It's time to workout... your face?

So, we know you've got your skin care routine totally sorted (um hello, double cleansing is a must). And your hot girl walks and reformer Pilates classes are ticking the 'workout' box nicely. But what if there was a world where the two combined to give you snatched cheekbones, a killer jawline and TBH a more glowing complexion?

Sounds like a huge ask, right? Well it turns out TikTok have led us to yet another game-changing revolution. This time, in the form of muscle-toning face yoga. Yep, you heard us right, we're all about to embark on a journey of facial stretches to get the glowing, sculpted faces we've always secretly hoped for. 

As much as we trust TikTok as our source of info for, well, everything, we figured it best to sit down and chat to an expert to get the full lowdown on what face yoga actually is. So, we chatted to Corri Marshall, the Co-Founder and Cosmeceutical Director of DermapenWorld to give us her insights. 

How does face yoga work? 

So, you know when you want to tone and tighten your muscles you hit the gym and start gently strength training? Well, face yoga works in the exact same way. It works to strengthen certain muscle groups from the 57 muscles in your face. 

And like all exercise (unfortunately), results come with consistency. So, if you're going to give it a go, you're going to need to commit. 

What are the benefits of face yoga?

Like we said, consistency is key, and Marshall echoes our sentiments for the sake of its benefits (as well as results). 

When practised consistently, face yoga can help "improve blood circulation, which brings more oxygen to the skin" and with more oxygen brings a lit-from-within healthy glow. Along with a glorious glow, it helps to strengthen the muscle tone, which can work to help tighten the appearance of skin (AKA: we'll be looking young forever). 

But there's actually relaxation benefits too. If you hold stress in your face (we're looking at you TMJ friends), face yoga "can help with reducing tension" all while working to naturally enhance your features. 

What are the differences between face yoga and gua sha?

Bet you're thinking, this sounds a lot like the gua sha technique. And to be honest, you're not completely wrong. "Both are great for improving circulation and relaxing muscles". They do however work in different ways, as "face yoga is about actively engaging and strengthening the facial muscles through specific exercises, while gua sha is a massage technique that uses a tool to stimulate lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and release tension". 

Marshall continues on to say "face yoga focuses more on toning and strengthening the muscles to create a firmer, more lifted appearance over time. Gua sha, on the other hand, offers more immediate benefits like reducing puffiness and increasing blood flow. Choosing the right option (or even using both in unison) will depend on what you’re looking to enhance — face yoga builds strength and structure, while gua sha can help with de-puffing and enhancing the skin’s natural glow". 

Here's how to build a face yoga routine

Alright, if you're anything like us, you're hooked and need to start a face yoga workout RN. But before you launch in, a "successful routine should focus on consistency and balance". You want to be maintaining the workout long-term, so stick to a routine you enjoy, but start slow "just five to 10 minutes a day" and build up as you go. 

Here are some of Marshall's favourite face yoga exercises for beginners: 

Cheek Lifters: Smile as wide as you can, then use your fingers to gently lift your cheeks upward. Hold for 10 seconds, relax, and repeat. This helps to lift and firm the cheek muscles. 

Jaw Sculptor: Tilt your head back slightly and move your lower jaw forward. Hold this position for 5-10 seconds, and repeat. This can help define the jawline and reduce the appearance of sagging skin. 

Forehead Smoother: Place your fingers just above your eyebrows, then gently push your brows down while raising your forehead as if you're trying to look surprised. Hold for a few seconds, release, and repeat. This exercise works to soften the appearance of forehead wrinkles.

Are there any warnings that come with practicing face yoga?

Like with overdoing any exercise, you can cause tension if you go too hard (no like literally gentle pressure people), too fast. Marshall's tips are to start slow, work with a professional and follow a reputable guide (*ahem* like this one), to "ensure you're using the correct techniques".

Also, if you're someone who often deals with underlying skin conditions, it's best to consult a dermatologist before starting.  

Main Image Credit: @devonkelley_

Rather stick to using a gua sha tool? We found some of the best!