You’ve probably seen this on one TV show or another – a rather good looking guy or girl making all sorts of funny faces, like puckering his or her lips, frowning funny or doing some other, well, hilarious expression with their face. No, it’s not a comedian or a clown-wannabe, that’s actually a fitness guru showing people how they can, presumably, tighten their facial skin with certain exercises.
It certainly sounds more appealing than going under the knife, but, do Facial Exercises actually work, or will they make you just look funny?
Let’s take a deeper look.
First, the Theory Behind it
The theory behind facial workouts is that the muscles in the person’s face form a foundation of their skin. So, if they lose tone, the skin becomes saggy and can especially be seen as you age (notice looser skin than what you had a few years back if you’re in your forties or fifties for example).
Exercising your face is based on the simple fact that, since exercising other parts of the body helps muscles improve their tone (for example doing lunges will tighten your butt) the same should apply to the muscles on your face.
However, opinions are divided on it.
Some Swear by it
Many fitness practitioners will recommend that you do facial exercises every day in front of the mirror if you want to have a better looking skin. Even certain medical professionals are advocating this way of tightening your facial skin.
For example, Dr. Francis Palmer, a renowned cosmetic and plastic surgeon, notes in his book “What’s Your Number? The Palmer Code” that exercising your neck, cheeks and eye area will tighten muscles there.
Others call it Hogwash
On the other hand, some disagree when it comes to the benefits of facial workouts. In fact, many dermatologists will tell you that, not only does this not work, but that it can also promote wrinkles.
According to the opponents of facial exercises, no clinical research has actually proved their effectiveness.
It’s Up to You
In the end, it’s up to you whether you believe one side or the other when it comes to facial workouts. Of course, whatever you decide, don’t rely solely on this to have good looking skin. Make sure to treat your skin well by using a good moisturizer and sunscreen, drink plenty of liquids (water especially), eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and don’t forget about workouts for the rest of your body.