Maintaining a youthful appearance is essential for many people, but invasive cosmetic procedures are only sometimes a likable option. Fortunately, there is an all-natural alternative that’s been gaining popularity: yoga facelift. Certain yoga poses can give you an innate lift without needles or surgeries. Yoga facelift (facial yoga) can also be called “face yoga” or “facercise.”
Some celebrities, such as Meghan Markle, Jennifer Aniston, and Gwyneth Paltrow, have claimed they incorporate yoga facelift exercises into their beauty routines to maintain their youthful look.
Yoga Facelift – Top 5 Yoga Poses for a Natural Facelift
Yoga facelift exercises offer an easy way to rejuvenate the skin and boost confidence. Let’s discuss the 5 yoga facelift poses briefly below:
Pose 1: The Lion
The Lion pose works on the muscles of the face, including the platysma, which is the thin, flat muscle that extends from the chest and shoulder area up to the jawline. The Lion pose can help improve blood circulation by contracting and relaxing these muscles. This also brings more oxygen and nutrients to the facial tissues, leading to a proper facelift effect.
The plus points of doing the Lion pose regularly include toning and strengthening muscles of the face, reducing tension and stress in the face and neck, and improving overall facial expression and confidence.
Duration can vary, but it is generally recommended to do three to five repetitions of the exhale and “ha” sound. You can increase the time gradually as you get more comfortable with the pose.
How to do the Lion?
- Sit on your heels with your knees on the mat and your palms resting on your thighs.
- Inhale deeply through your nose and open your mouth wide, sticking out your tongue as far as possible.
- Exhale forcefully through your mouth, making a “ha” sound while contracting your throat muscles and gazing up at the space between your eyebrows.
- Repeat the exhale and “ha” sound three to five times.
Pose 2: The Fish
The Fish pose mainly works the muscles in the cheeks and neck. The advantages of doing the Fish pose include toning and strengthening the facial and neck muscles, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, improving blood circulation, and promoting overall relaxation and stress relief.
It is recommended to start with 10-15 seconds and gradually work up to holding the pose for 30-60 seconds. Again, it’s essential to listen to your body and not push beyond your limits.
How to do the Fish?
- Sit comfortably with your legs crossed and your back straight.
- Place your hands on your thighs and take a deep breath in.
- As you exhale, tilt your head back and extend your neck.
- Keeping your head tilted, take another deep breath in.
- As you exhale, puff out your cheek muscles and try to smile with your lips closed.
- Hold the pose for a few seconds while continuing to breathe deeply.
- Release the pose by slowly lowering your head to a neutral position.
Pose 3: The Chin Lift
The Chin Lift pose primarily works the muscles in the neck and throat. It can help strengthen and tone these muscles, improving the arrival of sagging skin and wrinkles in the neck area. In addition to its aesthetic plus points, this pose can also help alleviate tension and stress in the neck and throat. Over time, this can lead to improved posture and better breathing habits.
When practicing The Chin Lift, it’s essential to maintain a slow, controlled pace and avoid any sudden movements. Aim to hold the pose for 5-10 seconds and repeat it several times throughout your yoga practice.
How to do the Chin Lift?
- Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed and your spine elongated.
- Gently tilt your head back until you are looking up toward the ceiling.
- Keep your lips closed and relaxed, but feel a slight stretch in your neck and throat.
- Hold the pose for 5-10 seconds, then release.
Pose 4: The Puffer Fish
The Puffer Fish works the muscles in the cheeks and around the mouth, particularly the zygomaticus major and minor muscles. The long-term benefits of doing The Puffer Fish pose include toning and toughening the cheek muscles, reducing the fine lines and wrinkles, and enhancing circulation to the face.
The time of doing The Puffer Fish pose can vary depending on your comfort level and experience. Start with a few repetitions and slowly increase as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
How to do the Puffer Fish?
- Sit comfortably with your back straight and your hands resting on your knees.
- Inhale deeply through your nose and puff out your cheeks with the air.
- Hold the air in your cheeks for a few seconds, then slowly release it through your mouth.
- Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times.
Pose 5: The Cheek Lift
The Cheek Lift targets the cheeks, mouth, and jaw muscles. It works the zygomaticus major muscle, which elevates the corners of the mouth, and the orbicularis oris muscle, which controls the lips’ movements. It tones and firms the cheeks and reduces the sagging skin. It can also help improve facial symmetry and give a beneficial lift to the face.
The time of doing the Cheek Lift should be around 10-15 seconds per repetition, and it is recommended to do 3-5 repetitions per session, preferably daily. As with any facial exercise, it is essential to perform the movements gently and avoid strain or discomfort.
How to do the Cheek Lift?
- Sit comfortably with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Take a deep breath in and puff up both cheeks with air.
- Hold the air in your cheeks and use your fingers to lift the corners of your mouth upward gently.
- Hold the pose for 10-15 seconds.
- Exhale slowly and release the air from your cheeks.
Success Stories: Real People Who Have Benefited from Face Yoga
Facial yoga (yoga facelift exercises) is the new ’IT’ trend for rejuvenating the skin and promoting self-love. But does it work? Let’s hear from some real people who have incorporated yoga facelift exercises into their routines and seen positive results.
“I started doing facial yoga a few months ago and have noticed a significant improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on my face. It’s also helped to improve my skin’s overall tone and texture,” says Sarah, a 45-year-old yoga enthusiast.
Another success story comes from Jake, a 32-year-old who struggled with facial muscle tension and headaches. “After incorporating facial yoga into my daily routine, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in tension and headaches. It’s also helped me to feel more relaxed and centered throughout the day,” he shares.”
Conclusion
Natural yoga facelift is an effective way to tone and revitalize your skin. Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can help you achieve a charming facelift without the need for invasive procedures.
If you want to learn more about the science behind face yoga and how to perform the poses correctly, consider taking a certified face yoga coach class. A wellness advisor will guide you through lifting, toning, and sculpting your face from the inside out. So why not try it and see the fantastic benefits for yourself?