Face yoga is a natural, non-invasive method that helps improve both the appearance and health of your face. Through targeted exercises and poses that engage specific muscle groups, face yoga works to firm muscles, boost blood circulation, and bring a vibrant glow to your skin. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned practitioner, there are plenty of simple techniques you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to maximize results.
This guide by Olaben is designed to help you explore and practice face yoga correctly—so you can enjoy a brighter, healthier look every day.
What Is Face Yoga?
Face yoga is a collection of exercises designed specifically for the face, moving and activating different muscle groups in targeted ways—much like how yoga works for the body. Just like full-body yoga, these movements help tone, lift, and improve skin elasticity, giving the face a more youthful appearance and reducing sagging.
Today, it’s common to develop wrinkles and signs of fatigue due to work-related stress or spending too much time in front of screens. Face yoga not only relaxes and releases tension in facial muscles, but also softens features, smooths wrinkles, and revitalizes your overall look.
Benefits of Face Yoga
Practicing face yoga regularly can bring noticeable improvements to both your appearance and skin health, including:
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Releasing muscle tension to help minimize wrinkles caused by stress or habitual facial expressions.
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Strengthening and toning facial muscles for wider, more open eyes, fuller cheeks, and a more defined jawline.
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Boosting circulation, delivering more nutrients and oxygen to the skin for a naturally bright and rosy complexion.
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Smoothing fine lines and improving facial symmetry.
However, it’s important to note that face yoga does not change the actual structure of your skin. According to Harvard Health Publishing, while moving and stretching scarred skin through facial exercises may reduce the appearance of scars, it cannot restore the skin’s original “youthful” condition.
Potential Risks of Face Yoga
While face yoga can help you look more youthful, incorrect practice can lead to certain issues:
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Increased wrinkles – Some experts warn that improper stretching or twisting of facial muscles can actually accelerate wrinkle formation.
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Opposite effect of Botox – Botox works by “freezing” muscles to reduce wrinkles, while face yoga stimulates them. Overworking the muscles with incorrect techniques can potentially speed up aging.
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Breakouts – Touching or massaging your face with unclean hands can transfer dirt, oil, and bacteria into pores, causing blockages and acne. The American Academy of Dermatology advises limiting face-touching to help prevent breakouts.
To fully benefit from face yoga while minimizing risks, make sure to learn the right methods, practice proper techniques, and train safely.
Face Yoga Exercises
1. Cheek Lift
How to do it:
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Open your mouth into an “O” shape.
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Cover your upper teeth with your upper lip and smile to lift your cheek muscles.
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Place your index fingers lightly on your cheeks just below your eyes.
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Relax your cheeks to lower them, then smile again to push them up toward your eyes.
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Repeat: Lift–lower 10 times. On the 10th lift, hold at the highest point for 20 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
2. “Happy Cheeks” Sculpting
How to do it:
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Smile without showing your teeth.
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Lift the corners of your mouth until you feel a warm, tingling sensation there.
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Place your index fingers at the corners of your mouth, slide them up along your cheekbones toward your temples, applying light pressure.
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When you reach the top of your cheekbones, hold for 20 seconds, feeling the muscle activation.
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Repeat 3 times.
3. Eyebrow Lift
How to do it:
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Place three fingertips under each eyebrow and gently lift to open your eyes wide.
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Smile while trying to push your eyebrows down against your fingers.
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Close your eyes and roll your gaze upward toward the top of your head.
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Time: Hold for 20 seconds while smiling.
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Repeat 3 times.
4. Jaw and Neck Firming
How to do it:
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Open your mouth and say “aah.”
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Tuck your lower lip and mouth corners inward, hold firmly, and push your lower jaw forward.
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Slowly lift your lower jaw while closing your mouth, raising it about 2.5 cm each time, tilting your head back.
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Open–close your lower jaw 10 times. On the 10th repetition, point your chin toward the ceiling and hold for 20 seconds.
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Repeat 3 times.
Olaben – Your Partner in Every Training Journey
Olaben is here to support you on your wellness journey, offering high-quality products that elevate your yoga and fitness experience. Discover our women’s yoga wear collection for stylish, comfortable training outfits, or choose from our premium yoga mats for safe and precise poses.
Don’t forget to add essential accessories such as a handy water bottle to keep you energized, or a yoga block to help with balance and posture perfection.
Olaben also offers a full range of women’s and men’s activewear, catering to all workout needs and active lifestyles. Let Olaben be your trusted companion in achieving health, strength, and flexibility.
