All of us have heard that face yoga can help us sculpt our face and get rid of that stubborn double chin. However, are these claims a fact or just a delusional promise? To know if face yoga actually works to slim down our face, the Onlymyhealth team spoke to Dr Deepak Tyagi, HOD, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital.
What Is Face Yoga?
“Face yoga refers to a set of exercises and movements designed to tone and strengthen the muscles in the face and neck,” defined Dr Tyagi. According to public opinion and many online yoga experts, face yoga can improve facial appearance by:
- Increasing blood circulation to facial tissues
- Tightening and toning facial muscles
- Releasing tension in facial muscles
- Stimulating collagen production
- Improving lymphatic drainage
“The theory is that, much like other muscles in the body, facial muscles can be strengthened and toned through targeted exercises, potentially leading to a more youthful and refreshed appearance,” said Dr Tyagi.
Can Face Yoga Slim Your Face?
Dr Tyagi shared, “There is limited scientific evidence on the effectiveness of face yoga specifically for slimming the face. While some small studies have shown modest improvements in facial appearance, larger and more rigorous trials are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.”
Even experts at Harvard Health caution that its impact on facial wrinkles is likely limited. Significant improvements in wrinkles would likely require other cosmetic approaches, such as dermal fillers.
He added, “Any potential slimming effect is likely to be subtle, as face yoga may help tone muscles but cannot spot-reduce fat in specific areas. Overall, the current evidence suggests that while face yoga may contribute to muscle tone, it should not be relied upon as a primary method for facial slimming.”
Also Read: Roshni Chopra’s Inspiring Face Yoga Exercise For Sculpted Cheekbones
Facial Yoga Exercises
Dr Tyagi said, “Most face yoga programmes recommend daily practice for 15-30 minutes, with consistency being key to seeing potential results. It is generally suggested to perform each exercise 5-10 times per session and to maintain this routine for at least 8-12 weeks to observe noticeable changes.”
He listed some common face yoga exercises that target and strengthen various facial muscles, potentially leading to improved muscle tone and a more youthful appearance:
- Cheek Lifts: Smile without showing teeth, placing fingers on the cheeks. Lift the cheeks up and hold.
- Fish Face: Suck in the cheeks and lips, hold for five seconds, then release.
- Neck Lift: Tilt the head back, press the tongue to the roof of the mouth, and swallow while slowly lowering the head.
- Forehead Smoother: Place fingers on the forehead, and apply gentle pressure while trying to raise the eyebrows.
Dr Tyagi concluded that the best way to find your exercise sweet spot might differ from person to person. There's also still some research catching up to figure out the perfect amount for everyone. But the key seems to be sticking with it – the more consistent you are, the closer you'll get to your goals!