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Face Yoga

Face Yoga for Anti-Ageing

Face yoga for anti-ageing combines gentle facial exercises and self-massage that aim to keep facial muscles toned and the face relaxed. A small study from Northwestern University suggested regular facial exercise may improve the appearance of the upper cheeks. The biggest anti-ageing habits, though, remain sun protection, sleep, not smoking and a balanced diet.

Key takeaways

  • Gentle, regular practice: around 10 minutes, most days.
  • Combine toning exercises with relaxing massage.
  • Sunscreen daily is the most important anti-ageing habit.
  • Avoid pulling or dragging the skin hard.
  • Expect subtle changes over weeks to months.

Anti-ageing face exercises

  1. 01

    Forehead Smoother

    Place fingertips along the forehead and gently sweep outwards from the centre to the temples, 10 times.

    Tip: Relaxes habitual frowning.

  2. 02

    Cheek Lifter

    Make an “O” with the mouth, smile with the upper cheeks while keeping the “O”, place fingers lightly on the cheekbones and lift and lower the cheeks 10 times.

  3. 03

    Puffer Fish

    Fill the cheeks with air, move it from one cheek to the other for 20 seconds, then release.

  4. 04

    Eye Brightener

    Look up without moving the head, widen the eyes gently for 5 seconds, relax; repeat 5 times.

  5. 05

    Neck Stretch

    Tilt the head back slightly and gently pout the lips upward, hold 5 seconds; repeat 5 times.

  6. 06

    Lion's FaceSimhamukha (gentle)

    Inhale through the nose; exhale while opening the mouth wide and sticking out the tongue. 3 times, then relax the face.

10-minute daily routine

  1. Clean hands and face

    Use a little oil or moisturiser so fingers glide without dragging.

  2. Massage (3 min)

    Forehead smoother, then small circles along the jaw and cheekbones.

  3. Tone (5 min)

    Cheek Lifter, Puffer Fish, Eye Brightener and Neck Stretch.

  4. Relax (2 min)

    Lion's Face, then close the eyes and soften the whole face while breathing slowly.

Habits that matter more than any exercise

  • Sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy.
  • 7–9 hours of sleep with a steady routine.
  • Not smoking.
  • Water and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Gentle skincare: a mild cleanser and moisturiser.

Realistic expectations

Research on face yoga is limited to small studies, and results vary from person to person. Think of it as a relaxing self-care habit that may help the face feel toned and refreshed, alongside sleep, sun protection and hydration.

Practise safely

Avoid face exercises on irritated, broken or infected skin, and stop if anything causes pain. For skin concerns, see a dermatologist.

Make it a tiny habit

After applying moisturiser at night, do 1 minute of the Forehead Smoother and Cheek Lifter.

Frequently asked questions

Does face yoga really work for anti-ageing?

Small studies suggest regular facial exercise may modestly improve facial fullness for some people, but evidence is limited. Sun protection and healthy habits have the strongest evidence.

Can face yoga reduce wrinkles?

It may help relax habitual frowning, but there's no strong evidence that it removes wrinkles. Sunscreen and good skincare help prevent new ones.

At what age should I start face yoga?

Any adult can start. It's a gentle practice, so the main thing is doing it consistently and gently.

Can face yoga make wrinkles worse?

Exercises that repeatedly crease the skin hard or drag it roughly aren't recommended. Keep movements gentle and use light pressure.

General wellness information, not medical advice. Please consult a doctor or a qualified professional before starting new exercises, especially if you have a health condition.