US Experts Highlight the Effectiveness of ‘Face Yoga’ for Enhancing Facial Contours

On the 22nd (local time), CNN in the United States reported on the benefits of ‘face yoga,’ a practice that involves repeatedly contracting and relaxing facial muscles. Citing dermatology specialists, the report explained that face yoga can sharpen facial contours and help prevent aging.

Dr. Aneta Leszko, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Cornell University Medical College, emphasized the importance of face yoga: “The muscles under the skin aid in expressing various emotions. When we age or do not use these muscles, they atrophy, which can cause sagging or hollow-looking areas on the face.”

Dr. Murad Alam, Professor of Dermatology at Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, explained, “The basic concept of face yoga is to strengthen the muscle layers beneath the fat.” He added, “As muscles grow, facial contours can be partially restored.” In a 2018 study led by Dr. Alam, 16 middle-aged men performed 30 minutes of face yoga daily for 20 weeks. The results showed improved facial volume for all participants. “The most notable changes were in the cheeks,” he noted. “The cheek muscles are the largest facial muscles, so face yoga there produces the most visible growth.” However, he cautioned, “Due to the small sample size and difficulty measuring direct effects, further clinical studies are needed.” So, does face yoga really help enhance facial contours?

Face Yoga Helps Improve Elasticity and Reduce Puffiness

Face yoga is a type of facial exercise that stimulates relaxed facial muscles, restoring elasticity and strengthening muscles beneath the facial fat layer. Dr. Insoo Kirk of ONUL Plastic Surgery said, “Face yoga strengthens muscles in the central area of the face, adding volume and moving the face closer to an oval shape.” Face yoga also promotes blood circulation in the face, which helps reduce swelling. Dr. Kirk explained, “Using facial muscles stimulates surrounding tissues, improving blood flow and activating cells.”

Four Key Face Yoga Movements for Defining Facial Contours

Popular face yoga exercises include:

• Smiling Lift: Smile, then use both index fingers to gently push the corners of the mouth upward for 20 seconds. Repeat twice.

• Eyebrow Lift: Use fingers to push the eyebrows upward for about 20 seconds while maintaining a smiling expression and deep breathing. Then pull the eyebrows downward until eyes nearly close while looking up. Repeat three times.

• Surprise Eyes: Open eyes wide and focus on a horizontal point for 5–10 seconds without wrinkling the forehead. Repeat four times.

• Air Transfer: Inflate one cheek with air and transfer the air across the mouth to the other cheek. Alternate sides and repeat three times.