Facial muscles lose tone with age and the force of gravity. There is hope: Facial muscles have the same composition as any other muscle in the body and therefore can be toned and firmed with exercise. Exercise for 10 minutes in the morning and evening consistently for the fastest results. Another benefit from facial exercise is increased circulation that gives the complexion a healthy, rosy glow.
Brow Lifter
The brow lifter is a yoga exercise and works the fontalis muscle that is connected to the scalp. The brows and upper eyelids are toned with this exercise. Sit with the spine erect; widen the eyes as far as possible and focus at a point on the horizon, keeping the brow smooth. Hold for five to 10 seconds, relax and repeat four or five times. You should feel the forehead flush from the extra circulation.
Isometric Eyelid Exercise
This eye exercise uses fingertip pressure at the corners of each eye as resistance. Using the index and middle fingers, place the fingertips at the inside and outside corners of each eye and hold lightly. Rotate the eyeballs up towards the forehead while holding the corners of each eye. Using the muscles directly under the eyes, lift the lower lid slightly squinting the eyes. Hold and then relax. Repeat this muscular contraction 10 times. The lower eyelids and muscles around the eyes are strengthened with this exercise, according to Carole Maggio, a licensed esthetician and author of “Facebuilder for Men.”
Face-Lift Exercise
This exercise builds strength in the sheet of muscles, the quadratus labli, that run along the side of the nose to the upper lip. The California Dental Specialty Group recommends this exercise for facial toning. Open the mouth slightly, flaring the nostrils and wrinkling the nose and lifting the upper lip as high as possible. Relax and repeat 10 times. The second part is done by placing the index fingers just under the eyes resting on the cheeks; open the mouth slightly, curl the upper lip hold for 10 seconds then relax. Repeat 10 times.
Marilyn
Another yoga exercise, this one is named for Marilyn Monroe. Keep the brow smooth and blow kisses to your adoring fans. The muscles around the lips and the lips are firmed and toned with this exercise. Annelise Hagen, author of “The Yoga Face,” teaches this exercise in her facial yoga classes in New York City.
Neck Exercise
This exercise firms the skin directly under the chin. Stand or sit, stick your tongue out as far as possible and say, “Ahhhh.” With tongue extended, keep the face and brow relaxed and hold for 60 seconds. The eyes may water, but this is normal.
