As we age, our skin naturally changes. We lose collagen, elastin and fat, which causes wrinkles, sagging skin and a loss of volume in areas like the cheeks and jawline. Medications like GLP-1s, often used for weight loss and to treat diabetes, can also cause facial fat loss, making these changes more noticeable.
To fight the visible signs of aging, many people turn to cosmetic treatments like skin serums, red light therapy, chemical peels, fillers and more. Recently, facial exercises like facial yoga have gained popularity.
These exercises promise to tone the muscles in your face, reduce wrinkles and even give you a more youthful appearance — all free and from the comfort of your home. But do they really work?
We spoke with Banner Health dermatologist Trevor Thompson, MD, to better understand facial exercises, what they promise and the science behind them.
What are facial exercises?
Facial exercises involve specific movements that target the muscles in your face.
“The thought process behind facial exercises or facial yoga is that these exercises can strengthen and tone facial muscles, which may compensate for muscle volume loss associated with facial aging,” Dr. Thompson said.
Some people believe skin exercises can help boost collagen production and increase blood flow to the skin, giving it a healthy glow. Unlike other cosmetic treatments, facial exercises are also free and don’t require a visit to a dermatologist or specialist.
Some of the exercises include:
- Cheek lifts: The goal is to tone and firm the muscles around your cheeks. This can help make your cheeks look fuller and reduce sagging.
- Jawline toner: This exercise focuses on the muscles around your jaw and neck. It may help make your jawline look tighter and reduce a double chin.
- Forehead smoother: The goal is to smooth out wrinkles on your forehead. It works by strengthening the muscles underneath the skin.
- Eye firmer: This exercise focuses on the muscles around your eyes. It may reduce crow’s feet and help tighten the skin around your eyes.
What does science say about facial exercises?
Do facial exercises actually work? According to Dr. Thompson, the science behind facial exercises is limited and the results aren’t guaranteed.
A 2018 study examined women (average age 54 years) who performed facial exercises for 30 minutes a day over eight weeks. While 40% of the participants dropped out of the study, the 16 women who finished the study reported seeing improvement in the fullness of their cheeks and reduced signs of aging.
“While the results seem promising, we have to keep in mind that the study was small and the participants completing the study appear highly motivated,” Dr. Thompson said. “The results may not be the same for everyone.”
The same goes for facial massagers like gua sha and jade rollers. These sculpting tools have many proposed benefits but there is little research to support them.
Are there any risks with facial exercises?
Performing facial exercises is generally safe but there are some possible downsides to consider:
More wrinkles: “Repetitive facial movements potentially could increase dynamic facial lines (lines that form with movement) over time,” Dr. Thompson said. For example, constantly raising your eyebrows or smiling could lead to the formation of more wrinkles.
Time and effort: One of the biggest challenges with these exercises is the time commitment. It may be difficult for most people to keep up with 30 minutes every day.
Uncertain results: While some people may see improvements, there’s little research on how long these benefits last. Once you stop, the improvements may quickly fade.
Dr. Thompson added, "It's unclear if facial exercises can counteract facial fat loss from GLP-1 drugs. More research on people using these medications could help us understand better."
Proven anti-aging tips
While facial exercises may offer some benefits, other anti-aging tips have been proven to help skin. Dr. Thompson said the following tips can help keep skin looking youthful and healthy over time.
- Wear sunscreen every day: Sun damage is one of the biggest causes of skin sagging. Wear sunscreen daily with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Follow a skincare routine: Cleansing, moisturizing and using anti-aging products like retinoids and vitamin C can help reduce wrinkles and keep your skin firm. Retinoids, such as tretinoin, are among the most researched and effective treatments for skin aging. They help boost collagen production and reduce fine lines.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated and plump. Dehydrated skin can look dull and saggy.
- Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats can help keep your skin healthy.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking accelerates skin aging by breaking down collagen and elastin. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
- Get enough sleep: Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
- Consider professional treatments: If you’re looking for longer-lasting results, treatments like Botox, fillers, chemical peels or laser therapy can help reduce signs of aging.
Takeaway
Facial exercises may help improve muscle tone and fullness in the face, but they are not a miracle solution. You may not notice dramatic results and the results aren’t permanent.
If you want to learn more about how to care for your skin, consider speaking with a dermatologist or Banner Health specialist. They can help you find the best treatments and routines for your skin type and goals.
