Over here at Denizen, we’re willing to give almost anything a try in the name of turning back the clock, no matter how whacky or off-kilter it might be. Step forward: face yoga. Much like you would imagine, face yoga involves a range of stretching exercises that are designed to strengthen the muscles, resulting in a visage that’s smoother, firmer and more toned. Requiring no gym gear, no sweating, and no huffing or puffing, it’s the easiest form of exercise to carry out this winter. We’ve even saved you the hard work and hunted down six exercises to try yourself. NB: practise these at home, not on the daily commute.
To smooth forehead lines:
Widen your eyes in a shocked expression, trying to expose as much of the white in your eye as you can. (Those Year 7 drama lessons will come in handy here.) Hold that until your eyes start to water. Relax and repeat.
To firm your cheeks:
Take a big breath through your mouth, then puff the breath from cheek to cheek — as though you’re swilling imaginary mouthwash — before releasing.
To work on your chin and neck area:
After all, it’s one of the first places to show signs of ageing. Press the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth, then smile and swallow while pointing your chin at the ceiling. Repeat five times.
To work on crows feet:
Press both middle fingers together at the inner corner of the eyebrows in a V shape before applying pressure to the outer corners of the eyebrows with the index fingers. Look upwards towards the ceiling and raise the lower eyelids upwards to make a strong squint, and then relax. Repeat six times and finish by squeezing eyes shut tightly for 10 seconds.
To lift smile lines:
Give your biggest, cheesiest grin and then gently press your fingertips into the creases between your nose and lips. Lift the muscles up and press your fingertips down into the muscles for slight resistance.
To work the muscles around your mouth:
Look up and pucker your mouth like you’re about to kiss something and hold for five seconds. Repeat this 5 times. For a two-birds-with-one-stone exercise, stick out your tongue while still looking up at the ceiling, this will simultaneously strengthen and stretch the neck muscles. Return to a neutral position before beginning the puckering once again.
