike its namesake, face yoga involves no downward-facing dogs or warrior poses. Instead, it’s a system of exercises that target the 57 muscles in the face and neck. Just like exercising any other muscle group, face yoga aims to tone, strengthen and improve circulation, leading to a more youthful and defined appearance.

Unlike its namesake, face yoga involves no downward-facing dogs or warrior poses. Instead, it’s a system of exercises that target the 57 muscles in the face and neck.

The science behind it, however, is still in its early stages. While some studies suggest that facial exercises may improve muscle tone and decrease the appearance of wrinkles, further research is needed to establish its long-term efficacy and compare it to other cosmetic practices.

Despite the lack of conclusive scientific evidence, many practitioners swear by face yoga’s benefits. They claim it not only improves their appearance but also reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and even boosts self-confidence.

If you’re ready to give face yoga a try, here are three basic exercises you can do in front of a mirror:

The Lion’s Pose:

This exercise targets the forehead, cheeks and jaw, aiming to smooth wrinkles and lift sagging skin.

1. Inhale deeply through your nose, puffing out your cheeks and widening your eyes.
   Hold for a few seconds, feeling the stretch in your facial muscles.
2. Exhale forcefully through your mouth, making a “ha” sound as you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue.
3. Repeat 5-10 times.

The Cheek Sculptor:

This exercise targets the cheek muscles, aiming to define and lift the cheekbones.

1. Smile widely, showing your upper teeth.
2. Place your index fingers on the corners of your mouth, pressing gently upwards.
3. Try to deepen your smile while resisting the pressure from your fingers.
4. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.
5. Repeat 5-10 times.

The Forehead Smoother:

This gentle exercise targets the forehead muscles, aiming to relax them and reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles.

1. Place your fingertips on your forehead, just above your eyebrows.
2. Gently smooth your fingertips upwards towards your hairline, without creating any wrinkles.
3. Repeat 10 times, then hold your fingertips at your hairline for 10 seconds.

As experts point out, consistency is key, and most recommend practicing face yoga for at least three to four weeks, ideally six days a week for 20-30 minutes per session, to see noticeable results.

After just two weeks of regularly doing these exercises, I noticed that my jawline appeared a tad more defined, and that the ritual actually helped me wind down and relax before bedtime.

While face yoga might not be a miracle cure for wrinkles, it can be a gentle, non-invasive addition to your self-care ritual. And who couldn’t use a little more self-care?